La Plastica Oggi e Domani - International Edition2025
RECYCLING
Tobias Baur and Alessandro Grassi confirmed as new Euromap Presidency
PVC challenges in a shifting industrial landscape
TRADE FAIRS
Formnext 2025: focus on industrial applications and the commercial potential of AM
Concrete Actions for a circular transformation in the chemical industry 26
Preview K 2025 K 2025: focus on circular economy, people and digitalization
Preview K 2025
Accessible technological innovation, the special as a standard
K 2025 The role of high performance materials in a sustainable world
Preview K
A new series of full-electric injection molding machines
K 2025
EXTRUSION
Efficient, safe and user-friendly mechatronic automation system for flat dies
MATERIALS A pioneering plant that regenerates carbon fibre 55
MATERIALS The anti-fouling additive for the PE and PP polymerisation process 56
ADVERTISING LIST Colophon
A material with infinite performance
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most versatile and widely used polymers in the world. It is an intrinsically low-carbon plastic. Composed of 57% chlorine derived from common salt, 5% hydrogen, and 38% carbon, it is not only extremely durable and cost-effective, but also fully recyclable – retaining its main properties through multiple life cycles. It was precisely PVC that was discussed at the “For a Future-Proof Value Chain”, the 13th VinylPlus Sustainability Forum 2025 (VSF2025), held in Paris. “We must ensure that our transition is not only green but also fair,” said Charlotte Röber, CEO of VinylPlus. “To build a future-proof value chain, we need to engage everyone: workers, communities, institutions, and businesses. Only by acting inclusively can we prevent polarization and create a truly resilient society”.
Circularity was a major topic during the event, highlighting the importance of building concrete and sustainable systems for PVC recycling. The French experience demonstrated how effective public authorities and environmental organizations can be in promoting eco-design and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
schemes, contributing to the creation of structured systems for the collection and recycling of waste from the construction sector.
In addition to PVC, other types of plastics, such as high-performance plastics, are capable of meeting strict requirements across different sectors. The use of automotive plastics in vehicle production is steadily increasing, with increasingly diverse applications. Structural components of the battery pack are crucial for vehicle performance, safety, and range. Moreover, the trend of using automotive plastics, particularly for housings and sealing covers, is growing. Materials such as PC, reinforced PA, and polyurethane (PU) offer lower density than steel and, with proper formulations, equivalent or superior mechanical properties. For example, LGF-reinforced flame-retardant PA from Shanghai PRET Composites has replaced steel in some components, reducing weight by 40% and cost by 15%.
Plastic, therefore, is a universal material with countless applications that, when used correctly, is also environmentally friendly.
Eva De Vecchis
ALL-ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY
Precision • Efficiency
The NOVA 5eT features the new TACT 5 control system, built for smart factories and designed to deliver a seamless user experience.
What sets it apart:
• EtherCAT architecture for faster, more responsive performance.
• Standardized EUROMAP 77/83 connectivity via OPC-UA.
• Precision control through advanced digital servo drives.
• Sleek and intuitive 15” LCD interface.
• Ultra-durable industrial-grade touch panel.
IPM: together towards an increasingly innovative future
From design to manufacturing, each machine is conceived and brought to life within the Romagna-based company, a true embodiment of Made in Italy and a benchmark in the field of plastic pipe extrusion and processing machinery. A constantly evolving journey that for nearly forty years has been filled with challenges, enthusiasm, talent, and passion, culminated a few months ago in the “Stronger Together” symposium, held at IPM ‘s headquarters in Lugo di Romagna, which welcomed approximately 130 Italian and international customers. The world of manufacturing is evolving rapid-
The quality of Made in Italy in the extrusion machinery sector is a fundamental principle for IPM - Italian Plastic Machinery, as well as the focus of the symposium that attracted over 130 customers from five continents.
ly: change is not only inevitable but accelerating. Precisely for this reason, the symposium sparked great interest among customers seeking quality, technology, innovation, and customization – key elements for standing out in the market, staying competitive, and keeping up with the times.
Today, our machines are present in 124 countries across all five continents. Throughout the day, the area managers of IPM Srl showcased the many new developments within the facility, giving customers the opportunity to see the machines in operation, ask questions, and interact with one another.
Robot for positioning wooden frames
“We organized the symposium because we are convinced - especially after the Covid period - of the importance and necessity of returning to human contact”, the company owners: Argnani, Barabani and Geminiani explained. “And of the direct interaction between knowledge, experience, customer needs, and the know-how we have acquired over 38 years of continuous research and development in the field of extrusion machinery”. Among the main technological innovations presented:
• haul-offs with 12 tracks up to pipe diameter 1600 mm;
• different types of electric and non-electric saws;
• electric socketing machines for PVC and PP pipes;
• pipe bending machines, threading machines, and slotting machines;
• and most notably, an innovative system for the automation of the end of the extrusion lines for PVC pipes (both corrugated and smooth) up to diameter 800 mm, operating 24 hours a day.
Cutting-edge technologies to optimize processes and increase productivity
This is an industry first, capable of replicating and replacing human labor in terms of precision, speed, and durability, solving problems related to unreliability and labor shortages, as well as relieving workers from repetitive, heavy, and potentially dangerous tasks. These problems are now widespread globally, which explains the high demand for these systems from customers around the world.
These are the driving reasons that led IPM –a leader in the sector – to invest in solving issues that are common to the entire sector.
We are talking about complex systems and cutting-edge technologies that help optimize processes and increase operational efficiency. Consisting of sets of machines and ro-
bots, these systems, thanks to artificial intelligence, next-generation cameras and sensors, as well as increasingly powerful software, are now able to:
• recognize objects through computer vision;
“Stronger
• automatically classify them;
• produce, select, assemble, and package;
• perform inspections of each individual item;
• operate in increasingly large production areas.
Argnani, Barabani, Geminiani:“Our goal is to help our customers improve the quality of their products by focusing on automation and more precise and intelligent control of energy resources”
The partners Claudio Argnani (on the left), Bruno Barabani and Silvia Geminiani
Together” Symposium, held at IPM ‘s headquarters in Lugo di Romagna
F urthermore, thanks to advanced technologies such as machine learning and predictive analytics, companies can monitor and optimize every production phase, reducing costs and improving performance. H owever, this does not mean that humans can be completely replaced. The ideal approach is to enhance synergies between robots and people, creating collaborative work environments where both can work together, leveraging their respective strengths.
“ K 2025 will be another great opportunity to present the results of our ongoing commitment and our pursuit of increasingly customized and technological solutions”, say the partners Argnani, Barabani, and Geminiani.
“Our goal is to help our customers improve the quality of their products by focusing on automation and more precise and intelligent control of energy resources. Change in the world of work is undeniable, even for the most sceptical: the future will be in -
creasingly linked to robotics and artificial intelligence, essential tools for improving production processes”.
High-speed belling machines for polypropylene pipes
B elling machines for polypropylene pipes are more and more required, especially in Europe. Those exploited for pipe diameters up to 200 mm and for lengths of 150 mm + socket are now produced in electric version also, offering an ideal mix of energy efficiency, dimensional accuracy, consistent quality, reduced maintenance, and compatibility with centralized digital systems.
N eedless to reassert that IPM matches these high-speed belling machines with its electric cutting units, whose advantages can be summarized in faster and more consistent cycles, cutting precision thanks to electric servomotors, energy efficiency, quiet operation, reduced maintenance, and greater integration with digital protocols.
W hen considering polypropylene pipes with large diameters up to 500 mm, hydraulic belling machines are preferable, as these dimensions require higher forces.
T hese belling machines of the latest generation designed by IPM are equipped with double oven that uses two distinct technologies to ensure optimal heating across the entire thickness of the pipe. The forming cycle is performed by means of an innovative internal calibration system, which ensures high quality and maximum dimensional accuracy of the internal seat for the rubber gasket, even in the event of thickness variations during the extrusion process.
T he resulting product has much better quality characteristics compared to the sockets currently on the market, which have been produced using the blowing forming system.
Ready-made pallet production, fully automatic
IPM’s headquarters in Lugo di Romagna
PVC is an intrinsically low-carbon plastic. Composed of 57% chlorine from common salt, 5% hydrogen, and just 38% carbon, it is not only extremely durable and cost-effective but also fully recyclable
PVC challenges in a shifting industrial landscape
VinylPlus® is the European PVC industry’s commitment to sustainable development. Through VinylPlus, the European PVC industry is creating a long-term sustainability framework for the entire PVC value chain, improving PVC products’ sustainability and circularity, as well as their contribution to a sustainable society. Launched in June 2021, the VinylPlus 2030 Commitment builds on over 20 years of progress and achievements throughout the EU27, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK. As planned from the outset, in 2025 VinylPlus will undertake a comprehensive review of its 2030 Commitment’s targets measuring and evaluating its initiatives up to now, to take into account market and technical developments, as well as the evolution of the regulatory framework.
PVC: a smart material for a sustainable society
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most versatile and widely used polymers in the
Despite a challenging 2024 for the entire European industrial sector, PVC waste recycling results within the VinylPlus programme exceeded expectations, remaining relatively stable thanks to a consistent supply of recycled PVC and the growing number of companies adopting circular business models.
world. PVC continues to make life safer and more comfortable through its extensive use in building and construction, as well as in water distribution, automotive products, cabling, smart cards and credit cards, packaging, fashion and design, sports, agriculture, telecommunications, medical devices and a wide array of other areas and products.
PVC is an intrinsically low-carbon plastic. Composed of 57% chlorine from common salt, 5% hydrogen, and just 38% carbon, it is not only extremely durable and cost-effective but also fully recyclable – retaining its core properties through multiple life cycles.
As part of its commitment to sustainability,
the European PVC industry has been developing circularity over the past twenty-four years, achieving a recycling rate of approximately 35% – one of the highest among all polymers. Several PVC applications – such as pipes, window profiles, cables, flooring, membranes and films – have been analysed through life cycle assessments (LCAs) and in terms of eco-efficiency, and they have demonstrated excellent environmental performance. Thanks to their intrinsic characteristics and properties, PVC products can make positive contributions towards several targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2024 continued to be a tough year for the
entire European industrial sector. The annual average industrial production fell by 3.0% in the euro area compared to 2023 and by 2.3% across the EU.
The European plastics industry was also affected, registering a decline in both overall plastics production and recycled plastics. As stated in December 2024 by 18 industry associations across the European plastic value chain – including VinylPlus – in a call urging the European Union “to boost Europe’s circular economy in the 2024-2029 legislature and strengthen the EU’s global competitiveness”. The plastic value chain has been hit by a strong recession caused by persisting issues such as sharp reduction of demand for virgin and recycled plastics and increased imports of non-EU plastic materials, combined with steep increase in energy and production cost leading to reduced investments in domestic raw materials production and recycling. The building and construction sector, the largest market for PVC, experienced a downturn throughout Europe in 2024, particularly in Germany and Belgium. Similar declines were observed in France, Italy, Poland and other European markets.
In this context, marked by macroeconomic uncertainty and shifting market conditions, the PVC industry has also been affected, experiencing a contraction in both virgin material production and recycling. The downturn in the construction sector, along with reduced government support for housing projects in some countries, played a major role, reducing the availability of PVC waste for collection. Additionally, lower production levels, the increasing competitiveness of virgin PVC, which reduced the attractiveness of recyclate for converters with sluggish demand and unsold materials, and increased imports of non-EU virgin and recycled PVC, further impacted market stability.
“We are pleased to report that recycled PVC volumes within the VinylPlus framework remained relatively stable, with growth in sectors such as profiles and pipes”, states Charlotte Röber, Managing Director of VinylPlus.
“Additionally, registered recyclate consumption slightly increased – an impressive achievement given the challenging market conditions impacting the entire plastics industry, both in production and recycling. This circularity is an achievement not only of 2024
but of the past 25 years”.
Nevertheless, despite the challenges faced in 2024, PVC waste recycling results in the VinylPlus framework exceeded expectations, remaining relatively stable. Reasons for this stability include committed and stable sourcing of recycled PVC, as an increasing number of companies has circular operations –products that rely on recyclate input or secured access to recyclate due to the acquisition of own recycling facilities by converters over the past decades. This allowed to maintain recycling volumes close to those of 2023. A total of 724,638 tonnes of PVC waste were recycled within the VinylPlus framework in 2024, with only a 1.8% decrease from the previous year. Of this, 61.4% was pre-consumer waste and 38.6% was post-consumer waste. For post-consumer waste, the amount of PVC recycled represents approximately 25% of the total PVC waste in the EU-27, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK, based on a market study and dynamic waste model developed by theconsultancy Conversio12 in 2021. When pre-consumer waste recycling is included, this percentage increases to 35%.
T he volume of PVC recyclates registered in RecoTrace® by converters increased by 4.3% compared t o 2023, reaching 490,278 tonnes. With the help of RecoTrace VinylPlus has also increased the traceability of recycled PVC establishing a clearer picture of which applications are recycled and which ones subsequently use this recyclate.
Nevertheless, the general market outlook for 2025 remains difficult and highly challenging. The price advantage of virgin PVC continues to challenge recyclers, threatening smaller operations in particular, while integrated recyclers, with both conversion and recycling operations, remain more resilient. Overall, recyclers emphasise the need for stronger policy support and improved market conditions to drive recovery.
To continue growing the demand for recycled materials, decoupling it from raw materials volatility, VinylPlus would welcome legal obligations to collect plastics for recycling”, said Luc Castin, Sustainability Business Manager, Ineos Inovyn.
“We also encourage the adoption of measures to enhance the competitiveness of the European plastics value chain, creating a
In Italy, WREP (Waste Recycling Project) is continuing to promote the development of pilot schemes for sorting, collecting and recycling PVC from bulky urban waste and from demolition and renovation activities, in collaboration with multiutilities and recyclers
level playing field for EU and non-EU actors, and to revitalise industries such as building and construction. In the years to come, VinylPlus will increase its focus on addressing the total PVC waste generated in Europe, identifying additional potential sources of PVC waste not yet covered and making them recyclable, thereby enabling further investments in recycling capacity.
How VinylPlus tracks PVC waste and recycled PVC in new applications
Recovinyl® – the organisation set up in 2003 to facilitate PVC waste collection and recycling in the framework of the European PVC industry’s Commitments – plays a key role in monitoring, verifying and reporting PVC recycling and the use of recycled PVC (rPVC) in Europe.
Its audit framework has been recognized as one of the approved auditing systems and schemes by the Circular Plastics Alliance (CPA).14 Data from converters and recyclers are collected through RecoTrace – a multi-polymer online data collection system for recycled plastics in Europe. RecoTrace was originally developed by Recovinyl for PVC
and then extended to cover all the main polymers. Until 2023, a significant number of PVC converters and recyclers used the EuCertPlast (eucertplast. eu) certification scheme to verify their data for registrationon the RecoTrace platform. In late 2023, EuCertPlast and RecyClass joined forces to enhance transparency in plastics recycling and strengthen trust in recycling claims. They merged their expertise under the RecyClass Recycling Process Certification. Both audits follow the EN 15343 standard, ensuring waste traceability and environmentally sound operations. To maximise the opportunities to achieve higher recycling rates of post-consumer PVC waste in Europe, VinylPlus continued in 2024 to support innovative projects aimed at enhancing the collection and recycling of specific PVC applications, establishing additional collection and recycling schemes where needed, and promoting the use of recycled PVC in new products.
Improving collection and recycling
The EPPA five-year action plan aims to boost PVC window recycling in France, Germany and Poland. This through the promotion of PVC window recycling among key stakeholders, the optimisation of recycling processes and encouraging the use of rPVC-U (unplasticised recycled PVC) in new products. The plan also supports regional partnerships for closed-loop recycling, aligning with frameworks such as France’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It involves from PVC profile and window manufacturers to installers, collectors and recyclers, to ensure effective recycling and reduce the environmental impact of PVC window production.
In Italy, WREP (Waste Recycling Project) is
continuing to promote the development of pilot schemes for sorting, collecting and recycling PVC from bulky urban waste and from demolition and renovation activities, in collaboration withmultiutilities and recyclers.
In 2024, 14 collectors, converters and recyclers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to set up a recycling working group, coordinated by VinylPlus Italia, for collaboration to boost post-consumer PVC recycling in Italy. The objective of the MOU is to encourage the development of potential synergies between companies and to promote joint innovative projects for the collection and recycling of PVC.
The consultancy Plastic Consult (plasticconsult. it) was commissioned to conduct three studies of key facets of the PVC industry. One delivered an up-todate analysis of Italy’s PVC supply chain, while another delved into the factors limiting demand for rPVC in the country. The third explored the most effective applications for post-consumer rPVC sourced from building demolitions. These studies provided a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities for PVC recycling in Italy, taking into account the current micro- and macroeconomic situation. They aim to support the achievement of VinylPlus circularity targets in Italy.
Safe and sustainable use of additives
The VinylPlus commitment to circularity involves providing scientific evidence to demonstrate safe use of additives and of PVC articles containing recyclates with legacy additives. It also includes supporting R&D projects to detect, sort, reduce, or remove legacy additives in PVC waste streams. For the past two decades, the European PVC industry has been working not only on solutions for legacy additives but also on methods to ensure that additives used in new PVC products result safe and high-performing also in the foreseeable future. VinylPlus will continue to support research and studies to provide users and consumers with
safe and sustainable PVC products, in line with upcoming European initiatives, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
In 2024, European Plasticisers commissioned a scientific study to investigate the release ofmplasticisers from soft PVC sheets into drinking and sea water. It assessed plasticiser concentrations and the kinetics of release, both with and without agitation (to simulate sea waves). It focused on plasticisers, such as DINP, DIDP, DOA, and DOTP, which are currently under
The objective is to create a sustainable solution for sorting PVC waste by detecting and removing contaminants, that will contribute to the VinylPlus 2030 Commitment to scale up PVC circularity.
The pilot plant will integrate the two technologies in an innovative way: XRF, to identify lead and other metals, and NIR spectroscopy, to detect phthalates and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs). Tests conducted by Phoenix RTO as part of the feasibility study mentioned above showed that these technolo-
scrutiny from NGOs, ECHA and European decision,makers. Preparation is ongoing of the scientific paper to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Detection Technologies for Legacy Additives in PVC Products is a collaborative project by EuPC, PVC4Cables37 and VinylPlus to tackle the challenge of recycling PVC waste containing legacy additives. It builds on the results achieved by two WREP and PVC4Cables projects, specifically the development of handheld detectors38 to sort PVC waste containing legacy additives using nearinfrared hyperspectral (NIR) technology, and a feasibility study39 on using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to detect lead and other contaminants in an in-line pilot plant. The new project focuses on developing an in-line pilot plant to separate PVC waste – from old cables, but also pipes, profiles and flooring – containing phthalates and heavy metals such as lead.
gies could be successfully applied to industrial-scale sorting. In addition, the handheld NIR device developed as part of the WREP project will be further enhanced with AI-based machine learning systems, not only to detect but also to identify phthalates and MCCPs.
Supporting innovative recycling technologies
Mechanical recycling remains the most widely used method for processing PVC waste today. To continue progressing towards circularity and reach ever more ambitious recycling commitments, the industry is focused on developing advanced recycling technologies to tackle the residue PVC waste that cannot be mechanically recycled, such as PVC containing legacy additives and composite PVC products. These technologies include for example dissolution, extraction, pyrolysis and gasification.
Tobias Baur and Alessandro Grassi confirmed as new Euromap Presidency
On occasion of the Euromap General Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany, the Euro-
pean plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers have elected their new presidency. Tobias Baur, CSO of the German injection moulding specialist Arburg GmbH & Co KG, is the new President of the European umbrella association. Alessandro Grassi, Share holder and CEO of Frigosystem, the Italian temperature control equipment manufacturer, is on board as Vice President. They succeed President Luciano Anceschi, TRIA, and Vice President Michael Baumeister, Brückner Group, who retired last year. The new Presidency promotes closer cooperation between industry at European level. Europe and the plastics industry are facing challenging times, and the industry must act as one. The important transformation of the plastics industry towards a circular economy
needs a roadmap that is ambitious but also takes the industry along and involves it. This will be even more successful the more consistently the industry positions itself. The successful work to date in the direction of standardisation (Euromap standards), data collection and exchange as well as trade fair cooperation is to be continued consistently. Euromap express its sincere thanks to Luciano Anceschi for his excellent, reliable and fruitful cooperation over the last twenty years, first as Vice-President and for the last 13 years as Euromap President. With him, Euromap had a leader who focused on the requirements of the European machine manufacturers while also pursuing the common goals with great enthusiasm.
Der Grüne Punkt welcomes Eline Stiphout as new Head of Renewing
Der Grüne Punkt has appointed Eline Stiphout as the new Head of Renewing. In her new role, she assumes strategic and commercial responsibility for the Renewing business and reports directly to Mark Vester, CEO of Der Grüne Punkt. Eline Stiphout will be responsible for mechanical recycling business within the corporate group, with a particular focus on the further development of the sites in Hörstel and Eisfeld as well as the production facilities in Italy. She leads a multidisciplinary team working closely to further strengthen the value chain in the recycling sector.
With a Master’s degree in Strategic Management, she brings many years of expertise in plastic recycling and has held various leadership roles across the entire process chain from collection and sorting to reuse. A key focus of her work going forward will be the development of new, customer-oriented products based on high-quality recyclates made from polypropylene (PP), high-densi-
ty polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In doing so, the company contributes significantly to the implementation of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which promotes the use of recycled materials in packaging and calls for a fully functioning circular economy.
“With Eline Stiphout, we have a well-known entrepreneur in plastic recycling who will further advance our mechanical recycling business with innovation and commercial excellence”, says Mark Vester. “We see great potential in mechanical recycling to provide high-quality recyclates and sustainably reduce fossil plastic usage in industry – in line with current and new European regulations”.
The plants in Hörstel and Eisfeld, which produce premium-quality recyclates under the Systalen® brand name, as well as the locations in Italy, are considered key pillars of mechanical recycling within Der Grüne Punkt. Post-household plastics are processed there into high-quality recyclates used in a wide range of applications – from packaging to technical components. Under the new leadership, our commercial capacities will be further optimized and our business continuously improved.
“The further development of our recycling sites is a decisive lever for greater resource protection and climate impact”, says Eline Stiphout. “I look forward to working with the local teams to set new impulses and actively help shape the transformation towards a true circular economy”.
With this new appointment, Der Grüne Punkt underscores its strategy to combine business innovation and sustainability along the value chain of plastic recycling.
From left Thorsten Kühmann, Secretary General of Euromap, Tobias Baur, Euromap President, Alessandro Grassi, Vice President
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Federica Gallicchio is the new EuPC Managing Director
European Plastics Converters (EuPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Federica Gallicchio as new Managing Director. Federica joined EuPC in 2019 and has since built an impressive track record within the organisation.
Initially working within the Packaging Division, she soon took on a leadership role in the Automotive Division, while also promoting innovation across the European plastics value chain through her involvement in several EU-funded initiatives in close cooperation with the major European R&D centres active in the plastics and composites sectors.
With a strong background in advocacy, Federica brings deep knowledge of European policymaking, hav -
ing previously worked for a Member of the European Parliament active in the ENVI Committee.
Her combined experience in public affairs and industry leadership makes her well-placed to guide EuPC at a time of unprecedented regulatory and technological change.
“Federica brings an invaluable expertise, having worked closely with EuPC members for many years and having been deeply involved in the plastics industry.
Her understanding of both the regulatory landscape and the practical needs of our members makes her the perfect profile to lead EuPC in this new chapter”, stated Benoît Hennaut, EuPC President.
Solvay reduces greenhouse gas emissions by incorporating biogenic CO2
Solvay has taken a new step to reduce scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by incorporating biogenic CO 2 - provided by Air Products - into its soda ash and bicarbonate production plant in Dombasle, France. The initiative is expected to result in a reduction of 4,000 tons of CO 2 emissions annually.
Air Products, a global leader in industrial gases, is supporting Solvay’s shift toward a more sustainable and reliable CO 2 supply.
With traditional ammonia-based sources becoming more challenging due to energy market fluctuations and decarbonization efforts, the move to biogenic alternatives offers both environmental benefits and improved supply reliability.
About half of the Dombasle plant’s purchased CO 2 needs are now met by regionally sourced, renewable CO 2, derived from bioethanol fermentation byproducts. This transition not only supports Solvay’s climate objectives but also strengthens supply security by diversifying sourcing away from ammonia-linked production.
“This collaboration with Air Products is a concrete step in our journey to reduce scope 3 emissions and secure more sustainable operations”, said Anton
focus on strengthening EuPC’s role as a key voice for European plastics con verters, driving forward the organisa tion’s sustainability goals and reinforc ing its advocacy efforts at the EU level.
and to continue working with our members, partners, and stakeholders to help shape a more innovative, sus tainable, and competitive plastics in dustry in Europe.
for our sector, and I am fully commit ted to supporting EuPC in addressing both challenges and opportunities ahead”, commented Federica after her official appointment during the EuPC 2025 General Assembly.
Daniëls, Solvay’s Chief Procurement Officer. “By inte grating biogenic CO 2 into our processes, we are mak ing our supply chain more robust and environmentally responsible”.
“We’re proud to support Solvay in advancing sus tainable manufacturing through the use of the biogen ic CO 2 we supply.
This collaboration reflects our commitment to ena bling low-carbon solutions and building resilient sup ply chains for our customers. By leveraging sustaina ble CO 2 sources, we’re not only reducing our customers’ emissions but also helping them transition to more sustainable and reliable operations”, said Frank Peeters, European Strategic Account Manager at Air Products.
The Dombasle initiative follows the successful im plementation of biogenic CO Rochelle plant and is now being extended to the Ro signano site in Italy. These efforts reflect Solvay’s broader strategy to decarbonize its operations.
This partnership contributes to Solvay’s ambition to reduce scope 3 emissions by 20% by 2030 and high lights the role of strategic sourcing in advancing sus tainable industrial practices.
A new investment plastics recycling facility in Upper Austria
The high-tech TriPlast sorting plant in Ennshafen has been making a significant contribution to the Austrian circular economy since it went into operation a year ago - and is exceeding expectations. Now the owners Altstoff Recycling Austria AG (ARA), Bernegger and GreenDot are developing a new 35 million euros investment plant, which is being built at the same Ennshafen site and will take plastics recycling to a new level. The Upcycle process, developed and patented by ARA, will be used to process up to
41,000 tons of sorting waste plastic every year. The aim is to supply even more high-quality recyclates, including for sensitive applications such as food packaging, in order to strengthen the circular economy and raw material security in Austria and Europe.
By the end of next year, TriPlast is to be enriched by an innovative new feature: The technological centerpiece is the Upcycle process developed and patented by ARA for the enrichment of polyolefins, which is already being used in a pilot
plant in Pöchlarn, Lower Austria. This means that the sorting plastic residues from the TriPlast output as well as additional quantities from other sorting plants that could previously only be used as substitute fuel - e.g. because they are too contaminated or too small - can be further processed. This increases the yield and recycling rate. The system also offers a solution for processing composite beverage cartons (PolyAl). With the help of upstream fine sorting, individual plastic fractions can also be cleaned in an even more targeted manner to subsequently supply recyclates for high-quality applications: the enriched polyolefin fraction is intended to be suitable for use in the food sector through chemical recycling or even, in the future, through mechanical recycling. The expansion will enable up to approx. 41,000 tons of sorting residues to be further processed.
The high-tech TriPlast sorting system is designed to sort 20 tons of material per hour from the Yellow Bag or Yellow Bin, i.e. around 100,000 tons per year. The results after one year of operation have exceeded expectations: the original yield of 80% has been increased to 85%.
Syensqo expands its compounding capabilities in the United States
Syensqo, an expert in specialty polymers, announces a capital investment to expand Ryton® PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) compounding capability at the Augusta manufacturing site in Georgia, US.
The Augusta facility, already known for its large-scale Amodel® PPA and KetaSpire® PEEK compounding and its local aromatic resin production, including PPA and PEEK, is now equipped to supply Ryton® PPS compounds, thereby simplifying its North American supply chain and enhancing control and efficiency.
The site’s IATF 16949 certification ensures adherence to the highest
standards in the automotive industry, reinforcing Syensqo’s reputation for material excellence and assuring customers of top-tier product quality.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable, high-quality materials to our customers”, said Brian Baleno, Director of Global Business Development and Program Management at Syensqo. “By increasing control on our local capacity, we are better equipped to meet North American market demands and navigate complex trade environments”.
This strategic move enhances our offerings in the automotive, energy, and construction sectors, with a focus on materials for electrification, lightweighting, and connectivity applications. Key products include Ryton PPS, KetaSpire PEEK, Amodel Bios PPA, and Amodel Supreme PPA.
Our passion for screening was conceived at the end of the 1970s
We have always demonstrated intuition and enthusiasm, thanks to which we have successfully established ourselves in the world of screening.
Our way of working is characterised by a high level of flexibility, which allows us to obtain significant immediate results
Direct contact with customer issues constantly stimulates our planning
We offer an absolute guarantee of quality, and we have always guaranteed optimum operation of the vibrating screen made ad personam.
We are a 100% Made in Italy company; every one of our vibrating screens is entirely made inhouse.
Our vibrating screens are able to cope with very difficult screening and high hourly flow rates, thanks to the special vibrating motors installed, designed to operate continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Via della Costituzione, 6 42025 Cavriago (RE) - Italy
Tel. 0522 575010
E-mail: info@emilos.it www.emilos.it
Formnext 2025: focus on industrial applications and the commercial potential of AM
Formnext 2025 will place an even greater focus on commercially successful Additive Manufacturing applications. With its sights set on advancing the industrialization of the AM industry, the leading international ex -
hibition will demonstrate how innovative manufacturing solutions, especially in demanding sectors such as mechanical and plant engineering, can help companies achieve a competitive edge.
Reflecting the increasing relevance of industrial Additive Manufacturing (AM) applications is the new, ever-growing compendium of the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Working Group, which presents successful use cases from the mechanical engineering sector.
These cases illustrate how AM technologies are addressing important challenges the industry is facing, such as resource efficiency, functional integration, and new component development. Formnext and its honorary sponsor, the VDMA’s Additive Manufacturing Working Group, are jointly committed to highlighting and expanding the potential of Additive Manufacturing in the industry.
On the Application Stage, visitors will be shown practical applications of AM from various industries. Offering a platform for cross-industry dialog on industrial solutions, the stage aims to
Injection Molding & Design Expo
November 12 -13, 2025
Detroit, United States www.injectionmoldingexpo.com
PRS India
November 13 -15, 2025
Mumbai, India www.prseventindia.com/ prsindia2025/en/page/india-home
Expo Reciclabes
November 18 -20, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico www.exporeciclables.com
Formnext
inspire fresh ideas for new applications. “With the increasing industrialization of Additive Manufacturing, commercially successful applications are growing in number and in relevance”, explains Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt. “Sharing these use cases is essential to establish AM in other sectors and develop new solutions for specific challenges”.
Joining forces to improve awareness of industrial AM solutions
Formnext and the VDMA are pursuing the shared goal of increasing visibility of industrial AM solutions and raising awareness of their economic potential.
“To achieve the desired level of industry awareness, it is vital that expert networks such as the VDMA and high-profile platforms such as Formnext work together efficiently”, explains Markus Heering, Managing Director of the AM Association of the VDMA. Once again for 2025, the VDMA will be hosting a Show Case Area at the event, this year under the theme of “Profitable Industrial Solutions”.
November 18 -21, 2025 Frankfurt, Germany www.messefrankfurt.it/it/fiera/ formnext
Mecspe Bari
November 27 - 29, 2025 Bari, Italy www.mecspebari.it
Plast Eurasia
December 3 - 6, 2025
Istanbul, Turkey www.plasticsrecyclers.eu
Mecspe
March 4 -6, 2026
Bologna, Italy www.mecspe.com/it
Plast
June 9 -12, 2026
Milan, Italy www.plastonline.org
Fakuma
October 12 -16, 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany www.fakuma-messe.de/en
S S4
When contamination control is crucial, we make worry-free production possible
Engineering | Design | Planning | Construction & Commissioning
Concrete Actions for a circular transformation in the chemical industry
“Accelerating the circular transformation: Insights, challenges and pathways for the chemical industry and beyond”, conducted by Cefic and UNITY, offers a timely reflection on the role of the European chemical industry in delivering that transformation. It demonstrates how this industry is rethinking materials, processes, and partnerships to close loops, reduce dependence on primary resources,
and scale circular business models. This study evaluates the progress made in implementing the recommendations presented in “Winning in a circular economy” (the Accenture report with support from Cefic) identifies persistent challenges, and highlights opportunities to transform obstacles into enablers to accelerate the transition.
The transition to a circular economy presents an opprtunity for the European chemical in-
The study conducted by Cefic together with UNITY reveals that, to make the European chemical industry circular, it is necessary to invest in industrial symbiosis, innovation and digitalisation, and circular feedstocks
dustry to lead global sustainability efforts while enhancing its strategic autonomy and contributing to climate neutrality.
It is imperative that in the transition to a more circular economy, Europe manages to take the European production through that transition, as climate and circularity targets should not be met by closing down European capacity and relying on imports. A successful transition depends on overcoming these
September/October 2025 - Supplement
hurdles and leveraging key enablers such as innovation in products and technologies, policy support, and collaboration along value chains. Addressing the challenges mentioned requires action across three focus areas: industrial symbiosis and beyond, innovation and digitalisation, circular feedstocks.
Progress in circular economy implementation by the chemical industry
How far is the chemical industry in the transition to a circular economy?
A survey of Cefic members assessed the integration of circular economy practices within the chemical industry (Appendix). The results show progress, but the degree of implementation varies considerably.
90 % report high impact on their business activity due to the transition to a more circular economy; 72 % cite customer demand for circular models as a key driver; 82 % confirm the circular economy is embedded in corporate strategy; 52 % state their companies are advanced in the transition.
The transition to a circular economy is related to the transition to a climateneutral economy. This connection is evident in the inclusion of climaterelated targets in response to the question of what type of circular economyrelated targets companies have. Examples of these targets include achieving netzero for scope 1 and 2 emissions, using 100 % renewable electricity, and reaching carbon neutrality by 2045 or 2050.
Industrial symbiosis & beyond
Chemicals are not manufactured for their own sake; instead, their utility arises from their suitability for a wide variety of markets, applications, and enduses. Therefore, the chemical industry is strongly interconnected with a lot of other industries and value chains.
Nowadays, the chemical industry’s role extends beyond traditional boundaries, involving active participation in the full value chain.
In fact, the unique ability for the chemical industry to act as a key provider for a variety of downstream sectors is the reason the chemical industry is often referred to as the “mother of all industries”.
Neither the chemical industry nor an individual company can realise a circular resource flow in an isolated way no matter how ambitious they are. The transition to a circular economy requires a much more integrated and systemic perspective on value creation and consumption which brings together the competencies and expertise across the entire circular value network.
Industrial symbiosis involves organisations operating in different sectors of activity that engage in mutually beneficial transactions to reuse waste and byproducts, finding innovative ways to source inputs and optimising the value of the residues of their processes.
With the increasing recognition of industrial symbiosis as an effective tool in the growth of a European circular economy, there is potential for further development of industrial synergies.
Companies having circular economy related targets (left) and the type of targets mentioned (right)
Industrial symbiosis is an important step towards a circular economy, especially in the chemical sector, which has benefited greatly in the past from the networking and cooperation of various stakeholders. Nevertheless, there are challenges existing that explain the need for a higher level of maturity in cooperation. These challenges are mainly reduced to three key points: economic viability in circular models; building trust and transparency in collaboration; burden sharing (quality control and burden allocation).
Innovation and digitalisation
Innovation and digitalisation are fundamental in driving the chemical industry towards a circular economy since they act as catalysts for developing new materials, technologies, products, and business models. By embedding systemic circular thinking into the innovation process, considering the use phase and the endofuse phase right at the design
Circular feedstocks for the transition to a circular economy
The investigation and application of alternative raw material sources to replace fossil raw materials is an essential part of the transition to a circular economy. Wastebased, biobased, and CO2based raw materials can be used to increase our strategic autonomy, reduce dependence on fossil raw materials, and promote a circular economy. By fully utilising and leveraging these alternative raw materials and keeping the “carbon in the loop” for as long as possible, uses of fossil raw materials can be significantly reduced.
stage, these advancements ensure the integration of circular strategies and ambitions at every phase of value creation and throughout the entire product lifecycle. And in this innovation process, utilising advancements in digitalisation during the design phase can greatly accelerate the development cycle. Through combining lab experiments with predictive data tools, product properties can be optimised faster and more effectively. A conceptual framework to enable systemic circular thinking during the innovation process is based on the socalled R-strategies. The framework encompasses various strategies related to the different product life phases.
The R-strategies are also a basis to further define what a sustainable product should look like according to the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Under this regulation, ecodesign requirements will be developed for different product categories, based on the different productrelated aspects which are linked to the majority of the R-strategies. This will require further implementation of the R-strategies into the innovation process by all actors along the value chain, including the chemical sector.
Integrating circularity into the innovation process from the outset is crucial as it ensures that business activities are aligned with circular practices from the initial stages of strategy and development through to commercialisation and endoflife management. All players in the value chain must integrate this approach. It is critical, right from the very early phases of materials and product development, to consider the product life cycle and endofuse phases, and how the material or product can be kept in or brought back into the loop.
Carbon remains central to the chemicals and materials used throughout society but this does not pose an insurmountable obstacle to achieving a circular economy. While decarbonisation is essential for the energy sector, its role in materials use is more nuanced. Carbon is a key element in many materials and industrial processes, particularly in the chemical sector.
The chemical industry plays a vital role in providing and using these alternative raw materials, supporting a shift towards reduced reliance on fossilbased feedstock and improving material circularity. Therefore, access to alternative carbon sources, such as waste, CO2 captured from industrial pro-
Is there currently a contribution of the chemical sector to the specific R-strategies according to experts out of the sector Key
cesses, and biobased resources, is crucial. However, this transformation depends on the availability of sufficient, affordable, highquality alternative raw materials, technological innovations, and infrastructure adaptations. Effective collaboration across the entire value chain is necessary for a successful circular economy.
To improve the availability and access to circular feedstocks for the industry, it is of paramount importance to enhance the collection and effective sorting of waste and biomass and to get the right infrastructure in place. This can ensure qualitative waste streams for further processing into secondary raw materials.
The path to a circular future: 5point action plan with key success factors
The chemical industry has made significant strides in advancing the circular economy, demonstrating leadership in innovation, collaboration, and circular practices. The momentum is building, however, to achieve comprehensive transformation, it is vital to address systemic challenges and unlock untapped opportunities. This study confirms that initial levers have been activated to foster circularity within and beyond the chemical industry. Building on the challenges and practice examples from the previous chapters, five key success factors have been identified for all relevant stakeholders at both EU and national levels and along the full value chain to accelerate the transition to a circular future.
• Drive forward a supportive regulatory framework, accompanied with incentives: pragmatically improve and implement a clear and unified regulatory framework across EU Member States to promote circular economy practices in alignment with circular business models and create market demand for circular products.
• Facilitate investments in circular infrastruc-
ture and technologies: by expand funding mechanisms for breakthrough technologies and accelerate/streamline permitting processes to attract investments in circular infrastructure projects.
• Establish a macroeconomic mindset change towards circular thinking embedded in society: sustainability and circular principles should be integrated into educational curricula and corporate strategies to foster a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility.
• Foster innovations through new forms of multistakeholder collaboration: ollaborate between industries, technology developers, research institutions, and policymakers is crucial to creating synergies and utilising resources efficiently. European centres of excellence and publicprivate partnerships should play a central role in driving this forward.
• Monitor and measure to evaluate progress and to identify needs for additional efforts and measures: implement standardised circularity metrics supporting a common understanding by all stakeholders along a value chain of the transition status towards a circular economy. Use tools such as the “Circular
Transition Indicators (CTI)” to measure and report progress consistently, aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Paving the way forward
By implementing the 5Point Action Plan with key success factors for accelerating the circular transition outlined in this study, the chemical industry can turn barriers into opportunities. This transformation will not only drive sustainability but also enhance the sector’s competitiveness, resilience, and longterm prosperity. A collective and sustained effort is required to make circularity the new norm. Now is the time for decisive action to build a future where economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
The transition to a circular economy is not just a challenge, it is an opportunity to reshape industrial models, enhance sustainability, and strengthen Europe’s global leadership. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and systemic change, the chemical industry can drive meaningful progress towards a circular and prosperous future. Now is the time to act.
The 2025 edition of the K trade fair has set itself the goal of addressing the key challenges of our time and presenting concrete solutions. An event dedicated to innovation, young talent, as well as sustainability and gender equality.
K 2025: focus on circular economy, people and digitalization
From 8 to 15 October 2025 K in Düsseldorf will again become the main stage for the international plastics and rubber industry – making an unmistakable statement with its motto “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart –Responsible”. This motto reflects the industry’s current values and targets, and underlines that plastics form an indispensable component of nu-
merous sectors of industry that make a major contribution to innovation and progress. At the same time, the motto of the forthcoming K stands for the industry’s commitment to act sustainably, smartly and responsibly in producing and handling the material that is plastic. Especially in today’s challenging times, K in Düsseldorf confirms its role as one of the key trade
fairs in the sector. It offers a broad overview of the entire value chain at a high level. On the one hand, it serves as a global showcase for an active, innovative and responsible industry; on the other, it provides a platform for exploring future developments – whether through new technologies, discussions on global challenges, or opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
Facts, figures and international flair
K impresses not only with its sheer dimensions but also with the variety of nations represented. It has been completely booked up since May 2024. Over 177,000 sqm net exhibition space in the 18 exhibition halls and on the outdoor premises provide room for the entire spectrum of the plastics and rubber industry:
• Machinery and equipment: Halls 1, 3-4, 8b as well as 9-17
• Raw materials and auxiliaries: Halls 5, 6, 7, 7a, 8a, 8b
• Semi-finished products, technical parts and products of reinforced plastics: Halls 5, 6, 7, 7a, 8a, 8b
The last event in 2022 was attended by 3,020 exhibitors from 59 nations and visitors from 167 countries. Particularly well represented were the exhibitors from Europe, Asia and the USA and a total of 71% of trade visitors hailed from abroad. In 2025, exhibitors from Europe in particular will once again be strongly represented, especially from Germany, Italy, Turkey, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain. At the same time, K clearly shows the changes in the global market: the number and exhibition space of companies from Asia have remained at a consistently high level for years. The presence of companies from China, India and Taiwan will be particularly impressive. In addition, the USA will once again be represented by a larger group of exhibitors. The high number of innovations as well as the presence of all market leaders are regularly rated with top scores by K visitors (98% visitors satisfaction). This relates not only to plastics and rubber product manufacturers but also to industrial end users that regularly visit K. These include experts from the fields of automotive, packaging, electrical engineering, electronics, communications, construction, medical device technology or aviation and aerospace. They all appreciate the trade fair as a source of inspiration for their industries and products as well as a platform to discover pioneering innovations that
The industry is increasingly working on a sustainable circular economy that promotes the reuse, recycling and the reduction of plastic waste
help them successfully hold their own alongside international competitors.
The guiding topics of K 2025: shaping the future K 2025 has set itself the task of tackling the key challenges of our time and presenting concrete solutions. This is also reflected in the three guiding topics.
Shaping the circular economy: the industry is increasingly working on a sustainable circular economy that promotes the reuse, recycling and the reduction of plastic waste.
Embracing digitalisation: the plastics and rubber industry players are aware of the transformative power of digitalisation and deploy more and more digital technologies to increase the efficiency of their machinery and products and to drive innovations.
Caring about people: the sector is aware of its social responsibility with regard to environmental protection. The focus is here on the responsible handling of resources. At the same time, it promotes young talent and creates future perspectives for young professionals in the plastics and rubber sector.
Highlights and new formats at K 2025
The Specials at K 2025 will pick up on the trade fair’s guiding topics. They comprise proven successful formats while focusing on innovations at the same time.
Special
“Plastics shape the Future”: the official Special Show of K will discuss and reveal how the plas-
K 2025 invites its exhibitors, experts, multipliers and interested parties from all over the world to follow its motto and jointly shape the future of the plastics and rubber industry.
The K trade fair is a platform for exploring future developments –whether through new technologies, discussions on global challenges, or opportunities for cross-border collaboration
tics industry shapes the transition to more sustainability, digitalisation and social responsibility. Organised jointly by Plastics Europe Deutschland and Messe Düsseldorf the special show will provide insights into the current state and perspectives of transformation: featuring different focal topics every day, discussions with high-ranking representatives from political and scientific spheres and NGOs, innovative start-ups and industry experts – accompanied by interactive expert talks, round tables, guided tours of the trade fair and networking opportunities at the Startup Pitch, Science and Poetry Slam and the “Women in Plastics” event.
VDMA Forum
In 2025 VDMA (German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association) will again present a comprehensive Forum on the outdoor premises, this time entitled “The Power of Plastics”. Located outdoors between Halls 10 and 16, the VDMA and some 10 of its member companies will demonstrate just how relevant technology is for implementing circularity in the
plastic industry. In addition, the Association in the VDMA Pavilion offers not only selected finished products and live presentations but also ample room for discussion and interaction with workshops, panel discussions and events for young talents.
Rubberstreet
In 2025 Rubberstreet will again serve as the showcase for the innovative power and operational excellence of the elastomer sector. Already since 1983 it has been the “first port of call” and orientation point for all those interested in learning more about elastomers (rubber & TPE) at K. The patron of Rubberstreet is wdk (German Rubber Industry Association).
Start-up Zone
The Start-up Zone successfully debuted at the last edition of K. It will also be continued in 2025 and extended to provide a platform for as many newcomers as possible who are specifically dedicated to the development of innovative products and solutions in the fields of plastics and rubber.
Science Campus
At the Science Campus universities, colleges and institutes will present their latest plastics research findings. A new concept of the Sci-
ence Campus permits exhibitors – in addition to exhibiting with their own stands – to also take part in the Science Campus Center as an extra option.
Young Talents Lounge
The plastics industry faces massive recruitment problems. Often, however, the simple reason for this is school leavers’ lack of knowledge about the variety of skilled occupations and career opportunities in the plastics industry. With a view to also securing sufficient young talent in future the GKV (German Plastics Converters Association) will invite young people and job starters to the Young Talents Lounge for the first time at K 2025. Here, the plastics training will be accessible virtually and in-person and first-hand student experiences will be shared with the trade fair audience.
Women in plastics
This networking event specifically designed for women will debut at K 2025. Successful women in the international plastics sector will report in a panel discussion and best-practice talks on their careers and experiences and will be available for questions from the audience. The aim is to promote exchange with one another, strengthen professional networks and enhance the visibility of female leaders in the sector.
HALL 13 / B78
Accessible technological innovation, the special as a standard
At K 2025, LK IMM will present the 400-ton full-electric ELS series press, accompanied by a live demonstration featuring In-Mold Labelling technology: a clear example of its cutting-edge solutions, combining performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
In today’s highly competitive industrial landscape and a global climate of political and economic uncertainty, there is a growing demand for injection molding technologies that guarantee high performance, constant precision and energy efficiency, without neglecting the sustainability of investments.
LK Injection Molding Machine (LK IMM) responds to these needs by offering a complete range of technologically advanced and competitively priced presses from 60 to 450 tons. Part of L.K. Technology Holdings Limited, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of die casting and injection molding machinery, LK IMM combines the strength of a multinational group with a flexible structure, capable of quickly adapting to the needs of local markets.
The recent opening of the new headquarters near Brescia confirms the group’s desire to put down concrete roots in the highly technological and competitive European market. This presence strengthens LK IMM’s ability to offer customized solutions, direct support and continuous collaboration with the customer, at every stage of the application. The combination of
The 400-tonne press from the ELS series designed for high performance, fast cycle times and maximum precision
global vision and local focus makes LK IMM a reliable and future-oriented partner.
Energy saving and high accuracy
The new generation of LK IMM presses integrates the latest generation servo-driven systems, capable of reducing energy consumption by up to 70% compared to the old traditional hydraulic models. The dynamic adaptation of the power, managed by intelligent control, allows you to optimize every phase of the production cycle.
The use of servo motors enables highly precise injections and excellent repeatability, even in the most demanding applications. Thanks to an advanced feedback system, the machines moni-
tor critical parameters such as pressure, speed and position, intervening in real time to ensure consistent quality and minimize waste.
Added to this are ease of maintenance, intuitive interfaces and remote diagnostics, elements that make LK IMM presses ideal for dynamic and high-turnover production contexts, where reliability and operational continuity are essential.
High speed for packaging
LK IMM’s high-speed solutions are characterized by an injection that can reach 500 mm/sec, ideal for thin-walled packaging, where speed and material uniformity are crucial.
Designed to sustain high production rates, these machines guarantee consistent quality even in the fastest cycles. The precise control of speed and pressure during injection allows for uniform thicknesses and optimal aesthetic and mechanical performance.
LK IMM presses can be equipped with multiple
injection units, proprietary automations and fully automatic packaging lines, thus offering integrated solutions suitable for different production contexts.
K 2025: in the foreground the ELS Series
At the upcoming K Fair in Düsseldorf from 8 to 15 October 2025, LK IMM will be showcasing a 400-tonne press from the ELS series, which is designed for high performance, fast cycle times and maximum precision.
The ELS series represents the spearhead of LK IMM’s full-electric range. These machines offer stability, accurate control and reduced consumption, thanks to advanced technologies applied to both the clamping unit and the injection unit.
Key features include:
1. Independent electric drives for each axis
2. Servo-assisted toggle closure system
3 . Advanced digital pressure and speed control
4. Intuitive touch interface for simplified management
During the fair it will be possible to attend a live demonstration of a fully automated line for the production of ultra-thin walled plastic cups, with label overmolding.
The application presented will use In-Mold Labelling (IML) technology, a process in which a pre-printed label is placed inside the mold before the plastic part is formed. This allows for an integrated, no-label label appearance, with benefits such as high print quality, resistance to humidity and temperature, and ease of recycling.
In this context, the ELS series press will be called upon to guarantee extremely short cycles and maximum repeatability, meeting the most demanding requirements of the latest generation packaging applications.
In addition, LK IMM will collaborate with wellknown European peripheral suppliers, offering visitors to the fair the opportunity to see not only the machines in operation, but also to re-
At K 2025 will be possible to attend a live demonstration of a fully automated line for the production of ultra-thin walled plastic cups, with label overmolding
discover some of the most popular brands in Europe in the field of automation and auxiliary solutions for molding.
Local presence, global support
LK IMM is present in Italy with an operational headquarters in Brescia, a strategic node to provide technical support, application consultancy and after-sales assistance throughout the country.
This local presence ensures timeliness in interventions, immediate availability of spare parts and continuous training for operators. We work closely with Italian companies to offer tailor-made solutions and accompany each customer in the optimization of their production plant.
LK IMM’s competitive advantages include:
1. Affordable investments compared to equivalent technologies
2. Low operating costs thanks to energy efficiency and low maintenance
3. Proven reliability by hundreds of active installations in Europe
4. Maximum flexibility with customizable configurations for different industries and
materials W ith an industrial vision focused on efficiency, operational simplicity and sustainability, LK IMM is a strategic partner to meet the challenges of the future.
Innovation at the service of production
By participating in the K 2025 Fair, LK IMM reaffirms its commitment to offering cutting-edge solutions, capable of combining performance, sustainability and convenience.
The new ELETTRICA series is the concrete expression of this philosophy: a synthesis of speed, precision and reliability, designed for the real needs of modern production.
LK IMM invites you to visit their booth to discover LK IMM technology up close and to discuss with their experts. They will be happy to listen to your needs, present tailored solutions, and explore new growth opportunities together.
The role of highperformance materials in a sustainable world
At K 2025 Covestro will showcase innovative materials as enablers for circular economy, climate neutrality and high-performance solutions.
At K 2025 in Düsseldorf this October, Covestro will showcase innovative material solutions to address some of the greatest challenges of our time. During the world’s largest trade fair for plastics and rubber, the company will highlight under the guiding idea “The Material Effect” how transformative, sustainable solutions are made possible through materials. The more than 20 innovation stories that Covestro presents at its booth are closely linked to this guiding idea and the company’s long-term vision of becoming fully circular. This vision is gaining additional importance under the current circumstances – shortterm challenges and overlapping crises that require resilience and adaptability.
“The world seems to have gone off track, and the chemical industry is feeling the full force of the current multiple crises”, said Covestro’s CEO Markus Steilemann emphasized this at the traditional K pre-press conference. “At the same time, the future will be ever greener and smarter. At Covestro, we are paving the way for that for many sectors with our recyclable, climate-neutral high-performance plastics –whether in e-mobility and autonomous driving, efficient buildings, or digitalization. We are excited to showcase the diverse and beneficial effects of our materials for our customers and partners at this year’s K trade fair”.
Covestro’s Guiding Idea
At booth A75 in Hall 6, Covestro will place spe-
cial emphasis on progress and innovations in the areas of Sustainable Future, Automotive, Electronics, Healthcare, and Sports & Leisure. Among the highlights at the booth will be a new concept vehicle for public transportation: The SUE “People Mover”. The self-driving urban e-shuttle has been developed by UE | STUDIOS. It features full polycarbonate glazing, polycarbonate for lidar sensors, as well as the lightweight and highly durable mono-material Arfinio® and TPU. Also among the exhibits is the digital sampling tool IMAGIO®, which enables realistic digital visualization of
product designs, thereby replacing physical samples with digital material twins in early development phases.
With these and many other stories and exhibits at the booth, Covestro demonstrates under this year’s guiding idea “The Material Effect” what role high-performance materials play in a sustainable world. “The Material Effect” combines best in class materials with process and innovation expertise, enabling the leap from laboratory to industry. “It is precisely this unique combination of material science, process- and application development
that makes the decisive difference,” said Jochen Hardt, K 2025 project lead and Vice President Global Marketing Mobility in the Engineering Plastics business entity at Covestro, at the press conference. “’The Material Effect’ enables our customers and partners to achieve more – in terms of sustainability, circularity, and performance of their products”.
Progress towards corporate vision and strategy
Covestro pursues a clear strategic vision: to become fully circular and make the circular economy a global guiding principle. This includes the use of alternative raw materials, switching to green energy, and developing
advanced recycling technologies. The company has set a goal to become climate-neutral in its own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2035 and to achieve complete climate neutrality along the entire value chain (Scope 1-3) by 2050. To this end, Covestro has already signed eleven power purchase agreements (PPAs) and now covers around 16 percent of its global electricity needs from renewable sources.
Furthermore, Covestro is consistently expanding the use of alternative raw materials – with the goal of largely avoiding the use of fossil primary raw materials in the long term. The company is to that end currently developing and testing novel recycling technolo-
gies for polyurethanes, polycarbonates, and elastomers.
The commitment to the circular economy is furthermore reflected in the product portfolio: Products with the brand suffix “CQ” – which stands for Circular Intelligence – contain at least 25 percent alternative raw materials. For polycarbonates, Covestro differentiates its offering with specific labels: “RE” stands for products based on renewable raw materials and produced with renewable electricity (attributed via mass balancing). “RP” identifies products with chemically recycled post-consumer waste (attributed via mass balancing). “R” designates products with mechanically recycled material content.
Covestro
CEO Markus Steilemann at the pre-K press conference.
To meet the needs of manufacturers of PVC, PP, and single-wall corrugated pipes, FB Balzanelli presents an automatic coiler equipped with an integrated guiding system, centralized adjustments, and full automation.
In today’s plastics industry, the increasing demand for efficiency, precision, and safety has made automation not just an opportunity, but a true necessity. This is where the work of FB Balzanelli S.p.A. comes in – an Italian company with extensive experience in the design and manufacturing of automatic coilers for flexible pipes. Among its most innovative and compact solutions is the PREMIUM 0852C, the most compact double-reel automatic coiler on the market.
A narrow, compact, and highly efficient machine
The PREMIUM 0852C is designed to meet the needs of manufacturers of PVC, PP, and single-wall corrugated pipes, offering high performance within a minimal footprint. Its compact design makes it ideal for installation even on the
narrowest production lines, while maintaining high standards of productivity and coil quality, thanks to its six strapping units. The machine is equipped with two side-by-side reels that are easily adjustable and can handle a wide range of pipe outer diameters—from 16 to 40 mm. Thanks to an integrated guiding system, the pipe is wound evenly and precisely, and the centralized adjustment of the two reels allows for quick adaptation to different production runs. The PREMIUM 0852C can reach a maximum speed of 150 meters per minute and is capable of producing 50-meter-long coils at a speed of 80 m/min.
Smart automation and intelligent control
One of the key strengths of the PREMIUM 0852C is the complete automation of the
The PREMIUM 0852C compact design makes it ideal for installation even on the narrowest production lines, while maintaining high standards of productivity and coil quality, thanks to its six strapping units
coiling process, combined with perfect synchronization at high production speeds. The machine features an automatic cutting device and a pneumatic strapping unit capable of applying final (and even intermediate) strapping, programmable according to production needs. This system significantly reduces the need for operator intervention, enhancing safety and improving operational continuity. At the heart of the PREMIUM 0852C is an electronic control system based on a Siemens PLC, integrated with an intuitive and interactive Exor HMI panel. This architecture allows recipe management, precise parameter adjustments, and real-time performance monitoring, with the option for FB Balzanelli to provide rapid remote support when needed.
An integrated approach to automation
FB Balzanelli’s expertise goes far beyond individual machines for plastic pipe extrusion processes. The company offers complete industrial automation solutions, including palletizing systems using either robots or cobot or Cartesian axes, as well as automatic pallet and coil strapping and wrapping systems. Mobile
Fully automatized robotic palletization process with customized gripping tools and vision sustem in order to manage different products such as coils/ bars and position them into different end containers
robotics is also available to ensure full integration with warehouse operations. Every solution is developed in collaboration with the custom er through a co-design process, ensuring seamless integration into both new and existing production lines. FB Balzanelli’s automation is designed not only to improve workplace safety—by reducing exposure to repetitive or potentially hazardous tasks—but also to maximize operational efficiency, enabling companies to boost productivity and lower long-term costs.
Innovation and reliability –Made in Italy
All FB Balzanelli machines are entirely designed, manufactured, and tested in Italy, with a strong focus on build quality, longterm reliability, and modularity. The PREMIUM 0852C model, for example, is built using mechanical components produced in-house by FB Balzanelli, ensuring total quality control. It is also equipped with top-tier commercial components, such as Siemens systems for all electronics—including PLC, motors,
Product de-palletization with the integration of robot/vision system with the coupler insertion machine for an operator- free process
drives, and cables—guaranteeing extremely high standards of quality and reliability. Safety is also a priority, with materials and safety standards implemented at the highest level. The company’s commitment to innovation is reflected in the ongoing evolution of its products, with the progressive integration of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, and remote monitoring solutions.
In a rapidly evolving market where adaptability is key, FB Balzanelli stands as a reliable and technologically advanced partner, ready to support its clients on their journey toward a more efficient, safer, and automated production future.
An international dialogue among women in the plastics world
Women in Plastics Italy will take part in K 2025: a unique opportunity to meet companies and professionals and to attract new members — not only from Italy, but also from women and supporters in other countries.
In 2025 the Association Women in Plastics Italy will take part in K2025 in Düsseldorf, the global event dedicated to the plastics industry. The trade fair brings international female industry players together in a targeted manner at the trade fair. Under the heading “Women in Plastics” an event for the women in this industry will be held at K 2025 on 12 October 2025 at 4.00 pm as part of the special show “Plastics shape the Future” in Hall 6. Serving as a venue will be the special show Plastics Shape the Future, organised by Plastics Europe Deutschland. Steph-
anie Kalil, Commercial Vice President EMEA Packaging & Specialty Plastics at Dow has been named keynote speaker. She is responsible for developing and driving the P&SP net zero and business growth strategy, particularly Dow’s circularity and decarbonization efforts in the region. All women, the speakers on stage are internationally recognised experts, successful company founders or plastics and rubber industry pioneers. Women visiting the event will have the chance of learning from their personal experiences and career paths, take
away valuable tips and exchange on current developments in the plastics and rubber industry.
Another central aim of the event is also to inspire women to enter the plastics and rubber industry and promote the wide-ranging professional opportunities it offers to young talents. Since women are often still underrepresented in technical careers and leadership roles promoting these aspects in a targeted manner can make an important contribution to overcoming skilled labour shortages. Measures such as mentoring, networking, positive industry communication, the promotion of equality and attractive working conditions play a central role here. “The trade fair will be a unique stage to con-
The Women in Plastics Italy team during its Annual Meeting
nect with international stakeholders, share our mission, and showcase the progress we’ve made”, explains Miriam Olivi, the first president of the Association, in an interview with La Plastica Oggi e Domani.
Miriam Olivi, how are the initiatives of the Women in Plastics Association progressing?
“Our initiatives are progressing with great enthusiasm and growing participation. In just a few months, we have established a solid and collaborative board, organized networking events, and launched mentorship programs to support women in their professional growth. We are also working to build relationships with institutions and industry associations, which is essential for promoting cultural change. The response from companies and professionals has been very positive, confirming the need for an organization that amplifies women’s voices and supports gender equality in our sector”.
International trade fairs are always moments of great engagement. What are your expectations for the K trade fair in Düsseldorf? What do you expect from the trade fair, do you think the Association will be well received, and do you foresee new memberships?
“I believe K 2025 will be an extraordinary opportunity for Women in Plastics Italy. It is a unique stage to connect with international
stakeholders, share our mission, and showcase the progress we’ve made. I expect strong interest from both companies and professionals who are increasingly aware of the value of diversity and inclusion. We anticipate new memberships, not only from Italy but also from women and allies across the world who want to join our network. I am confident that the Association will be well received, as the conversation around gender equality is becoming a priority for the entire industry”.
The K 2025 fair in Düsseldorf is the world’s most important event for the plastics industry. In general, do you think Italy is at a disadvantage compared to other countries in terms of gender equality within the plastics sector?
“Unfortunately, Italy still faces some challenges compared to other European countries. While progress has been made, there is a persistent gender gap in leadership positions, and traditional stereotypes about technical and industrial roles remain strong. However, I believe Italy has great potential to accelerate change: there is increasing awareness among companies, institutions, and associations, and more women are choosing STEM careers. Initiatives like Women in Plastics Italy aim precisely to bridge these gaps by providing support, visibility, and opportunities to women who want to build their careers in our industry”.
“I am confident that the Association will be well received, as the conversation around gender equality is becoming a priority for the entire industry”
At the fair, you will be participating on October 12th in the Women in Plastics event, where you will present a preview of the Wips-It project. Can you tell us more about it?
“When I introduced our association to the organizers of K 2025, there was great interest and an immediate request to collaborate on organizing the “Women in Plastics” event, which will take place on October 12th during the trade fair. I also had the pleasure of speaking about this initiative at the K 2025 Preview held in June, where we presented the latest updates on the fair to journalists from around the world. Wips-It is an initiative designed to map and connect female professionals working in the plastics industry in Italy, creating a dynamic and interactive platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development. The project aims to highlight female talent, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and promote best practices for inclusion and sustainability. What we’ve realized is that we are inspiring women in other countries and the event will be a great chance to connect with them and share ideas”.
Miriam Olivi represented Women in Plastics Italy during the K 2025 trade fair preview in June
High-end materials for special applications: the vision of a global leader
RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers is an international benchmark in the development of high-performance, sustainable engineering polymers designed to replace metal in many critical applications. At K 2025, the Group will showcase new solutions for e-mobility and other strategic sectors.
by Alessandro Bignami and Eva De Vecchis
The automotive industry is a key focus for RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers, which continues to develop innovative, sustainable materials for both traditional internal combustion vehicles and the rapidly growing e-mobility sector. But the
Group is also targeting other strategic areas, including electrical/electronics water management, solar industry, appliances, consumer&industrial goods.
These themes will take center stage at K 2025, the international trade fair in Düssel-
dorf focused on innovations in the plastics and rubber industry.
Meeting e-mobility demands with targeted solutions
“At the trade fair, we’ll place strong emphasis on electric vehicles, showcasing our most recent developments – starting with the expansion of our product range for electric propulsion systems,” explains Erico Spini, Global Marketing Director at RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers.
“We’ve broadened the selection of available materials, especially for high-voltage vehicles. We’ll present targeted applications for components located close to the electric motor – a critical area where much development is still needed. Some of these solutions are currently in the design phase, but we already have concrete ideas ready to be implemented”.
Overall, the automotive sector remains central to RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers. The company has operated in this field for many years, building strong relationships with major OEMs and supply chain players. Over time, it has developed materials tailored to various sub-segments. In internal combustion engine applications, for example, many typical uses involve the powertrain, where materials must withstand prolonged contact with
Sustainability-tested materials
At K 2025, RadiciGroup will also present updates to its offerings for the thermal management segment, which poses different challenges in e-mobility than in conventional vehicles. For example, the company has developed materials already tested in contact with dielectric fluids used to cool batteries and power electronics. These fluids offer a promising route to more efficient battery cooling, with more consistent temperatures and lower thermal runaway risk.
“More recently, we successfully tested flame-retardant materials engineered to resist exposure to both traditional and dielectric cooling fluids”, Spini notes. “These materials maintain a UL-V0 classification even after prolonged contact. We’ve developed halogen-free and red phosphorus-free solutions that are proving highly effective in this area”.
“Automotive remains a top priority for us — we don’t intend to miss the opportunities created by the electric transition, and we’re listening closely to our customers’ needs”
Alternatively, the company proposes hybrid solutions: polymers that, when combined with overmolded metal foils (PMH), enable the production of components that offer excellent EMI shielding properties with reduced weight and at a competitive cost compared to metals.
high-temperature fluids. RadiciGroup has proven its ability to meet these industry demands with a wide range of polymers specifically designed for such applications.
“This allows us to remain competitive even in markets where the transition to e-mobility is progressing more slowly – such as the United States”, Spini adds. “
Despite regional differences and inevitable fluctuations, full-electric and plug-in vehicles continue to gain ground worldwide, with China leading the way. To meet this growing demand, we’ve introduced a number of innovative, specialized materials over the past few years. In some cases, we’re also exploring hybrid metal-polymer technologies for applications such as power electronics housings or battery coolant flow covers. These solutions offer both technical and economic advantages over the metal materials currently used, such as die-cast Aluminium. Automotive remains a top priority for us – we don’t intend to miss the opportunities created by the electric transition, and we’re listening closely to our customers’ needs”.
Another topic RadiciGroup will address at K 2025 is electromagnetic shielding materials. Today, components like inverters and converters are primarily made from Aluminium, which provides excellent EMI protection. However, if manufacturers want to switch to engineering polymers, RadiciGroup has tested materials reinforced with carbon fibers and other specialty fibers that offer a satisfactory level of shielding.
“In Germany, we’ll also showcase the latest developments in the electrical/electronic segment, including the expansion of our Radiflam B (PBTFR-HR) product line”, Spini concludes. “At the same time, we’ll give special emphasis to sustainability, a theme that cuts across all the industrial sectors we serve. In particular, we’ll highlight projects already underway using mechanically recycled materials for applications like office chair parts. The coming years will present significant challenges across many fronts – and the solutions I’ve outlined represent just a few of our most important development directions”.
Connectors designed for e-mobility applications
Erico Spini, Global Marketing Director at RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers
A new series of full-electric injection molding machines
Haitian is kicking off K 2025 with the motto “Level Up!”. The focus is on the promise to offer customers hands-on advantages in productivity, flexibility, and future-oriented opportunities within the Group.
The latest generation of the Zhafir Zeres F electric packaging machine will be presented to the public for the first time at K. Including complete Haitian IML automation
At this year’s K Show, Haitian International will be showcasing exciting product permiers and smart solutions for current and future industry requirements. Haitians Zhafir brand will be presenting the all-new, electric fifth-generation Zeres F for packaging applications and the latest generation of Zeres with medical pack.
Haitan Plastics Machinery, Haitians brand for servo-hydraulic injection mold-
ing machines, the focus will be on the new high-speed MAV/F Pro Series and a two-platen Jupiter Series. Both the Zhafir Zeres Medical and the Haitian Jupiter are integrated in Haitians MES “GoFactory,” which is now available and included in the standard package of each machine.
The electric injection molding machines from Niigata Machinery are now expanding the portfolio with vertical application solutions.
Unlock synergies, expanding possibilities
The Haitian Group has a unique structure: as a networked industrial group with its own development department and manufacturing plants around the world, Haitian offers integrated turnkey solutions that go beyond injection molding. Haitian Precision demonstrates this with a CNC solution, while Haitian Smart Solutions presents peripherals and automation.
Haitian International is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of electric and servo-hydraulic injection molding machines. With over 53,000 machines delivered in 2024 and a strong brand portfolio (Haitian, Zhafir, Niigata), the company covers nearly all areas of plastics processing. As part of the Haitian Group, it benefits from group-wide synergies, nearly 60 years of manufacturing expertise, full in-house production of all key components, and a strong global footprint with six international headquarters – including one in Germany (Ebermannsdorf) – and a presence in over 130 countries.
HALL 15 - STAND A57
45 years of experience and innovation looking to the future
Moretto has grown through continuous product innovation, a strong focus on customer needs and a strategic vision capable of understanding the challenges of the market.
Founded in 1980, Moretto leads the evolution of technology in the field of auxiliaries with innovations that raise quality standards of products and optimize energy savings in plants. A technological leadership that not only innovates, but also puts operators at the center, creating automations that support and enhance their daily work. Moretto’s growth has been constant, driven by a pioneering spirit that has enabled it to interpret and anticipate the needs and trends of the industry. The company has implemented continuous updates and new organisational and production models, allowing it to guarantee the exclusivity of the solutions it proposes. Moretto engineers’ mission is to aim for constant improvement based on ingenuity and scientific rigor. To offer an increasingly innovative product and properly analyse processes and materials, the company invests more than 6% of its turnover in Research and Development and has a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with unique and exclusive instruments.
K 2025 in name of new technologies
Participation at the K show will not only be the occasion to celebrate the 45th anniversary but also to showcase Moretto’s new technologies, including the gravimetric batch blender DGM GRAVIX 50, the dryer X COMB 19, the HYPER CUT grinder, the manual manifold with wireless control and OW6, the innovative centralised system management server.
Two years after the launch of the DGM20, the DGM GRAVIX 50 extends the range of the gravimetric batch blenders specifically designed for the micro-dosing of plastic materials.
Thanks to the SMD electronic control, the digital technology increases the performance of the self-adjustment algorithms. Additionally, the weighing system performs high-speed sampling, ensuring that data are processed through self-learning functions.
The range of X COMB mini dryers is also expanding with the new XD19 model, which is suitable for processing techno polymers and productions of up to 60 kg/h. Boasting a completely innovative design, the XD19 enhances the construction, technology and performance of the X COMB series. Distinctive features remain the Honeycomb technology in 100% Zeolite with superior absorbent capacity, the exclusive OTX hopper and the Hyper Flow turbo compressors with variable flow, which guarantee a consistent process and high energy efficiency in a footprint of just 0,56 mq.
Moretto revolutionizes the concept of granulation with HYPER CUT, a high productivity grinder (up to 1.200 kg/h), ideal for grinding waste pieces, sprues and blown parts with a versatility that surprises even the most demanding professionals in the injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding and thermoforming sectors.
Moretto’s plastic granule conveying solutions also feature a variety of innovations. The TLC manual manifold allows for the implementation of wireless control, guiding the operator through the correct coupling of materials and machines and providing immediate feedback on the status of connections. A distinctive element that aims to eliminate the possibility of human error, making the process safer, more precise and traceable. The touch-view control offers a simple and
intuitive interface for the operator, enhancing safety in the control of the production process.
Maximum efficiency and self-calibration in conveying systems represent the primary needs of the modern plastics processing industry. These needs are satisfied by ONE WIRE 6, the only intelligent system available on the market that implement the exclusive KRONO technology. ONE All Moretto systems can be connected to the MOWIS supervising system, an extraordinary ally in everyday work that simplifies the management of complex system and provides an immediate overview of the plant status.
HALL 11 - STAND E68
Hyper Cut grinder
Production hall
Injection moulding machine with tie-bar-less technology
With the new electric, tie-barless victory electric 220, Engel is presenting an injection moulding machine at K 2025 that is a genuine world first in terms of its design. It combines the benefits of Engel’s tie-bar-less technology with maximum energy efficiency, high precision, short cycle times and a reduced footprint – ad-
dressing increased customer demands and making it ideal for use in fitting production. The new machine will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the centre of a fully automated production cell in Düsseldorf.
The new victory electric combines the advantages of two worlds: Engel’s tie-bar-less tech-
nology and the benefits of electric injection moulding machines. The entire Engel victory series features compact machine dimensions thanks to the tie-bar-less design, offering a large platen area and a spacious, unobstructed mould area.
This not only simplifies the handling of large moulds, but also significantly expands the possibilities for automation.
This is a key advantage in the production of fittings, where core pulls require substantial space within the mould area. Here, the tie-bar-less concept comes into its own: the spacious mould area often makes it possible to use smaller machine sizes. In addition, the high accessibility helps reduce setup
times considerably. Electric injection moulding machines stand out for their high energy efficiency, precise reproducibility and short cycle times, while also requiring minimal maintenance.
The Engel production cell is designed for maximum productivity. Fully automated, it covers the entire manufacturing process for fittings – including assembly and quality assurance.
At the trade fair, the machine at the heart of this solution is equipped with a family mould from toolmaker ifw, producing four fittings in a single shot: two with a 90-degree elbow and two with a 45-degree elbow. A polypropylene from Borealis is processed with a shot weight of 4 x 80 grams.
HALL 15 - STAND B42/C58
Motion control solutions for dependable and sustainable performance
Moog, a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and systems integrator of high-performance precision motion and fluid controls and control systems, announced that it will showcase its latest innovations for the plastics machinery industry at K 2025. Moog will feature a new generation of hydraulic, electrohydraulic, and electrohydrostatic products and systems designed to help machine builders achieve greater performance, reliability, and sustainability. A highlight
of the exhibition will be a groundbreaking pump concept, incorporating unique patented design features that challenge traditional hydraulic approaches in injection molding. This innovation promises to deliver surprising advancements in performance, efficiency, and adaptability-inviting attendees to discover how Moog is redefining the possibilities in motion control technology.
“Moog continues to lead through engineering excellence developing motion
control technologies that not only meet today’s performance standards but help shape the future of plastics manufacturing”, said Harald Branz, Sales Manager at Moog Industrial. “Our latest innovations reflect what’s possible when deep expertise meets real-world customer challenges”.
The presentation at K 2025 will immerse visitors in Moog’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. Attendees will explore the new pump technology firsthand at the centerpiece technology island, supported by additional displays showcasing Moog’s advanced Electrohydrostatic Pump Systems alongside Servo and Servo-proportional Valves. This environment highlights Moog’s approach of collaborating closely with customers to develop mission-critical solutions that enhance operational efficiency, boost productivity, and minimize environmental impact.
HALL 11 - STAND I 39
Polycarbonate sheets with and without coating
Exolon Group introduces the latest generation of Exolon® Optica polycarbonate sheets in both coated and uncoated versions. These innovative sheets stand out for their superior optical quality, further raising the company’s benchmark of excellence in optical sheet performance. The Exolon Optica range has been developed for applications requiring exceptional transparency and high impact resistance. The solid polycarbonate sheets provide an extremely clear and transparent finish, free from haze, inclusions, or surface defects. This ensures optimal light transmission with minimal distortion, scattering, and absorption. Additionally, they offer outstanding impact and abrasion resistance and protect against machining chips. The sheets can also be screen-printed to achieve custom designs.
Exolon Optica is available in three versions: Exolon Optica LX, Exolon Optica AR, and Exolon Optica AR-LX.
• Exolon Optica LX (uncoated) sheets are designed for a variety of lamination applications where polycarbonate sheets are combined with glass.
• Exolon Optica AR (single-side coated) sheets are the best choice for complex flat laminations in special safety applications that require extremely long service life.
• Exolon Optica AR-LX sheets can be easily bent despite their coating.
To ensure optical properties meet the highest visual performance standards, all Exolon® Optica polycarbonate sheets are manufactured in cleanroom conditions. Distortion levels are tested according to DIN 52305 to guarantee a clear, distortion-free view, particularly for safety glass applications.
HALL 8B - STAND F30
Technologies for precise injection control
Oerlikon HRSflow’s dedicated hot runner solutions for luxury cosmetic packaging with wall thicknesses of up to 12 mm.
At K 2025 Oerlikon HRSflow will showcase its groundbreaking STARgate HRS hot runner technology, which enables precise control of melt injection into the mold cavity through a revolutionary Valve Gate concept. Another new development is the Glow HRS solution, which allows for the direct injection of aesthetic parts in amorphous materials. Systems from the global hot runner specialist will also run
live at partner companies, including an injection molding tool for automotive parts that delivers a flawless surface and minimizes secondary operations. Beyond, visitors can expect to see interesting developments in application-specific solutions for multi-cavity systems.
With its newly developed STARgate HRS hot runner technology, Oerlikon HRSflow will present its revolutionary concept for the injection molding industry to the public for the first time at K2025. This technology is a groundbreaking development in the injection molding of PP, PE, PS, and other amorphous thermoplastics. Compared to conventional designs, production, assembly, and maintenance of various components are unnecessary; cycle time is significantly reduced; color changes are easier; and power consumption and pressure loss are reduced. Additionally, the thickness of the back
plates can be reduced. STARgate HRS hot runner technology also enables short filling and packing times. At K2025, this technology will be on display at BMB, an Italian injection molding machine manufacturer (Hall 13/Stand A33), during the production of a bucket. This project was made possible by Oerlikon HRSflow, BMB, the Dutch plastics processors Dijkstra Plastics, Oerlikon Balzers, Piovan and R&D Plastics. Another innovation to be unveiled for the first time at K 2025 is the patent-pending GLOW HRS technology, which enables the production of high-quality parts by direct injection, avoiding halos and weld lines. With precise surface temperature control and a compact design, this cutting-edge solution easily adapts to a wide range of applications.
Sustainability, automation and energy efficiency to built the future
Bandera – Extrusion Intelligence is a global expert in the design and manufacturing of complete extrusion lines for packaging – including Blown Film, Flat Die, and Upcycling technologies. With over 78 years of experience, Bandera continues to shape the future of extrusion through innovation and sustainability.
At the core of its vision is THOE – The House of Extrusion®, a unique center of excellence where customers from around the world explore and test the latest technologies in a real production environment.
Bandera’s industrial approach is built on three pillars: sustainability, automation, and energy efficiency. Innovation means developing high-performance solutions that reduce energy consumption, optimize material use, and minimize waste – especially through material reuse and recycling.
In response to the growing demand in high tech film packaging sector, Bandera has developed a new 7-layer extrusion line, specifically designed for the production of advanced barrier films. These
films ensure high protection against oxygen and moisture, helping maintain the highest film properties.
The line supports a wide range of poly-
The real innovation lies in
In a constantly evolving industrial landscape, true innovation is not always about a new product or technology. Sometimes, real innovation is an enterprise itself. A young company with deep roots, a clear vision, and solid expertise – this is JP-TECH SRL. Founded in 2016, JP-TECH was born from
those
mers – such as EVOH, Co-PA, PE, and PP – offering flexibility to create customized film structures tailored to specific product needs.
Fully compliant with Industry 4.0 standards, the extrusion line features smart automation, remote diagnostics, and energy-saving components. These capabilities increase productivity, reduce downtime, and support Bandera’s sustainability goals.
To lead change is to invest in smart, forward-thinking solutions. Bandera is committed to making extrusion more sustainable, productive, and globally connected.
With offices in the United States, China, and now India, Bandera has strengthened its global presence. Its technical support network is more agile and widespread than ever, ensuring quick and efficient service to meet the challenges of today’s fast-moving markets.
HALL 10 – STAND F 28
HALL 17 – STAND C 6-7
who truly know the industry
the extensive experience of a technical team with over 40 years of activity in the rubber and silicone mixing and processing industry. JP-TECH is not a new face in the strictest sense; they are a new company that blends innovative spirit with field-tested know-how. Experience drives us, flexibility defines them.
In just a few years, the company has already built strong partnerships both in Italy and abroad – a tangible sign of the trust the market places in us. Customers are not just looking for machines; they are looking for reliable partners who truly understand their production needs. That’s where we make the difference.
The K 2025 trade fair fair marks one of the first international appearances for the company – an important step toward introducing ourselves beyond national borders. And JP-TECH do so with a broad, special-
ized, and constantly evolving product offering: internal mixers, two-roll mills, extruders, calenders, preformers, coolers, cutting machines, equipment for the processing and packaging of silicones, as well as fully customized systems designed in-house by our engineering team.
The company is qualified in both the supply of new equipment and in advanced revamping and maintenance operations on existing lines. They know the machines, but above all, they know the real needs of those who work in the field. That’s why JP-TECH can act quickly, precisely, and with tailored technical solutions.
JP-TECH is ready to be discovered. It may not be the biggest, but it is among the most competent. And in this sector, it’s not about size – it’s about results.
HALL 10 - STAND A 45
Bandera’s Blown Film Technology: Barrier Flex line
Innovative interplay of plastics recycling technologies
Coperion, together with Herbold Meckesheim, will present their expertise in various plastics recycling applications at this year’s K show in Düsseldorf, Germany. At Booth 9B34 in Hall 9, the focus will be on Herbold Meckesheim’s technologies for mechanical processing of plastics waste. On display will be the new T 150-300 Mechanical Dryer and the SMS 80-200 Granulator. Also on display will be a mobile deodorization unit for reliably removing unpleasant odors from recyclates. In addition to plastics recycling, Coperion specializes in plastic compounding technologies. These core competencies will be on display at Booth 14B19 in Hall 14.
In the Open Area, Pavilion FG/ CE07, Coperion will exhibit its new ZSK FilCo filtration compounder which enables recyclate filtering and subsequent compounding in one step. In comparison to two-step production lines, the ZSK FilCo handles the product very gently and provides
From left to
Christian Schröder (Global Segment Manager Recycling, Nordson), Erica Canaia (CEO, FIMIC), Sven Conrad (Global Segment Development Director, Nordson)
higher quality at significantly reduced energy consumption when recycling post-consumer waste and other highly contaminated polymers.
In contrast, the ZS-B MEGAfeed side feeder, on display in Pavilion FG/ CE07, reliably feeds recycled materials with a bulk density as low as 20 kg/m³ into the ZSK FilCo and other ZSK extruders. This allows for recycling and compounding of lightweight, high-volume fibers and flakes at high throughputs.
Coperion will also display Coperion K-Tron K3-V200 vibratory feeder that excels in providing high-accuracy gravimetric feeding particularly for challenging materials, for example where smaller recyclates or flakes are being fed into the extrusion process. For light and fluffy, hard-to-feed materials such as polypropylene or PET plastic film, Coperion will showcase the MechaTron FB (flat bottom) feeder, a gravimetric feeder ideal for high-capacity recycling operations. Also on display is
With the EcoFresh silo devolatilization solution recently installed in the Recycling Innovation Center, Coperion offers the ability to test devolatilization performance on actual customer products under near-production conditions before investing
the Coperion K-Tron S60 single screw feeder, another feeder the provides very high reliability.
In the end, Coperion developed its ZRD rotary valve especially for plastics recycling processes. Together with the new drive technology, the new design of the gap between the rotor and housing ensures reliable discharge of flakes.
At K 2025, Coperion will demonstrate how its various technologies
work together through an all-encompassing 3D simulation. Visitors will gain insights into the operation of a complete system as well as the function of each individual component. All of Coperion’s components and technologies are characterized by high throughput, excellent end-product quality, and exceptional efficiency.
A partnership to develop innovative recycling solutions
At the upcoming edition of the K trade fair FIMIC Srl, an expert in innovative melt filtration technology, and Nordson BKG GmbH, part of Nordson Corporation’s Polymer Processing Systems (PPS) division and a global expert in melt delivery and pelletizing solutions, will unveil a new innovation born from their joint collaboration.
The two companies – internationally recognized as specialists in their respective fields – have combined their expertise to tackle the main challenges of plastic recycling: melt filtration, pelletizing, and system integration. The result is a set of comprehensive solutions that establish new ecological and economic standards.
Visitors to Hall 9, dedicated to recycling, will find the two partners at opposite booths – a symbolic and practical reflection of their close collaboration. This proximity will allow attendees to explore the entire process chain.
“Together, we are proving that recycling is not only essential but also technologically exciting and economically viable”, says Erica Canaia, CEO
of FIMIC Srl.
“Our partnership with FIMIC shows how collaborative development can set new benchmarks – especially regarding the future of plastics recycling”, adds Christian Schröder, Global Segment Manager Recycling at Nordson BKG GmbH.
The official presentation of these new concepts will take place during K 2025. Industry professionals are warmly invited to visit both stands and engage directly with the expert teams. Visit FIMIC at Hall 9, booth D18, and Nordson BKG at Hall 9, booth D09 during K 2025.
HALL 9 - STAND D18 / AT HALL 9STAND D09
HALL 9 - STAND B34
right:
Innovation in AI, medical and future projections
Medical Sector: a new Business Unit, led by Jean-Michel Vallent, has been established to offer highly specialized solutions to produce medical devices and components.
Modula FoodPack IML: making its debut at K2025, this new food packaging solution combines high productivity (4.0 s cycle time), a reduced footprint (-30%), and smart waste selection. A modular and user-friendly platform, designed to be easily reconfigurable and sustainable. Coiling Machines: Campetella enters the flexible pipe packaging sector with a comprehensive and scalable range. A turnkey offering fully synergized with end-of-line systems.
Campetella will be exhibiting at K2025, showcasing a range of advanced solutions designed for an industry that demands ever higher levels of productivity, precision, and sustainability. Three main innovations take center stage: a new Business Unit for the medical sector, a revolutionary Modula FoodPack IML, and an HMI platform integrated with artificial intelligence.
“K2025 is the perfect stage to share our vision”, says CEO Elia Campetella. “Innovation, internationalization, and new markets are the pillars of our growth”.
“Our identity is built on sustainability, education, and transparency”, states Gaia Campetella, Governance Manager.
New HMI Platform: equipped with AI, it enables predictive support, real-time optimization, and data analysis, simplifying plant operations.
Campetella Deutschland GmbH: starting in 2026, a new site in Meinerzhagen will strengthen Campetella’s presence in Germany, a fast-growing strategic market.
Live demonstrations at the show will feature automation for food and medical sectors, as well as high-speed boxing systems. The spotlight will also be on the eduCamp Academy, which trains highly skilled in-house teams.
HALL 12 - STAND C13
Uniqueness and sustainability at the service of the plastic industry
From its location above the great river Po to the most important international locations, Filtec represents the Italian engineering excellence in the plastics processing segment. Founded over 30 years ago by Gianfranco Baracco in Badia Polesine (Rovigo), Filtec Srl
is specialized in the design and production of solutions for the filtration and granulation of plastic materials. In a headquarter of more than 5,000 m² and a highly qualified team, Filtec stands out for its ability to offer maximum customization of its machinery, adapting to the specific needs of customers. A combination of innovation and manufacturing tradition which, under the guidance of CEO Giovanni Baracco, has made Filtec a point of reference in the sector.
What makes Filtec unique, in fact, is precisely the ability to combine Italian craftsmanship with advanced technologies, paying attention to details with a “tailored” approach. Each system is designed following the different specific layout and production needs, guaranteeing high performance and constant reliability over time.
The Underwater Pelletizer and Water
Ring Pelletizer series are a demonstration of this, appreciated for their versatility which makes them ideal for treating a wide range of thermoplastic materials. At the center of Filtec’s corporate philosophy there is also a strong focus on sustainability: not just a value, but a concrete commitment.
Its machinery and technologies allow to reduce waste and promote the recycling of plastic materials, actively contributing to a circular economy model. Filtec is also a strategic partner of the European project “Are You R”, an initiative that aims to raise public awareness on the importance of reusing and recycling plastic materials. Innovation, uniqueness and sustainability are therefore the values that Filtec will also promote at the prestigious K 2025 in Düsseldorf.
HALL 9 - STAND E 29
Innovative, highly efficient and sustainable recycling solutions
CMG will be exhibiting at K 2025. Visitors are welcome to visit CMG at booth 9C10, where the company will present its latest generation recycling solutions, designed to meet the current challenges of this market segment: energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and high performance.
“From Refuse to Reuse. CMG turns your waste into renewable materials”: this is CMG’s pay-off: a message that is not just a slogan, but the very essence of the company’s mission.
Waste materials from industrial or post-consumer industrial processes turn into secondary raw materials ready for a new productive life: CMG Granulators is the starting point for the creation of circular value.
CMG technologies - granulators, shredders, advanced evacuation and dedusting systems - are developed to ensure maximum cleanliness, consistent quality and repeatable performance.
Each process step is designed to optimize the transformation of plastics, even in their most contaminated and complex forms, into materials that are useful, sustainable and efficient again.
In an era where sustainability and operational excellence are paramount, CMG Granulators introduces its EV Evolution Series, the next-generation line of granulation systems engineered specifically for post-consumer plastics. With a direct focus on energy efficiency, performance, and innova-
tion, the EV Series sets a new benchmark in plastics recycling technology.
At the heart of this evolution is CMG’s proprietary design philosophy: delivering maximum throughput with minimum environmental footprint. Each EV Series model is optimized to reduce energy utilization by up to 50% compared to conventional granulators, achieved through advanced cutting geometries, unique rotor design, and intelligent drive systems. These design advancements provide the highest energy efficiency and the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) of the category.
Customized plasticizing solutions between innovation, sustainability and industry challenges
In the heart of Lombardy, Euroviti has been a benchmark in the design and manufacture of custom plasticizing units for extrusion and injection molding for more than 30 years. Founded in 1992, the company has built its reputation by offering screws, barrels and twin barrels compatible with all major technologies and manufacturers, distinguishing itself by its quality of construction, adaptability and constant technical support. 2024, despite structural difficulties in the automotive sector and economic uncertainties concerning the German market in particular, with knock-on effects on other European countries, closed with solid results, thanks to a diversification strategy that allowed the company to maintain stability and balance by focusing on different sectors. Recycling today represents one of the areas with the highest potential for growth and innovation and is at the center of many of Euroviti’s technical projects: the development of solu-
tions capable of handling recycled materials, which are often inhomogeneous, abrasive or contaminated, is one of the daily challenges faced by the technical department. The expansion of the headquarters in Castrezzato -a modern hub that unified three previous plants, doubling space and improving logistical efficiency- was a key-step in supporting this evolution.
To meet the needs of increasingly complex processes, Euroviti develops high-performance components, exhibited at K 2025, while for bimetallic twin barrels has been established a partnership with Bernex, a world leader, ensuring superior resistance to abrasion and corrosion, even with recycled compounds, fluoropolymers, self-extinguishing materials or WPC. The offer is completed with screws coated through HVOF coatings, PVD coatings or special welds, designed to last even under high mechanical and chemical loads.
Euroviti does not just supply a product: it accompanies the customer in making the most suitable technical choice, with a consultative approach from initial analysis to after-sales service. A structured warehouse with numerous components in prompt delivery for the injection market and efficient logistics also make it possible to minimize delivery times, guaranteeing production continuity even in particularly demanding contexts.
HALL 11 - STAND G 66
HALL 9 - STAND C10
CMG Granulators EV916 granulator with Regrind Evac System
Precision, compactness and safety for plastic molding
With over 70 years of experience in industrial lifting solutions, Gruniverpal will take part in K 2025 in Düsseldorf with a product range designed to meet the increasing demands of the plastic molding industry.
Founded in 1954 in Piasco, in northern Italy, Gruniverpal specializes in compact electrohydraulic cranes engineered for use in production environments where precision, maneuverability, and safety are crucial. The Minidrel cranes have become an industry benchmark for mold handling on injection molding machines, offering high lifting capacity within minimal working space.
Each Gruniverpal crane is de -
signed to seamlessly integrate into the customer’s production flow. From plastics to aerospace, every application is addressed with artisanal attention and advanced technology. Our patented lifting systems ensure smooth, safe, and accurate movements – reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
At K in Düsseldorf – the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry – Gruniverpal will showcase its latest developments in self-propelled mold handling cranes, including the Minidrel 20SL HG, ideal for managing heavy molds in tight working conditions. The event will be a valuable opportunity to meet with cli-
Lifting redefined with Minidrel 20SL – tailored engineering for unique customer requirements
ents and partners and to share insights on the industry’s evolving challenges.
Driven by engineering passion, long-standing expertise, and customized design, Gruniverpal has become a trusted partner for companies operating at the highest industrial standards. Participating in K 2025 means strengthening a future-oriented vision, where every crane stands as a commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation.
HALL 11 - STAND C 80
High quality extrusion tooling and solutions
West Warwick, Rhode Island (USA)-Guill Tool & Engineering, the global expert in extrusion tooling, will exhibit at the K 2025 trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Guill booth will feature several tools, tips and dies, as well as new developments. These include Cam-Lock, rotary die design, Single-Point Concentricity and the NEW Guill Labs enhancements. Originally developed for the popular Guill Bullet
tool, a Guill extrusion head that eliminates fastening hardware with a fixed center design, multi-port spiral flow and gum space adjustment, Cam-Lock is now available on many of the company’s existing extrusion heads. The design allows quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the crosshead and eliminates the need for socket head caps screws.
By removing and replacing the internals, a different profile can be extruded in minutes rather than hours. Since the Cam-Lock resets the internals in the right configuration every time, there is far less chance of error, compared to the assembly and misalignment issues with torqued socket set screws. It only takes half a turn to remove and install the deflector tip and no fastening hardware is required.
Additional features include fast tool changes (threaded retaining ring for the die and threaded tip retainer), dies remove from the front and tips from the
back, tooling retainers for gum space adjustment, vacuum connections, simplified cleaning and reduced downtime and operating costs.
For a busy shop with multiple products produced or a shop processing challenging materials that require frequent cleaning, this Cam-Lock feature on Guill heads offers significant time, labor and cost savings. By rotating the tooling in relation to the material flow, the new rotary head design increases the wall strength of an extrusion, thereby allowing a thinner wall with less material. Guill’s Single Point Concentricity extrusion crosshead uses micro-fine adjustment screws for precise concentricity adjustment, reaching 0.008” or finer per revolution. This single point concentricity adjustment is a Guill innovation for the extrusion of thinwalled jacketing and precision ID/OD tubing.
HALL 1 - STAND C90
Efficient, safe and user-friendly mechatronic automation system for flat dies
Reifenhäuser has installed its 150th automation system PAM, designed to make flat film producers less dependent on qualified personnel and compatible with flat dies from other manufacturers as well.
After extrusion machine specialist
Reifenhäuser presented the automation system PAM (precise, autonomous, mechatronic) for flat dies and coextrusion adapters for the first time at the K 2022 plastics trade fair, the 150th system has now been installed on a customer line. The patented mechatronic control system has decisive advantages over conventional automatic thermal expansion bolt systems. PAM uses high-precision electric actuators to automatically control the adjusting screws for setting and regulating the flexible die lip. Depending on the die design, it is also possible to autonomously adjust the dust bar, the width adjustment and the lip opening by adjusting the lower die lip. PAM is available for all new Reifenhäuser flat dies and as a retrofit for dies from all third-party manufacturers. The 150th unit was delivered to a customer in Germany who has automated his PET thermoforming sheet line with PAM. The system is characterized by its simple design and handling. At the same time, the sophisticated control works with absolute reliability and precision. In addition to the increase in efficiency, the system is now much easier, more convenient and safer to operate. Once settings have
been saved, they can be called up via the system HMI and PAM delivers perfect and reproducible film quality at the touch of a button. Processors are therefore less dependent on the qualifications and experience of the system operators, achieve a faster start to film production, higher output and consume significantly less energy. This is because the motorized actuators only need to be supplied
This feedblock is the only coextrusion system on the market that enables the profiling of individual film layers while the system is running
with power for a short time during adjustment and not permanently, like conventional thermal expansion bolts. The overall equipment efficiency (OEE) improves significantly overall. “With PAM automation, we can offer our customers a unique system that offers decisive
competitive advantages thanks to the patented mechatronic control system and has proven itself in every respect with 150 systems on the market”, explains Tim Bänsch, Product Manager at Reifenhäuser Extrusion Systems. The technology was developed by maku AG, which was founded by Robert Maeder in 1983. In 2022, Reifenhäuser Extrusion Systems (RES) - the Reifenhäuser Group’s business unit specializing in extrusion components - entered into a strategic partnership with maku to jointly develop the PAM system further and market it worldwide. Reto Maeder, the current managing director, co-owner and son of the company founder, continues to be active in the development and customer support of the PAM system and is available with his many years of expertise in the field of mechatronic die control.
Simple operation and high work safety make producers less dependent on highly qualified personnel
Usually, starting up an extrusion line or changing products requires many skilled operations. Producers are therefore dependent on well-qualified machine operators, which is
a huge problem in times of a shortage of skilled labour and high staff turnover. With PAM, producers become more independent, as the system itself can restore the optimum die setting at any time.
Another decisive advantage of PAM automation is the increased work safety. With a manually controlled flat film line, the machine operator works directly on the so-called hot part of the line. When using PAM, the operator does not have any contact with hot metal elements of the line or with the hot melt itself. Burns or other injuries caused by working on the running extrusion line are therefore ruled out. In this way, producers can easily fulfil the mandatory occupational safety requirements in hightech markets, such as North America or Europe, and protect their employees in the best possible way.
PAM for coextrusion adapters
The PAM control system is not only available for flat dies but also for the Reifenhäuser Coextrusion Adaptor Pro. This feedblock is the only coextrusion system on the market that enables the profiling of individual film layers while the system is running. Unlike conventional solu-
tions, the elements in the adapter do not have to be removed, processed and reinstalled in a time-consuming manner. Instead, profilers can be flexibly controlled individually or together during operation via a central adjustment. W ith the PAM option, Reifenhäuser goes one step further and automates the setting of the layer distribution and simplifies adjustments and optimizations thanks to integrated recipe management. This is particularly worthwhile for manufacturers of films with many layers and many product changes. While the coextrusion adapter for simple 3-layer laminates can be set in a few simple steps, up to 70 profilers need to be adjusted for barrier laminates with 11 layers, for example. Compared to manual adjustment by a machine
PAM uses high-precision electric actuators to automatically control the adjusting screws for setting and regulating the flexible die lip
operator, automation saves around half an hour of changeover time, depending on the number of profilers to be adjusted. Reifenhäuser is one of the few machine manufacturers on the market that produces all hot part components itself - extruder, coextrusion adapter and die. Thanks to this hot part expertise within the group, all process-related interfaces can be perfectly designed to work together. PAM takes the whole package to a new level.
The 150th unit was delivered to a customer in Germany who has automated his PET thermoforming sheet line with PAM
A pioneering plant that regenerates carbon fibre
Hera Group unveils FIB3R, the plant built in Imola that is expected to produce 160 tonnes of recycled carbon fibre per year, with a 75% energy saving compared to virgin fibre.
The Hera Group is moving swiftly towards the circular economy of the future and has inaugurated, in Imola (Bologna), at the heart of the country’s Motor Valley, the first plant of its kind in Europe, capable of regenerating carbon fibre on an industrial scale. It is called FIB3R, a name that reflects the 3 R’s that stand at the basis of the project: recover, reduce, reuse. Carbon
fibre is thus recovered and reused, reducing the use of virgin fibre and therefore the environmental impact that would be required to produce it.
There is one important competitive advantage: the fibre regenerated from FIB3R retains the virgin fibre’s characteristic lightness and high strength, guaranteeing - through a state-of-the-art pyrogasification process -
that the regenerated product is ready to be reused, rewoven and/or impregnated, for the high-performance purposes for which this type of material is intended. The number of industrial sectors interested in these outstanding features is increasing, ranging from automotive to aerospace, nautical, furniture, textiles and fashion in the broadest sense, only to give a few examples.
The Hera Group’s commitment to advancing the ecological transition, as well as the expected increase in demand for carbon fibre over the next few years, have led it to anticipate this megatrend, accepting the challenge of applying it to this material as well, on
an industrial scale. This will reinforce the virtuous path towards the circular economy that has been the basis of its strategy for years, combining economic growth with environmental sustainability. A path that places itself at the heart of the Italian Circular Valley, as this very territory has been developing material recovery initiatives with circular solutions for over forty years.
This path is the right one, as confirmed by the interest of the European Union, which has allocated FIB3R financing coming to more than 2.2 million euro as part of NextGenerationEU for its innovative technology and the strategic importance of the materials processed. The total investment planned by the Hera Group to build the Imola plant amounts to 8 million euro.
At present, the plant is expected to produce 160 tonnes of recycled carbon fibre each year, with energy savings coming to 75% compared to virgin fibre.
“FIB3R is the first plant of its kind in Europe able to recycle carbon fibre. It is aimed at promoting short and circular supply chains, in line with the strategy of making our served areas more competitive and resilient”, states Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group. “FIB3R is also a concrete example of how the Hera Group is able to combine technological innovation and sustainability, by exploiting the cross fertilisation between the advanced skills of the Group’s various sectors. Recovering carbon fibre not only reduces the environmental impact of this waste, but also creates new market opportunities in strategic industrial sectors. Investing in this kind of circular infrastructure increases the resilience of production chains, reduces dependence on imports of critical raw materials and, at the same time, creates value through sustainable business models. With over 100
advanced plants and 5 new facilities under construction, we have consolidated our country’s largest and most modern set of plants for material treatment and recovery, strengthening our role as a reference operator in the sector and a driving force for the circular economy in Italy. Our Business Plan confirms this strategy, with 2 billion euro in investments for 2024-
2028 destined for regenerating resources, a commitment intended to generate value for all our stakeholders.”
The inauguration of the FIB3R plant within the Group’s main facility in Imola, near Bologna, offered a chance to engage in a debate on the future of carbon fibre, combining innovation and sustainability.
From the left: Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group; Irene Priolo, Councillor for the Environment, Local Planning, Mobility and Transport and Infrastructures of the Emilia-Romagna Region; Marco Panieri, Mayor of Imola and Andrea Ramonda, CEO of Herambiente
Hera Group inauguration of the FIB3R plant in Imola
Before FIB3R
The Imola plant was developed by Group subsidiary Herambiente, Italy’s leading waste recovery and treatment operator, which had been experimenting with the carbon fibre recovery process for some time. This involved a collaboration with the Department of Industrial Chemistry of the University of Bologna and its technological partner Curti Costruzioni Meccaniche, a Ravenna-based company and leader in the production of automatic machines for industrial applications, which offered its knowledge and pilot plant to model the formula being studied. After three years of tests, the Hera Group, based on its expertise in engineering and waste treatment, industrially developed the project and built the FIB3R plant, to recycle composite materials and help bridge the gap between supply and demand of virgin fibre, reducing its environmental impact.
How carbon fibre is reborn
In the Imola plant, the rebirth of carbon fibre happens inside a 60-metre tunnel where an innovative and advanced pyrogasification process takes place. In the first phase, pyrolysis, the carbon fibre, which is more resistant
to heat, is released from the resin, and in the second phase, gasification guarantees a regenerated fibre of the highest quality, pure, shiny and entirely sustainable as regards the environment. The resin decomposed in a gaseous form is reused to generate part of the energy required for the process, maximising energy recovery. The dust remaining in the fibres is vacuumed and sent to the abatement system. The result, after treatment, is the finest high-purity carbon fibre, with all its mechanical properties intact and ready to be rewoven and impregnated for all the typical uses of virgin fibre.
Energy savings and closing the circle
The recycling is potentially infinite and energy savings are very high compared to the production of virgin fibre, which is extremely energy intensive due to the high temperatures used. Furthermore, producing virgin carbon fibre requires the use of fossil raw materials and an increased reliance on landfills, since waste from fibre processing is almost exclusively destined for disposal. Life cycle analysis shows that energy demand for producing
recycled fibre is 75% lower and avoids 74% of greenhouse gas emissions, significantly reducing disposals in landfills. And that’s not all: the unique nature of FIB3R also depends on the total traceability of the processed material. The used carbon fibre, in fact, enters the plant inside containers equipped with a QR code, which contains their identity card: technical characteristics, weight and origin. Once the process is complete, the same traced material returns to its owner in the form of regenerated carbon fibre, closing the circle and ensuring maximum sustainability, transparency and quality.
FIB3R’s travelling companions
To be effective, the closed cycle that distinguishes the innovative Imola plant needs partnerships between Hera Group and companies in the complex carbon chain, given that this material is increasingly present in hi-tech production sectors and, consequently, in waste management cycles. The Leonardo Group has already taken up the challenge of applying the circular economy to its production processes and, in this specific case, through its Aerostructures Division, it has launched an industrial synergy with the Hera Group by supporting a project within the Imola plant to recover carbon fibres used to reinforce the polymer matrix composites used to construct aircraft parts. Therefore, thanks to Herambiente’s assets and the know-how developed in the Leonardo Group’s laboratories, this precious material will be recycled with positive consequences in terms of sustainability and circularity. More specifically, Leonardo’s Aerostructures Division will confer to Herambiente part of the waste fibres deriving from the construction of the components of some of the best-known civil aircraft in the commercial aviation sector, such as the stabiliser of the ATR turboprop, the fuselage and horizontal stabiliser of the Boeing 787, and the tail pieces of the Airbus A220.
The exterior of the FIB3R plant in Imola
The anti-fouling additive for the PE and PP polymerisation process
Palsgaard A/S, a n expert in plantbased additives for the plastics industry, has introduced a safe, sustainable anti-fouling additive for the polypropylene and polyethylene polymerisation process. Developed from renewable raw materials, the food-grade additive Einar ® 987 has been developed to address concerns about the ethoxylated amine (EA) chemistry currently used.
The active compound of Einar 987 – which is supplied as a clear, viscous liquid – is a polyglycerol ester (PGE) blend of fatty acids from vegetable oils. As a non-toxic and food-contact-approved anti-fouling additive, it offers a drop-in, regulatory-compliant solution to replace the incumbent EAs.
When developing Einar 987, Palsgaard drew on its extensive knowledge of anti-static and food-safe chemistries. We considered a number of pa-
rameters when developing this new formulation, focusing on creating an additive that would offer at least equal performance while also being both safer and more sustainable than currently available options.
“Polyolefin resin producers stand to benefit directly from this technology, as its anti-static properties help to ensure the polymer powder does not cling to the reactor wall during polymerisation. This serves to stabilise the reaction temperature, sustain a high production performance and enable consistent product quality”, said Laura Juhl, Application Manager for Palsgaard’s Bio-Speciality Additives.
Safety concerns over amine chemistry have led resin makers to seek alternatives for some time now. Einar 987 is effective at low dosages of just 100-300 ppm and helps to deliver long catalyst mileage without any
compromise in performance. Einar 987 is one of several products that Palsgaard will be showcasing on its booth at the upcoming K 2025 trade show in Dusseldorf, Germany. Visit Palsgaard at K 2025 in Hall 7, Level 1, Booth C15, to meet the product and market specialists and discuss the sustainable benefits and superior performance of Einar plant-based polymer additives.
Greenhouse films now part of the ERDE system
As of now, agricultural businesses can also return used greenhouse films in an environmentally sound manner through the established ERDE system, thereby actively contributing to the circular economy. This addition closes a gap in the take-back scheme for agricultural plastic products.
After collection, the films are recycled by specialised European recycling partners into high-quality recyclate – a valuable secondary raw material that flows back into the production of new greenhouse films or other film applications. The initiative not only promotes resource conservation but also offers farmers another practical opportunity to take responsibility for used plastics.
In addition to Plastika Kritis, which supported pilot collections last year, further manufacturers such as Groupe Barbier, RKW SE and Reyenvas are now
committed to enabling a sustainable recycling solution for these large-scale agricultural plastics.
The success of the new collection category for greenhouse films demonstrates the importance of cooperation among all players along the value chain: manufacturers, distributors, collection partners, and farmers are working closely together to make a functioning circular economy possible. Clean and sorted collection is key to ensuring high-quality recycling – and ERDE actively supports this through information campaigns and training on proper handling.
With around 700 collection points and over 150 collection partners, the take-back system is already well-established across the country and continues to expand wherever needed in practice. Additionally, the new ERDE
premium label promotes particularly committed distribution partners who meet the highest sustainability standards by selling only ERDE-licensed products.
Recycling used greenhouse films not only helps reduce plastic waste but also cuts significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.
YEARS XIV N. 3
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Thrilled by electric challenges.
We use our expertise to develop high-performance solutions. Whether it’s materials for thermal and power management, for battery system components or for recharging infrastructure, you can count on the best products to make journeys more efficient and sustainable.
We use our expertise to develop high-performance solutions. Whether it’s materials for thermal and power management, for battery system components or for recharging infrastructure, you can count on the best products to make journeys more efficient and sustainable.
Let’s get you e-future ready.
www.radicigroup.com Thrilled by electric challenges.
