Presserelease
The Converter Network will meet on 20 June 2024. Our member, Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG is inviting the group to a symposium in Laatzen near Hanover. Thank you very much for this. During the event, we will get to know the classic converter company better – both theoretically and practically. The specialist for sealing, room acoustics and sound insulation will introduce itself, its products and projects as well as its network of suppliers and customers and invite all participants to a factory tour.
The specialist speakers will again deal with current and processor-related topics. Dr. Andreas Hohlfeld, Head of R & D at Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG on the subject of PFAS. Philipp Staude, Application Engineer and Bernd Kardinal, Area Sales Manager, both Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG, will give a joint presentation on the subject of foam finishing. Sustainability will also be an important focus of the symposium. This will not only be covered in a presentation, but also in the presentation of the work results and the status quo of the Converter Network working groups. This is because the specialist group is working particularly hard on the CO2 footprint aspect.
On the evening before the event, 19 June 2024, the get-together will take place for participants with a longer journey and offer a cosy setting for getting in the mood for the symposium and initial networking.
Make a note of the date now – the registration tool is already open. You will receive another invitation with a detailed program in good time. You can find further information on all our events on the FSK website.
We look forward to the Specialist Day and to your registration!
Stuttgart, 12.03.2024 – 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.
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. To this end, the FSK organises an annual innovation award in the categories “Technology”, “Design and Creation” and “Sustainability” in the fields of foamed plastics and polyurethanes. Individuals and groups from universities and companies from all over Europe can apply until 15 June 2024. Submissions 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 a jury of experts selected by the FSK. The criteria are the novelty and innovative strength of the products and solutions submitted, as well as their marketability and competitiveness. “The great thing is how varied the applications are every year. Of course, this also reflects the diversity and innovative strength of the materials,” reports FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger enthusiastically. The winners in the young talent category can also receive prizes of up to EUR 3.000,- to establish their innovations on the market.
Application documents can be requested by e-mail from the FSK office or downloaded from its website. “The award ceremony will be a highlight of the International FSK Conference on Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes in November 2024, which we will hold with and at Krauss Maffei in Parsdorf”, reveals Junginger.
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.
Stuttgart, 05.03.2024 – On Friday, 05.04.2024, FSK Services GmbH, together with its member company PURPLAN GmbH, is organising an exclusive REACH face-to-face training course on the safe handling of diisocyanates. The training will take place from 10 am to 3 pm at the premises of PURPLAN GmbH, Penter Straße 28 in 49134 Wallenhorst. The classroom training can be booked by anyone and is therefore a one-off, company-independent offer. Bookings can be made via the FSK registration tool.
The training includes all the necessary basic knowledge for the safe handling of hazardous substances and is aimed at employees in companies in the automotive, construction, aviation, medical technology and energy sectors, as well as craftsmen, users in the dental and orthopaedic sectors and self-employed persons who handle diisocyanates. Training contents include: Product labelling, safety data sheets, operating instructions, hazards and chemistry of diisocyanates, exposure, personal protective equipment, hygiene, emergency measures and change management. There is also plenty of room for discussion and application-specific questions during the training. A minimum number of 10 participants is required for the classroom training to take place. At the end of the course, participants receive the FSK training certificate, which is valid for 5 years.
“The course is aimed specifically at smaller companies, individual lateral entrants and newcomers, temporary workers, tradespeople – in short: anyone who needs it quickly,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. PURPLAN GmbH is making its premises available for the event and the trainer is an FSK master trainer.
The pressure on companies to finally catch up on training is slowly increasing. The authorities have long since started carrying out spot checks and the employers’ liability insurance association is urgently calling for training. Some branches of industry are only now being shaken awake. “We have considered how we can support the industry in fulfilling its legal obligations quickly and easily,” continues Junginger. The training course can be booked at short notice by anyone, regardless of company or industry affiliation, offering a unique, flexible solution.
Exclusively: REACH presence training basic knowledge in Wallenhorst.
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/eng or by phone: 0711 993 751- 0.
Stuttgart, 22.02.2024 – On April 10, the Insulation Materials Specialist Group of the German Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) is inviting experts to the “Insulation Materials Conference – Sustainable into the Future” in Berlin. “We deliberately wanted to hold this exciting industry meeting in Berlin. Where better to discuss forward-looking topics and legislative trends?”, says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger.
The symposium will be opened by Peter Bachmann from the Sentinel Haus Institute in Freiburg. In his presentation, he will outline the key to health and sustainability for companies and show how responsibility leads to success. Kerstin Abend from the DIBt (German Institute for Building Technology) will address the requirements resulting from the amendment of the European Construction Products Regulation. Prof. Alexander Rudolphi from the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) will report digitally on the Europe-wide network for sustainable building. In his presentation, Stefan Zwerenz from IBU (Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V.) will report on environmental product declarations (EPD) and how companies can use transparency to create sustainability.
A presentation on trends and alternatives in the field of flame retardants is currently still being coordinated, but the morning is already very promising. “We have been able to attract great experts for the symposium, who will certainly be able to provide new information and valuable impetus for companies”, says Junginger.
The day before, on April 9, 2024, there will be an internal meeting of the insulation specialist group followed by a get-together. The specialist group meeting is only for members of the Insulation specialist group. The get-together is open to all early arrivals and is a great opportunity for networking and to get in the mood for the symposium.
Early registration is recommended as the number of participants for the symposium is limited. Registration is only possible online via the FSK registration tool. Here you will also find further details on the program, venue and hotel accommodation.
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/eng or by phone: 0711 993 751- 0.
Stuttgart, 15.02.2024 – On 7 May 2024, the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK e.V.) and its member company Dow Deutschland Anlagengesellschaft mbH will be holding the FSK workshop “Polyurethanes for Beginners” in Ahlen. The workshop is no longer just an integral part of the association’s annual programme, but also that of its member companies. “Our new Chairman of the Board Jörg Arntzen invited us to Ahlen again this year without further ado. We were already able to organise the workshop at Dow last year,” reports FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger, “and once before that in 2018.” The association appreciates the fact that the member companies are always willing to make their experts and laboratories available for the exciting workshop.
The workshop series is aimed at a broad audience, as it appeals equally to students, designers, young professionals, processors and those interested in the industry. Anyone who would like to find out more about polyurethanes and, in addition to an introduction to the areas of application and chemical principles of polyurethane chemistry, would also like to gain a live insight into chemistry and experience the production of polyurethane parts up close in the laboratory and technical centre can take part.
The programme has been finalised – registrations are now open and can only be made via the FSK registration tool. Early registration is highly recommended, as the number of participants is limited and the popular workshops are always booked out quickly. “The workshops are always very popular, as they really give a unique insight into the theory of the material. Participants can expect impressive and instructive hours at Dow,” says Junginger.
Further information on the Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes e. V. (FSK) and its events as well as the work of the specialist committees is available online at: https://www.fsk-vsv.de/en/ or by telephone: 0711 993 751- 0.
Stuttgart, 25.01.2024 – From 23 to 25 April 2024, UTECH Europe will take place at the MECC in Maastricht in the border triangle between the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
Over 200 exhibitors will present innovations, technologies and products from the entire polyurethane industry. Among the exhibitors – alongside numerous member companies – was the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK). As in the past, the association has a co-operation agreement with UTECH and can therefore offer all members a special discount. Please feel free to contact us!
For everyone: UTECH Europe is getting closer and closer, and registrations for the exhibition and conference are now open and being accepted at: https://utech-europe-2024.reg.buzz/fsk. Early bird prices are also available until 23 March.
The exhibition will also be accompanied by a conference where delegates can learn about the latest PU research and developments. More than 65 speakers from across the polyurethane industry will provide information on a range of topics including sustainability, flexible and rigid foams, automotive, additives and more.
Visit us at our booth H 13!
Stuttgart, 16.01.2024 – “The demand for training courses remains high this year,” says Klaus Junginger, Managing Director of the Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK – Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes). The safe handling of diisocyanates should have been clear to all users and distributors of the substance since last August. Since then, handling diisocyanates without appropriate training has been prohibited. Nevertheless, industry experts estimate that to date, at most around a third of those required to undergo training have the legally required training certificate. Junginger emphasises: “Construction site closures and delivery stops in recent months show that the pressure from the authorities and manufacturers is growing – for all affected industries from A for automotive to Z for dentistry.” The association therefore continues to process new enquiries on a daily basis.
In addition, the FSK is already working on new training courses. “We have gained a foothold in the training business and have only received positive feedback on our flexible and professional system. It therefore makes perfect sense for us to expand the programme,” continues Junginger. A range of additional content will be available on the association’s platform this year.
Last year was already extremely successful. The association awarded almost 50,000 certificates to training participants from the entire value chain. At the same time, over 400 experts in the field of occupational health and safety were trained as trainers via the “Train the Trainer” programme. Important multipliers on the way to training the wide range of diisocyanate users with the appropriate learning content. “Our strategic partnerships with associations and other organisations were also crucial from this point of view,” says Junginger. National and international partners have adopted the successful concept of e-learning courses in Learning Management Systems (LMS), thus contributing to widespread access to training content. Many large companies also appreciated the FSK’s flexible and customised solutions, in particular the option of integrating them into their own systems using Scorm files. The REACH module finder and the AI implemented on the training website also established themselves successfully last year and played a key role in enabling the right training courses to be identified quickly.
The customised face-to-face and hybrid training courses offered by the FSK’s team of now 10 trainers continue to set the benchmark for compliance with the highest safety standards in all areas of the industry concerned. The constructive feedback and active participation of the industry show that there is a common interest in fulfilling the highest safety standards. The FSK will continue to be a reliable partner here. It will be worth taking a look at the 2024 training platform. In addition to new trainer materials and modules on diisocyanates, the FSK portfolio will also be expanded with genuine course innovations. Stay tuned!
Quick help in selecting the right training course: the REACH module finder.
Training platform for all training courses on the safe handling of diisocyanates: https://fsk-training.de/en/.
Further information on the Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK – The Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes) and its events, as well as on the work of the expert committees, is available online at www.fsk-vsv.de/eng or by phone: 0711 993 751- 0.
Stuttgart, 12.12.2023 – The Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) was once again represented with its own stand at Foam Expo Europe in Stuttgart this year. The international trade fair for the technical foam industry took place for the fourth time at the Stuttgart Exhibition Center.
“The exhibition grows in importance every time – and not just for us. This year, the number of exhibitors has increased once again,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. The trade fair now comprises more than 200 companies presenting a wide range of foam and foam-related products. It is a unique opportunity for participants to discuss the latest materials, components and technologies available on the market.
The event was held alongside Adhesives & Bonding Expo Europe, providing synergies as there are thousands of unique engineered foam applications that require very specific adhesives, tapes or sealants. In addition, Thermal Management Expo Europe (new for 2023) also took place in parallel as industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics and many more require some of their materials in foam, adhesives and tapes to be thermally conductive or provide cooling solutions. Visitors and attendees were also able to attend the free conferences addressing the key trends and challenges facing the engineered foam, adhesives and thermal insulation sectors in Europe and globally.
The association also used the largest event for technical foam on the continent to make new contacts. “The trade fair is an enrichment for our association’s work and a good opportunity to hold valuable discussions with a broad audience and numerous companies and to make important contacts,” Junginger continues. “Our training courses on the safe handling of diisocyanates are an important starting point for many discussions. Despite the deadline in August of this year, we have noticed that there is still a great need for information and advice.”
The FSK Converter Network also met at the trade fair. The meeting of the FSK’s youngest specialist group has already become a permanent fixture at the trade fair. Members of the network and the association also exhibited at the trade fair and used the important industry meeting for their end-of-year meeting in a relaxed atmosphere for important discussions.
FSK exhibition stand at Foam Expo Europe Stuttgart 2023
Important contacts at Foam Expo Europe Stuttgart 2023
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/eng or by phone: 0711 993 751- 0.
Stuttgart, 05.12.2023 – It was his last official appearance. At the regular general meeting of the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK), outgoing Chairman of the Board Albrecht Manderscheid welcomed the members. After 27 years as Chairman of the FSK Board, Albrecht Manderscheid thanked all his colleagues who had accompanied him during this time. “These 27 years, with everything that has happened during this time, cannot be summarized in 10 minutes,” he continued. But the examples he gave, from the work of the various working groups to the many events and the training platform for the REACH restriction procedure for handling diisocyanates, gave an idea of what the FSK has achieved with him as a driving force during his time in office.
In recognition of Albrecht Manderscheid’s importance not only for the association, but for the entire polyurethane industry, it was none other than Dr Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro AG and President of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), who gave the laudatory speech for Albrecht Manderscheid. “It is a great honor for me to be able to honor Albrecht Manderscheid today for his life’s work,” he said in his opening remarks. “Anyone who knows him knows that he is a man of great integrity, subtlety and respect, who has presided over the FSK in a professional, competent and committed manner over the years.” But Albrecht Manderscheid has not only steered the fortunes of the FSK. He worked for the world-renowned Cannon Group for decades, from 1991 to 2021, i.e. 30 years as Managing Director of Cannon Deutschland GmbH. Listing the highlights of Albrecht Manderscheid’s association activities would go beyond the scope of this article, but here are a few keywords: In 1994, he initiated the founding of the “Polyurethane Molded Parts” specialist group and in 1998 he launched the FSK Innovation Award. He also made his influence felt in politics, for example at a personal meeting with Angela Merkel, who was still the leader of the CDU opposition at the time.
“Albrecht Manderscheid was a special, outstanding and worthy chairman of the FSK for over 27 years. Now he is leaving his position at the zenith of his career. The award of the FSK Medal of Honor is therefore well deserved. We are all deeply indebted to you,” were the concluding words of Dr Markus Steilemann.
From left to right: Albrecht Manderscheid receives the FSK Medal of Honour from laudator Dr Markus Steilemann for his 27 years of work as FSK Chairman of the Board (Source: FSK)
Following a unanimous vote, Albrecht Manderscheid was succeeded as Chairman of the Board by Jörg Arntzen (Dow Produktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH & Co. OHG). Benedikt Broil (Covestro Deutschland AG) was elected as his deputy. Manfred Werner (Sekisui Alveo GmbH) continues to act as Chief Financial Officer. Dr Ulrich Fehrenbacher (Rühl Puromer GmbH), Christian Loretz (Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH) and Jörg Teschner (Klöckner polyPUR Chemie GmbH) were also confirmed in their positions as assessors. The honorary board team is complemented by the newly added assessor Dr Eva Emmrich-Smolczyk (Evonik Operations GmbH).
From left to right: Benedikt Broil, Manfred Werner, Jörg Teschner, Jörg Arntzen, Dr Ulrich Fehrenbacher, Dr Eva Emmrich-Smolczyk, Christian Loretz.
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/eng or by phone: 0711 993 751- 0.
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.”
The five award-winning innovations are a long way from failure. They have all already made the leap from the laboratory into practice.
- A project team led by Professor Dr Harald Loy, Head of R&D at Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH, succeeded with a process for greater safety against track distortions. The innovative sleeper pads made of PU interlock with the ballast and thus reduce temperature-related track distortions. Despite significantly increased stability, expensive and complex safety caps will be obsolete in future. The innovation was presented by Martin Dietrich. He accepted the award for the first placement in the “Sustainability specialists/professionals” category on behalf of the team.
- Eric Sprenger and his team from nora systems GmbH impressed the jury with a permanent connection of EVA foam plastic completely without glue. The nora© Lunatec fusion process joins EVA sheets using heat, pressure and time without glue – permanently and firmly. The process has been registered for a patent and won also the first place at the FSK Innovation Award in the “Technology specialists/professionals” category.
- PhD student Adam Pajonk from FH Münster impressed the jury with his 3D printing of polyurethane with variable material properties. Along an end-to-end digital value chain, components are created that enable new solutions, particularly in architecture. His innovation earned him second place in the “Technology” category as a “Young Talent”. The award was nothing new for him, as he was already awarded an innovation prize by the FSK in 2017 as part of a trio.
- Third place in the “Technology” category also went to a young talent. Eduard Kremer from the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) in Industry and Skilled Crafts, RWTH Aachen University, showed the specialist audience how sensor-based process monitoring in PUR-RIM can take the load off the operator and significantly increase the number of good parts. Thanks to sensor-based monitoring, skin peeling and incomplete mold filling are a thing of the past. By using temperature, pressure and DEA sensors as well as environmental parameters such as temperature, air pressure and humidity, process fluctuations are detected at an early stage. All data is displayed visually on a graphical dashboard.
- The second third place in the “Technology” category again went to a “specialist/professional”. Dr-Ing Tobias Schaible from the Stuttgart Institute of Plastics Technology impressed with his work on inline characterization and prediction of viscosity and initial bubble growth behaviour during foaming. The inline observation method makes it possible for the first time to characterize the expansion deformation behaviour prevailing at the edge of the bubble in the real manufacturing process.
All innovations underline the claim of the protagonists in the FSK to deliver solutions for the future. A quintet that deserves recognition for its achievements.
Winners of the FSK Innovation Award Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes 2023 (from left to right): Adam Pajonk, Sven Müller (presenter), Martin Dietrich, Eduard Kremer, Dr-Ing. Tobias Schaible, Stefan Raffel, Mario Kröger, Eric Sprenger (source: FSK)
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/eng or by phone: 0711 993 751- 0.