Reduction, reuse, recycling, replacement: The Reifenhäuser Group will focus on these four principles at K 2019 (Booth C22, Hall 17), showcase innovative extrusion technologies, and create a sustainable future for plastics.
Ulrich Reifenhäuser, CSO of the Reifenhäuser Group
"We are working to take responsibility as part of our action to change the way plastics are used and handled." Reifenhäuser Group's CSO Ulrich Reifenhäuser said at the K preview.
Plastic is the ideal raw material for many applications, but unfortunately it cannot always be recycled. "That's why we have to solve key problems and further develop new extrusion technologies to improve and develop the ideal solution for the development of circular economy."
Sustainable development, digitization and innovation
Reifenhäuser will present a series of new sustainable solutions for plastics production at K2019. As a result, the level of "extruder" it introduced far exceeds the standard product portfolio of machine manufacturers.
When developing products, Reifenhäuser considered recyclability from the beginning, for example through efficient processes to save resources and reduce plastic use; using waste-free production machines, and providing innovative solutions for waste plastic recycling.
"We have a professional and comprehensive knowledge base that can provide a variety of solutions that meet the requirements of sustainability and competitiveness. All the technologies we demonstrate at K 2019 are based on four principles: reduce, reuse, recycle and replace, "Explained Ulrich Reifenhäuser.
"Given that plastic is a material that has been used in the last century and continues to become the mainstream material in this century, as a part of the plastic industry, we are faced with an urgent task that is to solve the problem of recyclability.
The family-owned company from Troisdorf strategically focuses its business in three areas: extrusion lines, components and digital solutions.
IoT devices enable production lines to connect to Reifenhäuser's digital software solutions.
Reifenhäuser has a strong network of highly specialized business units, capable of driving development and innovation by integrating and linking expertise across business areas.
As Ulrich Reifenhäuser puts it: "At K 2019, customers will see our extruder team" Extrusioneers ", a cutting-edge solution dedicated to advancing technological development and improving process and productivity professional team."
The extruder technology team is a partner for optimizing existing extrusion lines.
Innovation highlights at booths and in-house shows
Reifenhäuser will showcase its expertise on-site at an internal trade fair in Troisdorf. Seven digitally controlled production lines will be showcased on October 17, 21, and 22.
This display is not a demonstration of the production line operation, but a unique way to present innovation highlights through different forms of demonstration.
Reifenhäuser Ultra Flat Plus: 30% reduction in film thickness
One option for using plastics in a more sustainable way is environmentally friendly bio-based plastics. Conceptually, bio-based plastics must be biodegradable. Some are even made from renewable resources such as sugar cane or corn.
Bioplastics have great potential for use, especially in packaging industries with relatively short lifespans, such as food transport packaging or takeaway product packaging.
Bioplastics-an affordable alternative?
For bio-based plastics, due to their different material composition, some challenges have also arisen in the manufacture of biodegradable packaging films, which have inhibited market growth.
The first is the cost of materials. The price of bio-based plastics is about four times that of PE. In addition, to use conventional processing methods, you have to make concessions in terms of mechanical properties. Inadequate material rigidity also means longer processing times, such as when manufacturing compostable bioplastic bags.
Ultra-thin, excellent strength
Reifenhäuser developed Ultra Flat Plus to provide customers with solutions that increase economic efficiency and significantly improve processability.
Reifenhäuser is currently the only company that can provide this technology. Using a unique in-line stretching device during traction can reduce film thickness by 30%.
Thinning a warm biofilm can increase its strength, which means that the finishing speed will also increase-it can reach a level equivalent to that of a PE film.
High-performance bio-packaging film
Ultra Flat Plus traction stretch film will be more energy efficient and save more resources for users or customers. According to reports, this small upgrade allows a simple single-layer production line to produce high-quality bio-based blown and stretch films. The tool's control system can be quickly and directly integrated into existing processes.
K2019 Preview: Roundtable
During the K2019 preview, in addition to the presentations of well-known exhibitors, representatives of K 2019 support organizations also held roundtable talks.
In discussing market prospects, Ulrich Reifenhäuser, chairman of the German Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association (VDMA), said that the German plastics and rubber machinery industry has achieved very considerable growth over the past nine years, but the situation in 2019 is a bit less optimistic.
From left: Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the German Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association (VDMA), Dr. Oliver Möllenstädt., Executive Director of the German Association of Plastics Coveters, Dr. Rüdiger Baunemann, General Manager of the Plastics Europe Association and Central European Regional Director, and Secretary-General of the German Rubber Industry Association (Association of the German Rubber Industry) Boris Engelhardt and Erhard Wienkamp, Arne Birken, executive director and moderator of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH's foreign trade exhibition department.
According to the prediction of the German Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association (VDMA), the German plastics and rubber machinery industry will decline by about 10%. "This is not a small drop, but a big drop." He said.
He mentioned two industries that are particularly critical: automotive and packaging. The current market in the automotive industry is uncertain; the packaging industry is facing severe challenges from a circular economy.
At the same time, Dr. Oliver Möllenstädt, Executive Director of the German Association of Plastics Coveters, also confirmed that the market today is not as dynamic as it used to be, and the main challenge is the automotive and packaging industries. However, he said different industries performed differently. For example, the construction industry is currently doing very well.
Despite serious challenges, Dr. Rüdiger Baunemann, General Manager of the Plastics Europe Association and Central European Regional Director, emphasized that the plastics and rubber industry is still evolving and innovating.
Regarding the rubber industry, Boris Engelhardt, Secretary-General of the Association of the German Rubber Industry, said the industry is committed to sourcing sustainable natural rubber in order to contribute more to the circular economy.