For Greater Well-being
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases are on the rise worldwide and are the leading cause of death. These diseases account for 74 percent of all deaths globally. The World Health Organization warns that this percentage could rise by another ten points by mid-century if the causes remain unaddressed. Fortunately, an estimated four-fifths of these diseases could be prevented. Increased physical activity alone could prevent up to five million deaths annually. However, many people lack the opportunities for such changes due to environmental and societal factors that do not support physical and mental health.
Causes and Impacts of civilization diseases
Noise and air pollution in cities, climate change, poor working conditions, and unhealthy diets are major causes of lifestyle diseases. The demographic shift exacerbates these issues: by 2050, the world population will grow by nearly two billion people, and the average lifespan is increasing. By mid-century, every fifth person will be at least 60 years old, a demographic that heavily relies on healthcare services.
Increasing Demand for Medical Products
The demand for healthcare services, especially medical products, is rising. High-quality medical plastics are the material of choice for various applications. From surgical instruments to implants, from heart-lung machines to prosthetics, and from auto-injectors to smart wound dressings, a wide range of plastics are used in medical applications. They are sterilizable, easily moldable, lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, heat, and cold.
Healthy Lifestyles and the Role of Plastics
Modern health concepts view well-being as an optimized state of body, mind, and soul, not just as the absence of illness. A lifestyle focused on healthy eating, mindfulness, and regular physical activity is gaining importance. High-quality plastics are crucial here: from footballs to tennis rackets, diving masks, ski boots, and sports clothing. Also wellness products like wearables are becoming part of daily life, and plastics are vital for ensuring safe food and water supplies.
Covestro’s Contribution to Health
Covestro supports the nutrition system and health promotion with high-quality plastics. In medicine, the company provides materials for drug delivery, surgical instruments, electromedical devices, and wound care. Covestro's polycarbonates and polyurethanes are robust, transparent, biocompatible, and sterilizable, enabling the development of safe and effective medical products.
