Presserelease

PFAS, sustainability, AI – expert meeting discusses the major challenges facing small and medium-sized companies // Important platform for professional exchange – Converter Network Specialists Day at Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG in Laatzen

Stuttgart, 25.06.2024 – The Converter Network of the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) hosted a conference in Laatzen near Hanover on June 20, 2024. The program of networking, specialist presentations and factory tours offered a balanced and informative event. The event was hosted by FSK member Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG, which provided unique insights into the work of the company during the factory tour. The enthusiasm and interest of the participants in the modern, family-run, medium-sized foam processor was correspondingly high. “The company’s special culture of appreciation runs through all levels of the business. You could already feel this in the welcome from the Managing Director Volker Brock and in the conversations with the employees,” says Klaus Junginger, describing the great atmosphere and working climate at Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG.

The fact that modern companies are also facing major challenges became clear during the lecture series. One of the topics was the regulation of substances in the EU under the REACH regulation. The impending PFAS ban in particular is creating enormous pressure to innovate and equally great uncertainty. It is not always easy to find a suitable substitute – there was a consensus among the participants from affected companies. Artificial intelligence was also a topic at the symposium. The FSK is already well positioned in this area, as the association has created and implemented its own tools that prioritize user-friendliness and quality. In its training course “Artificial intelligence in the industry“, the association shows how companies in the foam plastics and polyurethane industry can also use AI. The event also focused on sustainability. The topic – in all its scope and with all its challenges – is occupying many foam processors and taking up more and more resources.

“The symposium was very impressive and informative,” says Junginger. “Our specialist days always offer a platform to promote professional exchange in a relaxed atmosphere and bring together bright minds.” Looking ahead to the work of the specialist group and the association’s major annual event at KraussMaffei in November, it is clear that there are other issues that the industry needs to tackle together. The Foam Expo in Stuttgart from 3 to 5 December 2024, where numerous members of the Converter Network and the FSK itself will be exhibiting and meeting up, also offers a good opportunity for this.

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

Impressive insights into the operations of Hanno Werk GmbH & Co KG thanks to live demonstration.

The participants of the Converter Network Specialists Day (seventh from right: Volker Brock, Managing Director of Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG).

Networking and soccer at the get-together the evening before.

Application deadline extended until 27 June 2024 – FSK Innovation Award for Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes // Award ceremony as part of the symposium from 19 to 21 November 2024

Stuttgart, 06.06.2024 – 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.

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 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 winners in the young talent category can also receive prizes of up to EUR 3,000 to help them establish their innovations on the market.

The award ceremony itself always takes place in a particularly dignified and festive setting. This is because the winners are allowed to present their innovations to the specialist audience at the International Conference on Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes, where they receive their award. ‘This is not only a worthy award ceremony, but also a good opportunity to convince and approach the right partners with the innovative ideas,’ reports Junginger from 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.

The 23rd FSK symposium will take place on 20 and 21 November 2024 with a get-together the evening before on 19 November 2024 at the KraussMaffei Group’s new main plant and headquarters in Parsdorf. The association would like to thank the long-standing member for the invitation and is already looking forward to great and unique insights during the entire event and, of course, especially with regard to the planned plant tour. But the location is not the only attraction – the trade association is also planning a varied programme of lectures again this year. Technical, political and future-oriented topics will be discussed in specialist presentations from Best Group GmbH, Hercutec Chemie GmbH, Kraus Maffei Group Gmbh, Purplan GmbH, Rühl AG and Votteler Lackfabrik GmbH for example. This includes contributions from the fields of materials and plant engineering, such as the flooding of plastic injection moulded parts with PU, flexible foam recycling, the future viability of foam plastics, blowing agents and risk management. Registration is now open via the FSK’s online registration tool.

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.

Enthusiastic participants: Great organization and execution // FSK workshop on polyurethanes for beginners at Dow Anlagengesellschaft mbH in Ahlen once again a great success

Stuttgart, 16.05.2024 – On 7 May 2024, the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK e.V.) organized the workshop “Polyurethanes for Beginners” together with its member company Dow Deutschland Anlagengesellschaft mbH in Ahlen. Participants and organizers were equally enthusiastic.

Senior Key Account Manager and Head of the Application Laboratory at Dow Deutschland Anlagengesellschaft mbH in Ahlen and FSK Chairman of the Board, Jörg Arntzen, was one of the main organizers of the workshop. He and his team had put together a varied program that gave the participants an understanding of the diversity of polyurethane in theory and practice. “We are happy to take the time for the workshop and invite participants to join us. Events like this are good for the industry,” explains Jörg Arntzen. The workshop is always a great experience for the organizers too, with lots of positive feedback. “It is important to us to make the material polyurethane and all its benefits understandable and tangible.”

“A big thank you goes to our member company Dow for the great organization and implementation. It is by no means a matter of course that the FSK has been able to hold the workshop here once again,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. “But of course, the uniqueness of polyurethane is best explained by experts on site and clearly demonstrated in a laboratory/technical centre.” This balance between knowledge and chemistry, as well as application examples and technology, is what makes the workshop so popular and interesting for a wide audience. Anyone who wants to learn more about polyurethanes and gain live insights into chemistry can take part, including students, designers, young professionals, processors and machine manufacturers – in short, anyone interested in the industry.

There was great enthusiasm among the participants. “A great mix of theory and practice – it was very informative,” summed up one participant. “We were able to ask questions at any time, which were answered competently,” noted another participant. The workshop was helpful for all participants – regardless of their previous knowledge – in gaining a better understanding of the chemistry behind the end product. “The hands-on practical examples in particular clearly showed the influence of different additives and mixing ratios,” said another participant.

The participants of the FSK-Workshop Polyurethanes for Beginners

Dow provides participants with unique insights into production processes.

Expert meeting discusses the major challenges facing small and medium-sized companies // Register now – Converter Network symposium at Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG in Laatzen near Hanover

Stuttgart, 14.05.2024 – The Converter Network in the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) invites you to a symposium on June 20, 2024 in Laatzen near Hanover. FSK member Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG is opening its doors to all participants of the event. “We are naturally grateful to be able to host such a renowned company,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. “We are already looking forward to getting to know the processing company better during the event – both theoretically and practically.” The specialist for sealing, room acoustics and sound insulation will be presenting itself, its products and projects in more detail and inviting all participants to take a tour of the factory while it is in operation.

Hanno Werk GmbH & Co. KG will also be giving two specialist presentations. Dr Andreas Hohlfeld, Head of R & D, will report on the subject of PFAS. This group of substances is subject to a prohibition procedure under the REACH regulation, with all the consequences and challenges that this entails for the industry. Philipp Staude, Application Engineer, and Bernd Kardinal, Area Sales Manager, will give a joint presentation on the topic of foam finishing. Sustainability will also be an important focus of the symposium. It is already captivating many foam processors today and will be the subject of a presentation by Alexander Hartner from Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH. Michelle Maier from Oskar Pahlke GmbH Schaumstoffe will close the series of specialist presentations. She will report on the challenges faced by medium-sized foam processing companies in terms of sustainability.

Another important part of the symposium is the presentation of the results and status quo of the Converter Network’s working groups. This is because current topics and major social and political challenges for processing companies are dealt with emphatically in the specialist group. On the evening before the event, June 19, 2024, a get-together will be offered for all participants. This offers a cozy and popular setting for getting in the mood for the symposium and for initial networking.

Registrations for the symposium will only be accepted via the FSK online registration tool. Here you can also view the list of participants, call up the program and find information on the FSK hotel contingent.

UTECH Europe 2024 – Great enthusiasm among exhibitors and visitors // FSK stand offers guests many highlights

Stuttgart, 30.04.2024 – At UTECH Europe, which took place from 23 to 25 April 2024, the Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK) impressed visitors with new ideas at its stand. The small and large highlights at the stand attracted many guests, new contacts and good discussions. ‘We are delighted and it was clearly worthwhile for us to exhibit again as a media cooperation partner at UTECH. We will definitely be back in three years’ time,’ summarises FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger.

Klaus Junginger in an interview on the mood at UTECH and in the industry

Eye catcher logo wall is a hook for new contacts and important discussions

The logo wall was an eye-catcher at the FSK stand at UTECH. All members of the association could be recognised on the poster. An impressive selection of important companies in the foam plastics and polyurethane industry. ‘That made one or two people curious and led to interesting conversations,’ reports Junginger. ‘The logo wall was not only a good orientation for completely new contacts, but also a highlight for our members, so all members were somehow present at the trade fair.’ There was always something going on at the association’s stand and the enthusiasm and energy was clearly noticeable. This was also evident to interested companies considering new membership.

FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger (right) in conversation

Diisocyanate quiz in the LinkedIn live ticker

The association’s diisocyanate quiz also contributed to the good atmosphere and the hustle and bustle at the stand. Every day, the trade association organised a quiz on the topic of ‘Safe handling of diisocyanates’ via mobile phone voting. Participants could win a spaetzle press, spaetzle or a voucher for the online basic course on diisocyanates. The lucky winners were also posted on the association’s LinkedIn profile. In further posts, the association reported live for all those who were unable to visit the trade fair with numerous pictures and short reports, including the interview with Klaus Junginger.

Participants in the FSK diisocyanate quiz

Insider insights into the new FSK AI course, chat bot and module finder

At the trade fair, the trade association gave an exclusive advance insight into the new eLearning course ‘Artificial Intelligence in Industry’. This went online following UTECH on 29 April 2024. The association was generous, both with the opportunity to test the course extensively and with the distribution of vouchers for the course. The many potential applications of AI for industry are still far from being fully utilised, and many are critical or even suspicious of the topic. ‘The insight into the course impressed our guests at UTECH. On the one hand, the presentation was very well received, and on the other, the practical presentation of the content,’ reports Junginger. The training course provides answers to initial questions of understanding and basic clarification, numerous practical examples and application suggestions for industrial companies and, last but not least, valuable assistance on how implementation can be carried out and mastered. The association itself is already using artificial intelligence: The association’s own chat bot is used to communicate association topics and industry knowledge. The module finder helps diisocyanate users to determine their training needs, making the process much easier for the industry and the FSK Services GmbH sales team.

The new FSK e-learning course “Artificial Intelligence in Industry”.

FSK under the sign of AI – Insider insights into a new training course for UTECH visitors // AI chatbot launches at https://www.fsk-vsv.de/

Maastricht, 25.04.2024 – Just a few days before the launch of the new training course, the German Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) is providing unique advance insights into the new course on the use of artificial intelligence at UTECH. The trade association was at UTECH from April 23 to 25 and allowed its guests to get a taste of the course at its stand. The first testers at the trade fair were impressed, but – like everyone else – still have to wait for the launch of the “Artificial intelligence in industry” online course. The course can be booked from 29.04.2024 in the store at www.fsk-training.de.

New course – proven platform

Like all other training courses, the course is run under the auspices of FSK Services GmbH, a subsidiary of the association. At the beginning of the year, the association announced that new courses would be added to the training program. “The response last year was overwhelming, at times even overwhelming to be honest,” says Klaus Junginger, Managing Director of the Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK). The reason for this: The diisocyanate training courses that the association offers have been a mandatory European requirement for the use and application of diisocyanates since August 2023. “Naturally, the demand for training was correspondingly high. But the positive feedback in particular prompted us to further expand the training offer.” The course is therefore based on the association’s proven concept and is integrated into the specially designed training platform. The exclusively online training offers all the advantages of flexible and individual self-study in terms of time and location. However, there is still an in-depth explanation of the topic. The FSK has come up with something new for this course. Numerous video sequences are integrated into the course alongside the reading material and give participants a clear understanding of the topic. As before, chapters can be worked through as quickly or slowly as desired or repeated. At the end of the course, every participant who has successfully completed the course and passed the test receives a corresponding FSK certificate.

AI – a major topic in industry and the association

“It quickly became clear to us that we wanted to design a course on the topic of AI,” says Junginger, “we use AI ourselves for our association and have developed our own chat bot.” The fascination with and popularity of ChatGPT gave the association the idea of designing its own reference work with source security.

The associations own chat bot is filled with association topics and industry knowledge. “The great thing is that the user knows that we as an association serve as a source and can vouch for the quality of the information in our closed system,” Junginger continues. The association had already created and used the module finder in the course of the enormous pressure to provide information and the rush of inquiries. Artificial intelligence in this area helps diisocyanate users to determine their training requirements, making the process much easier for the industry and the FSK Services GmbH sales team.

AI – Exciting insights into specific industrial applications

The many possible applications of AI for industry are still far from being fully exploited. “We have noticed that many people are critical or even suspicious of the topic. The new course can help here,” reports Junginger. The “Artificial intelligence in industry” course provides answers to initial questions of understanding and basic information. In addition, the course also provides numerous practical examples and application suggestions for industrial companies. Last but not least, the course also provides valuable assistance on how implementation can be carried out and mastered.

Following the launch in May, the first training course outside of the Diisocyanate courses is now available. A range of other content will be added to the platform later this year. Stay tuned!

The new FSK e-learning course “Artificial Intelligence in Industry”.

The FSK certificate for successful participation in the AI course.

Quality and safety: FSK AI chat bot.

Save the Date – FSK Symposium Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes from 19 to 21 November 2024 // Guest at the new main plant and headquarters of the KraussMaffei Group in Parsdorf

Stuttgart, 18 April 2024 – The Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) is once again inviting conference guests to a unique venue this year. The 23rd FSK conference will take place on 20 and 21 November 2024 with a get-together the evening before on 19 November 2024 at the new main plant and headquarters of the KraussMaffei Group in Parsdorf. The association would like to thank the long-standing member for the invitation and is already looking forward to great and unique insights during the entire event and, of course, especially the planned plant tour. Following the relocation, Parsdorf will be home to the corporate headquarters, the injection moulding and reaction technology divisions as well as production and automation under one roof – a modern location for the 182-year-old traditional Munich-based company.

But it’s not just the location that attracts visitors – the trade association is also planning a great programme again this year. “We are in the middle of the preparations and have already finalised a few exciting presentations,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. As part of the event, current industry topics will be addressed and presented in talks alongside exciting contributions from the co-host. There will also be plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas with the speakers and with each other. “We always notice how important the personal meetings and discussions are when there is a large crowd at the cosy get-together on the evening before the actual event,” explains Junginger.

Another important highlight of this year’s conference is once again the FSK Innovation Award Ceremony for Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes. “Our application phase for the FSK Innovation Award is currently running until mid-June. We are excited to see who we will be honouring with our popular Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Jury Prize in November,” Junginger continues.

Make a note of the date now – the association will also be opening the registration tool on its website shortly. You can find an overview of all the association’s events here.

Complete success: Insulation Materials Specialist Day – Sustainable into the future on April 10, 2024 in Berlin // Experts discuss future challenges facing the construction industry

Stuttgart, 16.04.2024 – Lectures, group work and plenary discussions at the “Insulation Materials Specialist Day – Sustainable into the Future” on 9 and 10 April 2024 shed light on forward-looking topics in the construction industry. The Insulation Materials Specialists Group of the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) had invited participants to the symposium in Berlin and put together a great program.

“Great presentations and contributions from the group – we took a lot away with us!” said FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger in a brief summary of the event. The event was deliberately kept relatively small and was therefore fully booked. This allowed the speakers and participants to delve deeper into the topic. The symposium started with a rousing introduction by Peter Bachmann from the Sentinel Haus Institut GmbH in Freiburg. He vividly presented the Sentinel Haus concept, which could help to develop the solutions that will be needed in the future.

Jurist Kerstin Abend from the DIBt (German Institute for Building Technology), and therefore directly from Berlin, had prepared the European Construction Products Regulation for the participants. The CPR is expected to be adopted by the European Parliament before the European elections in June 2024. It is then expected to come into force at the end of 2024/beginning of 2025. The presentation was met with great interest as it dealt in particular with the upcoming new regulations and the resulting consequences. Anita Kietzmann from IBU (Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V.) was also sent from Berlin to give a presentation. Her presentation introduced the IBU and its globally recognized EPDs. EPDs will be almost indispensable in the future, as they form an important basis for the sustainability assessment of buildings. The use of independent third-party experts and continuous monitoring and review by an independent expert council are a matter of course. In his comprehensive presentation, Prof. Alexander Rudolphi introduced the assessment system of the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council), which is also based in Berlin. He also presented the requirements matrix for building products and focused in particular on the insulation materials and products associated with them. Dr. Sebastian Harms, Chemische Fabrik Budenheim KG, had prepared a market analysis for flame retardants in insulating materials and brought this with him as a presentation. He openly outlined the company’s own efforts against the background of substance regulations and reported on the challenges on the way to sustainable, halogen-free flame retardants.

“The size and setting of the event was just right for an intensive working meeting,” Junginger continued. The day before the symposium, the insulation materials specialist group had already held its 78th meeting within the association and discussed forward-looking topics and legislative trends in a smaller group. The agenda included topics such as the equivalence of concentric insulation, GEG amendments, standardization, news from the association’s European and national partner associations and networks, as well as marketing and social media and the use and benefits of AI.

Participants at the Insulation Symposium listened intently to the presentations and technical discussions in the plenary session

FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger (right) and the specialist group spokesperson Bernhard Radinger, Steinbacher Dämmstoffe GmbH (left) thanked all the speakers: pictured Kerstin Abend, DIBt (German Institute for Building Technology)

Insulation specialist group with spokespersons Bernhard Radinger, Steinbacher Dämmstoff GmbH (left) and Daniel Graba, BBQS GmbH (right) and FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger (6th from right)

Take part and win: FSK organizes diisocyanate quiz at UTECH 2024 // Visit us at our stand H 13

Stuttgart G – Maastricht NL, 03.04.2024 – The Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) will be exhibiting at UTECH 2024. The largest international exhibition and conference for the global polyurethane industry will take place from 23 to 25 April 2024. The industry experts meet every three years at the MECC conference center in Maastricht. The association has some great highlights in store at its stand this year. Visit the FSK at its stand H 13!

Quizzes and prizes

The FSK invites visitors to test and deepen their knowledge on the safe handling of diisocyanates in several quizzes. Participants have the chance to win coveted prizes, including a “Spätzle-Press” (traditional Swabian noodle press) as the main prize, recipe included! The FSK is also awarding second prize of a pack of “Spätzle” (Swabian noodles) from the Stuttgart region, the association’s headquarters. The third winner will receive a voucher for the e-learning module “Basic knowledge of diisocyanates”.

How and where to take part

The quizzes will take place at the FSK stand H 13 at the following times:

Tuesday, 23 April, at 11:30 a.m. and at 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 24 April, at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, 25 April, at 11:00 a.m.

To take part in the interactive and entertaining quiz, visitors need a mobile device.

Stay for a chat

All visitors are welcome to stay for a chat with the FSK team at the stand afterwards. Find out more about the services offered by the association, which range from specialist conferences and specialist groups to advice on laws and regulations. Visitors can also learn more about the range of online and face-to-face training courses on the safe handling of diisocyanates, designed for a variety of industry applications.

“UTECH provides an excellent opportunity to network with our members and forge new relationships within the polyurethane industry,” says Klaus Junginger, Managing Director of FSK. “We look forward to welcoming all visitors to our stand, having good conversations and awarding a few quiz winners.”

About the Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK)

The FSK acts as an advocate for the foam plastics and plastics processing industry. Through its involvement in European and national networks, the association actively supports political initiatives and legal frameworks and keeps its members up to date with industry developments. In addition, the FSK plays a decisive role in standardization committees and contributes to the formulation of industry standards and test protocols. Through the FSK, companies gain valuable access to a network of industry peers, suppliers and research institutions.

New: Presentation on the market for flame retardants // Specialist Day Insulation Materials – Sustainable into the future on 10 April 2024 in Berlin// Only a few places still available at the important industry meeting

Stuttgart, 20.03.2024 – The “Insulation Symposium – Sustainable into the Future” on 10 April in Berlin is almost fully booked. “The scope of the event has been kept relatively small in order to allow the participating experts to engage in more in-depth discussions on current topics,” explains Klaus Junginger, Managing Director of the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK). The FSK’s Insulation Materials specialist group is organising the industry meeting and has been able to attract great experts from well-known companies as speakers:

Kerstin Abend, DIBt (German Institute for Building Technology)
Peter Bachmann, Sentinel Haus Institut GmbH
Dr Sebastian Harms, Chemische Fabrik Budenheim KG
Prof Alexander Rudolphi, DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council)
Stefan Zwerenz, IBU (Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V.).

The presentations are all focussed on the major topic of sustainability and current requirements for insulation materials. Peter Bachmann, for example, will discuss how health and sustainability can be a key to success for companies. Kerstin Abend will shed light on the amendment of the European Construction Products Regulation. Prof Alexander Rudolphi will report digitally on the Europe-wide network for sustainable construction. Stefan Zwerenz will explain how companies can create sustainability through transparency. A new addition is the presentation by Dr Sebastian Harms, who will talk about current market developments in the field of flame retardants.

The specialist group is deliberately organising the symposium in Berlin and has thus created an additional incentive for participants and hosts. “Where better to discuss these forward-looking topics and legislative trends with our speakers and guests?” says Junginger. The association is still accepting registrations for the specialist day. Hotel rooms must be requested or organised by the participants themselves, as the association’s contingent is already fully booked.

The day before, on 9 April 2024, there will be an internal meeting of the Insulation Division 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.

The detailed programme and all other information is available on the FSK website.