The Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. – FSK) is extending the deadline for applications for the Innovation Award until 27/06/2024. ‘It should be another exciting competition. We are spoilt in this respect from previous years,’ says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger, explaining the deadline extension. The renowned FSK Innovation Award for Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes is very popular in the industry and has always been able to recognise the best projects and products from a large number of applications in the past. The association has already received a number of enquiries about innovations. ‘However, in the spirit of true competition, we are still happy to receive one or two applications,’ says Junginger

The applicant portal is now open: The German Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes (FSK e. V.) is organising the Innovation Award for Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes 2024. Young talents and specialists as well as professionals and companies are invited to submit innovative ideas, forward-looking concepts and new developments in the field of foamed plastics and polyurethanes.

When five out of 18 submissions are deemed worthy of an award, it speaks volumes for the innovative strength of the polymer industry. The aim of the FSK Innovation Award, which has been presented since 1998, is not only to honor forward-looking ideas, but above all to promote young talent and support cooperation between the award winners and potential industrial partners. The expert jury selected by the FSK evaluates according to a number of criteria, e.g. novelty, market and competitiveness, sustainability, technical feasibility and design. Prizes are awarded in various categories in the "Professionals/Professionals" and "Young Professionals" categories. Each award winner impresses in their own way with their inventive spirit and innovative strength. Presenter Sven Müller, whose main job is innovation manager at Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH, knows what is important: "If you want innovation, you have to believe in an idea and drive it forward vehemently. And the organization that promotes innovation needs a healthy culture of error. Failure must also be allowed."