SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, is making a significant contribution to the battle against
COVID-19 through increased production within its LEXAN polycarbonate portfolio. The focus of the
production increase has been on innovative polycarbonate sheets and films for a wide variety of high-
performance products to help improving sanitation control and preventing infections.
SABIC’s efforts in combatting COVID-19 are boosted by the company having production facilities across
Europe, Asia and North and South America. This provides the company’s Functional Forms business with the
ability to manufacture and swiftly distribute its sheet and film products across every region around the world.
SABIC and its predecessors have a long history as an innovator in polycarbonate technology, having invented
polycarbonate resin in 1953, and initiated production of high-performance sheets and films in 1968. Since
then, SABIC excels in polycarbonate development with a portfolio of over 350 material grades. SABIC’s
Functional Forms business spearheads materials innovation, enabling applications in industries where there is
a need for safety, high optical quality, durability, anti-bacterial properties and flame, chemical and impact
resistance products.
LEXAN protective sheets and films have applications across an extensive range of sectors that are
experiencing particular hygiene and social distancing challenges during the pandemic. These include
hospitals and medical clinics, care homes, dental practices, schools and kindergartens, retail and hospitality
outlets, sports centers, reception areas and mass transportation, among many others.
“There is an urgent and ongoing need around the world for protective equipment, not only to fight against this
current pandemic, but also to improve safety and hygiene standards in the future ”, said Sandeep Dhawan,
Global Business Director Functional Forms, SABIC. “As a company that excels in ground-breaking materials,
we are driven by the ambition to innovate and are committed to providing the latest technology and expertise
to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help mitigate further infection.”
Market takes action against pandemic with LEXAN film and sheet solutions
As testament to its global reach, SABIC has supplied innovative polycarbonate sheet and film solutions to
some of the world’s leading organizations, for some of the most demanding applications aimed at providing
increased protection against COVID-19. Examples include:
Brillant BusGlas, Germany
Helping bus operators cope with distancing regulations in the combat of COVID-19, Brillant BusGlas is
offering transparent partition panels for separating bus drivers from passengers in public transportation. The
2
ECE-R43 certified and TÜV approved panels are made from virtually unbreakable, coated 8 mm MARGARD ™
MR5E sheet and available in kits for installation on-site and/or by Brillant’s retrofit service.
“Thanks to the freedom of design and ease of conversion of SABIC’s polycarbonate sheet products, we can
customize and supply these partition panels for virtually any public bus brand. The rigidity, outstanding impact
strength, double-sided abrasion-resistant coating, and long-term transparency of the material make them an
ideal solution providing permanent professional driver protection as well as compliance with current anti-
pandemic contact restrictions.”
Image Labels PVT. LTD., India
Image Labels supplies face shields to government bodies, police departments, hospital groups and leading
OEMs such as Schneider, as well as partitions for taxis and other modes of transportation.
“Through our association with SABIC we are now into our 25th year of successfully supplying leading
polycarbonate solutions for a wide range of applications,” said Sujan Nailady, Managing Director, Image
Labels. “We are particularly appreciative of the support SABIC has provided in helping to overcome some of
the challenges posed by the COVD-19 pandemic.”
Krüger Aviation GmbH, Germany
For the aviation industry to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, airlines must instill confidence
in passengers using their aircraft, without the costly need to implement an empty seat policy. Krüger Aviation
has taken up the challenge by developing seat dividers, made from SABIC’s LEXAN F2000A polycarbonate
sheet, which provide passengers with a high level of protection from any aerosols produced by neighbors. The
seat divider, which is attached to the middle seat in rows with three seats, is constructed for easy mounting
without need of any modification of the seat itself, with a full aircraft being equipped within a few hours.
“While facemasks may be still required, seat dividers will establish an additional layer of protection and
significantly reduce risk of infection” said Florian Ehinger, Head of Customer Service. “We believe this will be
a highly cost-effective way to help restore passenger trust in airline travel.”
Focaccia Group, Italy
Using SABIC’s LEXAN MARGARD MR5E polycarbonate sheet, Focaccia has designed and manufactured the
first “L”-shaped anti-COVID partition, which can be installed in vehicles to separate the driver from
passengers. Called the “Elle Corona Stopper”, the partition does not obstruct the driver and does not interfere
with airbags, mirror view, seat belts or safety systems. It can be installed in minutes, removed without
damaging the car interior and can be completely disinfected.
“SABIC’s LEXAN sheet has enabled us to deliver the desired characteristics of resilience and creativity in
manufacturing for which we are known”, said Mr. Riccardo Focaccia, General Manager, Focaccia Group.
“Even in challenging times, our ideas never stop, and a flexible polycarbonate solution enables some of our
other creative ideas come to life.”
SABIC products to enable better protection against viruses
SABIC’s next generation LEXAN sheet and film solutions have all been developed to bring Chemistry that
Matters™ to the marketplace. Our clear understanding of product needs and performance attributes supports
application success for our customers. The journey of innovation will be highlighted with technology which
supports anti-bacterial performance to assist in the fight against COVID-19 across its portfolio. SABIC LEXAN
polycarbonate solutions are available through a large network of localized distribution centers globally.
To learn more about SABIC’s efforts to help combat COVID-19, please visit www.sabic.com/sfs.
