Presserelease

Stuttgart, 16.01.2025 – Together with its member company NEVEON – an internationally successful company for the production and processing of flexible and composite polyurethane foams and part of the Greiner Group – the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) is organizing the Sustainability Symposium in Austria on 18 and 19 March 2025. A varied program awaits participants on both days at NEVEON’s Austrian production sites in Linz and Kremsmünster.

“The topic of sustainability is omnipresent,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. “It directly affects everyone in the value chain of our industry. It is a task for the future that has already begun and can only be mastered together.” For this reason, the FSK is also inviting all industry representatives along the value chain to its Sustainability Symposium and offering the opportunity to share experiences in dealing with the challenges.

On the first day of the event in Linz, Austria, the host member company NEVEON Austria GmbH will report on the successful implementation of sustainability approaches in its own company. Roland Krämer, VP Group R&D Innovation Excellence at NEVEON and NEVEON Sustainability Manager Carolin-Luise Picht will jointly present “Progress in sustainable polyurethane foams”. Afterwards, the participants are invited to get to know the production site in Linz. A particular highlight of the tour is the production of lightweight foams as well as filter and sealing foams. The first day of the event will end with a cozy get-together at the Hotel Kremstalerhof in Leonding (Linz) and ample opportunity for networking and professional exchange.

The series of lectures will continue on the second day, March 19, 2025, in Kremsmünster, Austria, at NEVEON Holding GmbH. Presentations will be given from all areas of the value chain: regulation, raw material production, automotive supply and disposal. Host NEVEON will once again kick things off with the topic “Taxonomy – Theoretical requirements put into practice” by Roland Krämer and Carolin-Luise Picht. This will be followed by Stefaan Cognie, co-founder of TripleR, with his presentation “Digital Product Passport and its role in recycling and sustainability”. This will be followed by a presentation by Michael Behnke, Director Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at the IAC Group, who will talk about “Design for Recycling in the Vehicle Interior” from the perspective of an automotive supplier. Dr. Dr. Thomas Probst from bvse (Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffe und Entsorgung e.V.) will present the ecological benefits of foam plastics by saving energy, resources and greenhouse gases.

In the afternoon, the participants of the symposium will also get to know the NEVEON site in Kremsmünster. Here, participants will learn how NEVEON uses mass-balanced raw materials and thus actively contributes to the conservation of resources. A special highlight is the presentation of the production of the innovative foam.hybrid eNdura foam, which produces around 70% fewer emissions than comparable products.

The program, hotel information and registration tool can be found on the FSK website.

Further information on the Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK) and its events as well as the work of the specialist committees is available online at: www.fsk-vsv.de or by telephone: 0711 993 751- 0.

The FSK is pleased to welcome MA-Industrie GmbH as a new member of the association.

MA-Industrie GmbH – Innovative Foam Technology:

As a manufacturer of packaging solutions and foam products, we are active in a wide range of sectors and offer a comprehensive selection of foam packaging, technical foams, foam blanks and many other foam technology products for industry and electronics.

With us, you have an experienced partner at your side who is very familiar with individual customer requirements and always develops economical and high-quality solutions. In addition to legal regulations and individual customer requirements, the speed of packaging development through to series production plays a decisive role.

Our foams are produced almost exclusively within the European Union. Around 30 % of them are produced directly in Germany. All processing steps are carried out 100% in Germany, most of them in our district. In this way, we strengthen our region, reduce CO2 emissions during transport and ensure a fast and flexible supply chain.

Traditional company from Bavaria:

We have been based in beautiful Bavaria since 1987. This is where innovative foam packaging and packaging solutions are created with the help of state-of-the-art machines and a motivated team. 27 employees, over 30 years of experience and a direct line to our customers form the success story of MA-INDUSTRIE GmbH.

For a green future: sustainability in the foam industry

Look out for our Go Green label when shopping and help to preserve a healthy environment. Our Go Green foam packaging contains at least 80% recycled material. We also avoid as many additives as possible, such as adhesive films, hot glue, etc., to make it easier to separate the raw materials during recycling. Go Green products are our small contribution to a better environment.

Customised packaging:

We realise every requirement! Whether constructive foam packaging or special case inserts, we have the right solution for every requirement. Our high-quality foam products offer customised protection, precision and versatility. Do you have a project or an idea? We offer the solution! In our product overview, you will find a selection of foam products in addition to our customised packaging solutions.

We are the professionals when it comes to foam processing – let us advise you!

Stuttgart, 27.11.2024 – In the new conference and visitor centre, FSK Chairman of the Board Jörg Arntzen, Dow Anlagengesellschaft mbH, welcomed the 106 participants to the 23rd International Symposium on Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes and thanked KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH for hosting the FSK ‘this year’. He emphasised the importance of the associations, especially in these times, and called for a lively exchange in order to achieve something together.

FSK General Meeting: Association faces challenges in a strong network

This had also become clear at the previous general meeting. The association’s review and outlook clearly emphasised the importance of appropriate networking and positioning. The active involvement in the specialist groups and the association as a whole, the cooperation with national and European associations, the continuous further development of the training and event programme, the processing and preparation of new topics and technologies for the members have already begun in the past year and will be further expanded in the coming year.

KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH: FSK member welcomed at new location

In his keynote speech, Dr Frank Szimmat, KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH, Managing Director, Executive Vice President Global Reaction Process Machinery, welcomed the participants. He stood in for the CEO of the KraussMaffei Group, Chi Zhang, who was unfortunately unavailable at short notice and reported that although the new site in Parsdorf is still being finalised, it is the right step towards a sustainable future. The modern facility is virtually energy-independent. He invited everyone to get to know the new, modern and sustainable KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH over the next two days, especially during the factory tour, and to take a look at the ColorForm machine.

He invited the participants to take part in KraussMaffei’s turtle project. The turtles on display showed the precision that is now possible when using recycled material, but they are also accompanied by a fundraising campaign. During the conference, participants were able to take a photo of themselves with a turtle, publish it on LinkedIn, tag KraussMaffei and thus contribute to the fundraising campaign for the protection of turtles.

Specialist presentations: Flooding technology, recycling, flame protection

The presentation by Peter Gießmann, KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH, introduced the process of the Colorform machine, which floods components with a PUR coating as a surface finish during the injection moulding process. This allows individual customer requirements to be met at the highest aesthetic and quality level. ‘The process is ultimately simple, but getting there required a high level of expertise,’ reports Peter Gießmann. The result not only impresses with its flawless design, but also with the cost and time savings.

Sebastian Thener, Votteler Lackfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, went on to describe how the machine is used. Driven by the highest demands on paints and colours, the company has now been able to successfully produce components, particularly for the automotive industry. The possibilities are unlimited and the interest in the quality is great, as was evident from the demonstration object. This is not surprising given the many advantages of in-mould coating, which saves numerous intermediate steps and the corresponding time and costs, and of course also scores points in terms of sustainability. The coating can be applied extremely thinly, but still fulfil the requirements for a shatterproof and damage-resistant surface.

Angelina Schöffel, Georg H. Luh Farben- und Chemikalien Großhandelsges. mbH, gave an introduction to the world of natural graphite and then expanded graphite in her presentation. ‘The old hat always encounters new developments,’ she reported on the need to consider each case individually. Acidity in particular plays an important role in the field of polyurethanes, as does the processing temperature, especially in slabstock foam, which is adjusted depending on the application. LUH consistently pursues the concept of sustainability and will continue to be able to convince in the future, especially with regard to substance considerations concerning flame retardants containing bromine or halogen.

Dr Mark Charles Staniford and Dr Daniel Freidank, BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, report on the daily demand that non-recyclable raw materials should be replaced with recyclable ones. It should not be forgotten, however, that only three per cent of automotive parts, for example, are recycled. Only a fundamental change in the way we deal with end-of-life products will therefore make a circular economy possible. It is crucial that the value of the potential is recognised. They impressively and vividly presented a new way of mechanically recycling polyurethane foam. The development was based on the end of product use. The aim was to manufacture the original product in such a way that it is suitable for recycling applications. This has been successfully achieved. Even after several repetitions of the recycling process, the quality standards of the product are always met.

Matthias Henning began by giving an overview of the ambitious goals and requirements of European waste legislation. He presented the recycling process for PE foams at General Industries Deutschland, from collection at the compactors to the diverse product range of granulates that are produced for customers from the source material. He reported on the challenges that still exist even in this established process, starting with the high and varied requirements of customers. He pointed out that only large quantities can be recycled economically.

‘The various recycling directives of the individual European countries are constantly on the rise and merciless enforcement is to be expected,’ reported Iwona Szelag from Abriso Jiffy. In this context, green washing and misleading advertising slogans should be criticised. It is therefore worth taking a closer look. The packaging products from Jiffy Abriso are convincing in this case, as the verifiable recycling rates are certified. Sustainability is practised, the recycling possibilities are significantly higher than for paper products and the performance of the plastic products is undisputed.

Future viability of foam plastics: High-calibre panel discussion

The explosive nature of the topic of sustainability was already evident in the Q&A sessions following the presentations and was closely linked to recycling. Following a brief round of introductions by Dr Lutz Eggers, Dr Freist Automotive Bielefeld GmbH, Dr Eva Emmrich-Smolzcyk, Evonik Operations GmbH, Dr Ronny Hanich-Spahn, Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) and Fabian Roemer from REMONDIS Recycling GmbH & Co. KG went straight into medias res. Both the experts and the audience agreed that Germany is still a pioneer when it comes to recycling and the corresponding technological developments. However, there is still a large discrepancy between demand and the willingness to bear additional costs for recycling products. In the meantime, a positive trend and willingness to bear the costs of recycling products has been noticeable, but this has faltered again in view of the current economic situation. Nevertheless, it is important to lay the foundations now in order to develop a business case by 2030.

It does not make sense and is not practical to recycle every complex product area, such as a car seat. Rather, it would be desirable to successfully recycle an easily manageable and large potential, such as old mattresses, and then later transfer the knowledge gained to new product groups. However, this would require politicians to set the right course. The now positive communication along the value chain, the cooperation between research and industry, must also be extended to politics and regulatory authorities. At this point, moderator Jörg Arntzen, Dow Anlagengesellschaft mbH, pointed out that associations play a central role in this and that they are constantly working to ensure that the needs of the industry are heard.

Evening event: networking and dialogue

The communicative part of the event was not neglected either. During the breaks and on the evening of the symposium, the participants had ample opportunity to pick up on the interesting specialist presentations and discussion topics and discuss them in greater depth. There was also plenty of opportunity to make interesting and helpful contacts.

Second day of the event: A wide range of specialist topics in the lecture series

After the opening of the second day of the event, Dr Ulrich Fehrenbacher, Rühl Puromer GmbH, and Dr Julius Rausch, Audi AG, reported on their joint project with numerous partners for sustainable, fibre-reinforced underbody protection for battery electric vehicles. The high requirements of high durability even under maximum force, low weight and construction height were realised in a sandwich construction with 100% bio-isocyanate and recycled polyol. The development result was convincing in every respect.

Thomas Rheidt, Hercutec Chemie GmbH, presented pentane as a blowing agent. ‘Looks like water, but doesn’t behave like water.’ With these words, he clearly illustrated in his presentation that production and use are not trivial. Pentanes are produced from fossil raw materials, and no other method is currently available, so substitution is not conceivable at the current state of knowledge. Only a Dutch approach to recycling, in which pentane is recovered, gives hope for a closed loop. However, the positive contribution made by pentane as a blowing agent for insulating materials, whose outstanding properties and associated CO₂ savings are undisputed, remains remarkable.

‘Concentrate on the cost factors that you can influence,’ recommended Daniel Küthe, Purplan Group, in his presentation on a sensible maintenance strategy in the company. He explained how companies can first analyse and then optimise their maintenance in order to keep costs low in the future. This is based on an individual analysis according to damage and frequency classes. The risk matrix is used to map the observation and determine the need for action in terms of a maintenance strategy.

Wilhelm Rupertsberger, Fill Gesellschaft m.b.H., and Johannes Rosenberger, PARAT Technology GmbH + Co. KG, explained the process of physically welding PU particles, which is easier to handle than the reaction with polyurethane, together and equipped with an impressive illustrative object. The increasing demand for special forms of polyurethane and also for particle foams was the reason for relaunching the process, which is extremely energy-efficient without the use of steam. The technology, which is still at the prototype stage, promises many potential applications with its excellent recycling conditions, lightweight construction properties, insulation values and cost balance.

Dr Ivo Erler, Covestro Deutschland AG, reported on the promising application field of e-mobility. ‘The architecture of the battery is decisive for the requirements placed on the polyurethane foam,’ he explained the extensive property profile. Mechanical stability, acoustics, insulation, safety, reliability and structural integrity are essential prerequisites for successful use in various battery applications. Requirements that can be covered by the range of properties of polyurethane.

The difficulties that companies in the plastics industry encounter when it comes to operational fire protection and the corresponding insurance policies lie in the upstream assessment and categorisation into a high risk group. Stefan Peters and the entire Best Group team, who specialise in advising medium-sized companies in the plastics industry, are committed to providing solid insurance cover and individual solutions with maximum efficiency and the lowest possible outlay. In his presentation, he outlined the pivotal points for inspections by insurers and the obligations of companies.

Highlight factory tour KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH

The final highlight of the conference was the extensive factory tour of the KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH site in Parsdorf. Divided into three groups, all participants were able to experience the new production halls at close quarters and were given great insights and valuable information about the impressive technology, the modern equipment and the optimally planned and executed logistical production lines, which reflect KraussMaffei’s future-oriented approach. The 5,300 steps on the participants’ meters during the tour were not only a welcome change, but also an expression of the impressive size of the new production site.

Full-size images are available on request – I.Kramer@fsk-vsv.de.

Further information on the Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK) and its events as well as the work of the specialist committees is available online at: www.fsk-vsv.de or by telephone: 0711 993 751- 0.

Opening of the 2024 conference: FSK Chairman of the Board Jörg Arntzen, Dow Anlagengesellschaft mbH

Dr. Frank Szimmat, Executive Vice President RPM, Managing Director, KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH, welcomes the 106 participants

Specialist presentations are very well received

Panel discussion on the future viability of foam plastics (from left to right): Moderator Jörg Arntzen, Dow Anlagengesellschaft mbH, panellists: Dr Lutz Eggers, Dr Freist Automotive Bielefeld GmbH, Fabian Roemer, REMONDIS Recycling GmbH & Co. KG Dr Eva Emmrich-Smolzcyk, Evonik Operations GmbH, Dr Ronny Hanich-Spahn, Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT).

Participants at the Specialists Conference on Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes

Stuttgart, 04.11.2024 – Just a few weeks to go until the important industry meeting and annual highlight of the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK). On November 20 and 21, 2024, the big annual conference will take place at the KraussMaffei Group’s new main plant and headquarters in Parsdorf with a get-together the evening before on November 19, 2024. But it’s not just the setting that attracts visitors with unique insights into the world of KraussMaffei as part of the plant tour and the live demonstration of the ColorForm system, the lecture topics and the panel discussion with their diverse topics also invite you to further professional training and lively exchange right into the cozy evening events.

Exciting lecture series with varied topics 

“The FSK stands for the diversity of an entire industry like no other association, as our members reflect the entire value chain in the polyurethane and foamed plastics industry. Our conference participants can therefore expect a correspondingly diverse program at our conference,” reveals FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. The following companies will be presenting innovative and varied expert lectures from both members and non-members:

• Audi AG
• BASF Polyurethanes GmbH 
• BEST Gruppe 
• Covestro Deutschland AG
• Fill Gesellschaft m. b. H.
• Fraunhofer-Institut für chemische Technologie
• General Industries Deutschland
• Georg H. LUH GmbH
• HERCUTEC Chemie GmbH
• Jiffy Packaging Sp. z.o.o.
• KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH und Kraus Maffei Group GmbH
• PARAT Technology GmbH + Co. KG
• PURPLAN GmbH
• Rühl Puromer GmbH
• VOTTELER Lackfabrik GmbH & Co. KG.

 

Panel discussion: Future viability of foam plastics 

A panel discussion will also take place as part of the conference. The association will not shy away from discussing the critical question of the extent to which foam plastics are still fit for the future with high-profile representatives from various sectors of the industry. “Against the backdrop of regulatory restrictions, social pressure, demands for recyclability and sustainability and the current economic situation, we are feeling enormous pressure in the industry. We need to consciously face up to this and all the associated challenges,” says Junginger, pointing out the explosive nature of the discussion. The discussion will be chaired and moderated by FSK Chairman of the Board Jörg Arntzen, Dow Deutschland Anlagengesellschaft mbH; Guests on the podium are:

• Lutz Eggers, Dr. Freist Automotive Bielefeld GmbH
• Eva Emmrich-Smolzcyk, Evonik Operations GmbH
• Ronny Hanich-Spahn, Fraunhofer-Institut für Chemische Technologie (ICT)
• Fabian Roemer, REMONDIS Recycling GmbH & Co. KG.

Presentation of association work

The members’ meeting always takes place as part of the association’s major annual conference. Even before the conference begins, the members of the association meet for an internal meeting to discuss and determine the status quo, finances and the major future topics of the association and its subsidiary together with the FSK Board. “At this event, we reach our members and all interested parties up close. The contact and direct exchange is extremely important to us, and the conference provides a lot of impetus for the coming association year,” reports Junginger. Some of the association’s key topics will also be presented directly in live demonstrations. On both days, participants will have the opportunity to get to know the entire range of training courses on offer, in particular on AI and Tank Farm Assessments (TFA), IBC/Drum Assessments (IDA) and specialized trainings for tanker unloading personnel.

Note on the registration procedure

There are still places available to attend the conference. Registrations are only possible via the FSK’s online registration tool. You can find the detailed program, the list of participants and other important information about the event on the association’s website. When registering, please ensure that you give the system sufficient time to save and process the data. Once you have successfully completed your registration, a registration confirmation will appear in your browser and you will also receive a confirmation email 1 – 3 working days later.

Stuttgart, 05.09.2024 – The Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) is once again inviting conference guests to a unique venue and an impressive conference program this year. The 23rd FSK conference will take place on November 20 and 21, 2024 with a get-together the evening before on November 19, 2024 at the new main plant and headquarters of the KraussMaffei Group in Parsdorf. The association gratefully accepts the invitation to the vicinity of Munich and, together with all participants, is already looking forward to great and unique insights during the entire event and, of course, especially the planned plant tour with live demonstration of the Color-Form process. The hosts will be welcoming Chi Zhang himself, the new Managing Director of the KraussMaffei Group, who will open the conference with his keynote speech.

But it’s not just the location that attracts participants – this year’s programme will also impress with expert presentations, a panel discussion, plenty of time for networking and professional exchange as well as attractive evenings. ‘Our participants can expect varied, exciting, innovative expert presentations and contributions from our members as well as non-members on chemical and process engineering topics, political and social challenges for our industry, risk management and much more,’ reveals FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. As part of the panel discussion, the association will not shy away from discussing the critical question of the extent to which foam plastics are still fit for the future with high-calibre representatives from various sectors of the industry. ‘Against the backdrop of regulatory restrictions, social pressure, demands for recyclability and sustainability and the current economic situation, we are feeling enormous pressure in the industry. We need to consciously face up to this and all the associated challenges,’ says Junginger, emphasising the explosive nature of the discussion.

Registration for the conference is only possible via the FSK’s online registration tool. In addition to the hosts KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH and Kraus Maffei Group GmbH, the following companies will be participating in the conference:

• BASF Polyurethanes GmbH 
• BEST Gruppe
• Dow Anlagengesellschaft
• Evonik Operations GmbH
• Fill Gesellschaft m. b. H.
• Georg H. LUH GmbH
• HERCUTEC Chemie GmbH
• Jiffy Packaging Sp. z.o.o.
• PURPLAN GmbH
• Remondis Recycling GmbH & Co. KG
• VOTTELER Lackfabrik GmbH & Co. KG.

The members’ meeting always takes place as part of the association’s major annual conference. Before the conference begins, the members of the trade association meet for an internal meeting to discuss and determine the status quo, finances and the major future topics of the association and its subsidiaries together with the FSK Executive Board. Some of the association’s key topics will also be presented directly in live demonstrations. On both days, participants will have the opportunity to get to know the FSC’s AI and sustainability projects as well as the extended range of training courses, in particular on AI and Tank Farm Assessments (TFA), IBC/Drum Assessments (IDA) and specialised training for tanker unloading personnel.

Stuttgart, 30.07.2024 – The Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK) is an established point of contact for questions relating to the safe handling of the hazardous substance diisocyanate and offers all legally required training courses on its training platform. A critical point in handling hazardous substances is always the delivery and storage. The FSK is now addressing this issue together with its competent cooperation partners and experienced safety consultants. From August 2024, the association will therefore be offering Tank Farm Assessments (TFA), IBC/Drum Assessments (IDA) and specialized training for tank truck unloading personnel – once again promoting greater safety, efficiency and legal compliance in the industry and in each individual company. Ask us for a non-binding offer now!

“In the classroom courses and in dialog with participants and companies, we have clearly seen that there is often a lack of an implementation strategy,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger, explaining the decision to offer the assessments for tank farms and storage facilities for IBC containers/drum goods. The assessment differs from the association’s previous training courses and offers companies the opportunity to discuss and optimize all critical points after a comprehensive inventory. “Our auditors and consultants have years of experience in this field. We have already worked with these experts in our training courses. As an association, we know where there is still a need at the companies and our assessments are used to identify solutions directly and individually on site,” continues Junginger.

Tank Farm Assessment and IBC / Drum Assessment

The unloading and storage of diisocyanates and other hazardous substances is considered potentially dangerous. Accidents and “near-accidents” occur time and again due to various causes. This is where the FSK’s assessments come in: Risks in the organization, internal processes and the technical installation are analysed and eliminated quickly and reliably. Up to 140 aspects, including goods receipt, tanker or general cargo unloading and warehouse equipment, are systematically examined. The relevant areas, technical facilities, installations and emergency equipment are inspected by an experienced expert and assessed according to a risk classification. Safety deficiencies and risks are reliably identified and described in the final report.

Advantages of TFA and IDA at a glance                                   

• Identification of accident risks for unloading personnel and the environment
• Opportunity to implement new, important industry standards
• Clear assignment of responsibilities during unloading
• Highly valued by environmental and licensing authorities
• Supportive for internal safety, environmental and quality audits
• High level of acceptance among raw material suppliers

The basic time required for the assessment (on site) is around 2.5 hours and depends on the size of the storage facility and the associated unloading area.

Training of tank truck unloading personnel

The unloading of diisocyanate or polyol tankers also involves major risks and is potentially dangerous, as incorrect operation can quickly result in very serious damage to people, the environment and, not least, the company’s image. Unfortunately, there are always serious accidents year after year, which can often be attributed to the misconduct of the people involved. A lack of knowledge and misjudgement of dangers often play a major role. This is precisely where the training comes in: Based on documents from leading industry associations, the training provides basic knowledge about the chemicals, the necessary personal protective equipment, the particular hazards involved in unloading, unloading methods, connections, emergency situations and clarifies responsibility and cooperation with the driver.

The “Training of tank truck unloading personnel” among other things includes

• Special hazards and risks during tanker unloading
• Equipment of the unloading area and the tank farm
• Personal protective equipment
• Important documents for the unloading process
• Organization and cooperation with the driver
• Behavior in case of emergencies.

The time required for the training is approximately 2 hours. Each participant receives a certificate of participation. The training is also offered in an adapted form for the unloading and storage of containers (IBCs, drums).

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to train your specialist staff in this area and reduce the potential risks!

The assessments can also be combined with the mandatory diisocyanate training for your staff, which has been mandatory since 24.08.2023. Contact us directly here or use our inquiry form.

We cordially invite you to join the FSK-Converter Network at Foam Expo Stuttgart for a cosy end of the year 2024.

The year-end dinner of the Converter Network has become as much a tradition as the trade fair participation itself. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 04 December 2024, at the Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport, Flughafenstraße 50 in 70629 Stuttgart. The cosy get-together will start at 17:30 in the Message Cafe & Bar, from 19:00 the participants can then expect a great dinner in the Restaurant Trollinger. The event is free of charge for FSK members, all non-members are very welcome, and the conditions for participation can be found on our website. As places are always in great demand and unfortunately limited, we kindly ask you to register in good time using our online registration tool.

The FSK has had a stand at the Foam Expo every year since the first Foam Expo in 2020 – and this year is no exception. From 03 to 05 December 2024, the event will once again be Europe’s largest free trade fair and conference for technical foam products and foam products and manufacturing at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre. The trade fair is of great importance for our association and our members, especially the companies of the Converter Network. Every year, the event is the worthy conclusion to a busy association year. Keep the date and visit us at the trade fair. Register now free of charge online at Foam Expo.

The FSK is pleased to welcome Alba Industries GmbH as a new member of the association and to introduce it to you below:

Alba Industries – The specialist for polyurethane manufacturing solutions

Alba Industries GmbH is an internationally active company with 200 employees. The company headquarters are located in Forstau, Austria. Alba is one of the leading specialists in the development and production of innovative manufacturing systems for high-quality plastic components.

Over 30 years of experience

For over 30 years, Alba has been supplying needs-oriented, flexible solutions, which are realized as tools or as complete turnkey systems. A mix of highly qualified engineers and highly trained skilled workers contribute significantly to the continuous development and success of the company. This makes Alba a global and reliable business partner.

Customers from all over the world

Alba is characterized by its international outlook and strong regional roots. With an export quota of 90 percent, Alba’s technologies and products are at home all over the world. Alba serves customers from a wide range of industries such as the automotive, rail vehicle, aviation, cable car, electrical, construction, furniture, textile, medical and environmental sectors.

Alba Industries GmbH
Winkl 133
5552 Forstau
Österreich

Phone: +43 6454 7800-0
fax: +43 6454 7800-6009
mail: office@albatools.com
web: www.albatools.com

Stuttgart, 09.07.2024 – “Real innovations, real achievements, something with a wow effect – that’s what we’re looking for in our Innovation Award,” FSK Managing Director reveals to potential applicants for the FSK Innovation Award for Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes. “We charge up to EUR 3,000 for an outstanding innovation, so of course we also expect a great idea, a unique approach and a top product.” The trade association presents the award every year, which is intended not only to reflect the innovative strength of the industry, but also to promote it. Applications for the Innovation Award 2024 will therefore be accepted until 22 September 2024.

Young talents and specialists as well as professionals and companies are invited to submit innovative ideas, pioneering concepts and new developments in the field of foamed plastics and polyurethanes. With the Innovation Award, the FSK promotes young talent in the industry, but would also like to motivate experienced professionals to submit new ideas, concepts and developments in the categories “Technology and Processes”, “Design and Creation” and “Sustainability”. Entries from young talents and professionals or companies will be evaluated and honoured separately in order to ensure a fair and proper assessment and awarding of prizes based on knowledge and experience. The evaluation is carried out by the FSK expert jury. The criteria are the novelty and innovative strength of the products and solutions submitted, as well as their marketability and competitiveness.

The FSK Innovation Award Jury.

“We’ve already seen some really great applications and been able to honour them,” the jury members recall. “There was a soft bathtub made of foam plastic or a particularly comfortable chin rest for the violin, a polyurethane hoof boot for horses that could even provide relief for misalignments or a shelf made of integral foam elements that was not only practical but also had the quality of modern designer furniture.” Such products, usually those that were able to impress in the “design” category, are naturally easy to remember. However, new process or analytical approaches, technological or chemical innovations have also often impressed the jury. With the new “Sustainability” category, which was introduced for the first time in 2022, the association is also supporting innovations that focus on the forward-looking aspect of sustainability.

Award-winning products and ideas from past FSK competitions. 

The award ceremony will take place in a particularly dignified and festive setting. This is because the winners will be able to present their innovations to the specialist audience at the International Conference on Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes, where they will receive their award. “The award ceremony is a good opportunity to convince and approach the right partners with the innovative ideas,” says Junginger, reporting on the experience that the Innovation Award has already helped some young talents to make forward-looking contacts. In this respect, the presentation of the innovations and their awards is a highlight of the conference for both the applicants and the trade audience.

Further information on the Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK) and its events, as well as on the work of the expert committees, is available online at: www.fsk-vsv.de or by phone: 0711 993 751- 0.

The FSK is pleased to welcome Metzeler Schaum GmbH as a new member of the association and to introduce it to you below:

Metzeler Schaum GmbH is an established member of the foam industry, renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence. Part of The Vita Group, Metzeler Schaum GmbH has built a legacy of developing tailor-made foam solutions that cater to the specific needs of its clients. The company’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that every foam application requires a unique approach, and it does not subscribe to “off the shelf” solutions. Instead, Metzeler Schaum GmbH prides itself on creating the optimal foam for each application, reflecting its extensive experience in both chemistry and machine technology.

As one of the leading foam manufacturers in Europe, with a production capacity exceeding 30,000 tons of foam per year and millions of formed parts annually, Metzeler Schaum GmbH is a powerhouse in foam production and innovation.

The company’s in-house engineering capabilities enable the development of high-technology foams tailored to client requirements for formed and punched parts. Since its establishment, Metzeler Schaum GmbH has developed and filed many patents showcasing their pioneering drive in foam techniques and solutions for various applications. Notable inventions include the fire-hard foam Metzoprotect® NG for aviation, special grades fulfilling the new EN45545 HL3 for railway, Rubex® tubes for bedding. The company can innovate tailormade foams using different raw materials like soy-based bio-polyols, recycling polyols and other for possibilities to reduce the CO2 footprint depending on the need of its clients within the limits of technical possibilities. These advancements reflect Metzeler’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Metzeler Schaum GmbH’s product portfolio is extensive, catering to diverse market segments. From premium quality mattresses and flame-retardant seating systems for aviation and railway traffic to special foams for the automotive and the wide range of other industry sectors, Metzeler provides solutions for numerous applications. Their moulded foam and slab stock foam products are utilized across industries such as construction, packaging, engineering, garment, and shoe manufacturing. With over 100 different foam types, Metzeler ensures the correct match for each application, including fine-pored foams for painter rolls, foams for impregnating, and foams for filter technology. Acoustic and insulation solutions are also well-covered with a variety of material combinations like PUR-skin, self-adhesive equipment, textiles, fleece fabrics, fibre glass, and aluminium foil.

The Vita Group, to which Metzeler Schaum GmbH proudly belongs, is a leading provider of flexible polyurethane foam products. With a heritage spanning over 75 years, The Vita Group excels in developing, manufacturing, and marketing a wide array of products, including flexible polyurethane foam, talalay latex, and flooring solutions. Serving various industries, The Vita Group’s business units deliver customized solutions to local, regional, and international customers across Europe and beyond. Whether it is components for furniture, foam for transport and medical applications, or advanced flooring underlays, The Vita Group’s comprehensive portfolio and pan-European operations ensure they meet the diverse needs of their clients with unmatched quality and functionality.

We are delighted to have Metzeler Schaum GmbH (The Vita Group) join the FSK community, and we look forward to the innovative contributions and expertise they bring to our association.