Presserelease

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.

Exciting technical presentations, an interesting factory tour and a communicative supporting program inspired the participants of the 22nd International FSK Conference, which took place from 22 to 23 November 2013. The Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) hosted the two-day industry event at the BayKomm Communication Center at the site of the host company Covestro AG in Leverkusen.

The “BayKomm” at the Covestro AG site, an impressive venue for the approx. 130 participants (Source: FSK)

Get-together – a special experience after a long corona break

On the evening before the FSK symposium, the FSK invited participants to the traditional pre-event get-together. This year at the Manforter Hof brewery. With its typical Rhineland character – bourgeois and cosy, cheerful and atmospheric – an ideal platform for a collegial exchange of ideas.

Symposium with a wide range of specialist presentations

The 2023 International Conference of the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) took participants to the Covestro AG site in Leverkusen. The inspiring venue was the “BayKomm”, an extraordinary communication and event center at the Covestro AG site. At the official welcome and opening, Albrecht Manderscheid, Cannon Deutschland GmbH, formally still Chairman of the FSK Board of Management, emphasized the increasing importance of recycling and the circular economy for the PU industry. In the long term, polyurethane could only survive if solutions to these issues were developed. He promised the participants a wide range of specialist presentations dealing with the current status of work on recycling technologies. The panel discussion scheduled for the afternoon would give participants the opportunity to have their questions on these topics answered by experts.

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 and everything that has happened during this time cannot be summarized in 10 minutes,” he continued. But the few examples he gave, ranging from the work of the various working groups and the many events organized by the FSK to 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 a separate report, you can read the detailed interview with Albrecht Manderscheid and the worthy farewell by laudator Dr Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro AG and President of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI).

He welcomed the new FSK Chairman Jörg Arntzen, Dow Anlagengesellschaft mbH, as moderator for the two days of the event. Dr Torsten Heinemann, Covestro Deutschland AG, opened the series of presentations with his keynote speech “How to turn regulatory risks into opportunities”, with which he prepared the participants for the panel discussion on “Chemical Recycling”, which took place in the afternoon. The European chemical industry is faced with a multitude of regulations that present it with difficult challenges. He acknowledged that the chemical industry is part of the problem, but also emphasized that the chemical industry is in a better position than any other to solve the current problems. He appealed to the entire industry to minimize the risk for individual companies through cooperation and funding.

Dr Matthias Hinrichs, BASF SE, also set the mood for the panel discussion with his presentation. His technical presentation “Chemical recycling of polyurethanes – closing the loop” was about “cracking the bond”. He presented the recycling process of depolymerization in a clear and comprehensible way. A clear advantage of the approach is the significantly lower energy input compared to gasification and pyrolysis, as well as a significantly lower CO2 footprint than with the extraction of the virgin material. According to Dr Matthias Hinrichs, successful projects in the areas of shoe soles, bicycle seats, refrigerators and the joint project with Neveon in the area of mattresses all have one thing in common: it depends on the quality of the source material. Then the quality of the recycled product is equal to the original.

Top-class panel discussion provides ideas for the future

In the afternoon, high-caliber experts answered the participants’ questions on these topic in a panel discussion on “Chemical Recycling”. In an extremely lively and open discussion, Dr Martin Baumert, BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, Dr Torsten Heinemann, Covestro Deutschland AG, Prof Dr Mathias Seitz, Merseburg University of Applied Sciences, and Dr Annegret Terheiden, Evonik Operations GmbH, provided an overview of the current technical status and the many unresolved issues, e.g. regarding the collection and sorting of waste or the specification of recycled polyols.

Panel discussion on chemical recycling with a top-class line-up (from left to right): Jörg Arntzen (moderator), Prof Dr Mathias Seitz, Dr Martin Baumert, Dr Annegret Terheiden, Dr Torsten Heinemann (source: FSK)

Innovation awards for innovative products, processes and technologies

Another highlight in the afternoon was the ceremony moderated by Sven Müller, Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH, for the Innovation Award, which the FSK has been presenting for many years. In addition to honoring forward-looking ideas, the FSK Innovation Award is primarily aimed at promoting young talent and supporting cooperation between the award winners and potential industry 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 “Experts/Professionals” and “Young Professionals” categories. Five of the 18 proposals submitted were awarded an innovation prize. – Read the details of the Innovation Award in a separate report.

The participants were able to round off the first day of the event in a pleasant atmosphere in the Barmenia Lounge of the BayArena. Here there was plenty of time and opportunity for networking and further professional exchange.

The second day also impressed with interesting presentations

The second day offered the participants specialist presentations of a somewhat different kind than usual. Alexander Hinzsch, Hinzsch Schaumstofftechnik GmbH & Co. KG, with his presentation “The company is on fire – and now? Experiences and actions of an affected foam processor”, in which he spoke about his experiences in dealing with authorities and insurance companies after his company was temporarily incapacitated in 2022 due to a fire that caused millions in damage.

Cybercrime can also result in high losses, as Michael Glunk, Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH, was able to confirm from his own experience. His company was the victim of a Lockbit cyber gang that stole 40 terabytes of sensitive data from Continental and demanded a ransom of 50 million euros. His presentation “Cyber security – growing demands on our IT systems” made the audience aware of how to deal with emails and websites and warned them to be particularly careful when clicking on links.

After these two somewhat different presentations, things got technical again. Dr Catherine Lövenich, Covestro Deutschland AG, gave an update on the current status of the publicly funded project “Circular Foam: the development of chemical recycling technologies for rigid polyurethane foam. Various solutions are being investigated in the joint project. Dr Catherine Lövenich focused in particular on chemolysis and “smart pyrolysis”.

Dr Dennis Krause, Covestro Deutschland AG, took the current trend towards digitalization into account with his presentation on “Foaming Simulation – A digital technology for early insights during development”. His simulation results make it possible to optimize process parameters at an early stage, in particular the mould design, for example the position of the injection points, venting plan, mould temperature, etc. This can significantly reduce the number of necessary pilot tests and therefore also the development time.

Fabian Tenberge, Remondis Recycling GmbH & Co. KG, with his presentation “REMONDIS Recycling”, which looked at the topic from a completely different angle. Using the example of mattresses, he highlighted the problems that a waste disposal company faces: starting with the fact that the volume of waste cannot be precisely tracked as there is no specific waste code for mattresses, the ways in which mattresses end up as waste are very varied. As a result, the mattresses are usually heavily contaminated, so that ultimately a large proportion can only be used for thermal recycling.

Klaus Junginger, Managing Director of the FSK, gave a positive summary of the event: “We are delighted with the positive feedback from the participants at our association’s all-round successful 22nd symposium. As usual, the event addressed the latest hot topics from the polyurethane industry and the FSK once again offered an ideal platform to actively develop its sustainable network.

In order to make all this possible, the cooperation of many members is required and so he did not miss the opportunity to award two FSK certificates of thanks before the official farewell and the transfer to the Covestro AG technical center. These were presented to the two former FSK Board members Dr Dirk-Endres Hein and Rüdiger Simon for their many years of work and support for the FSK.

The Covestro AG technical center, a crowning finale

The tour of the technical center featured three stations for the visitors. At the first station, the production of a composite material by compression molding was shown in a live demonstration: a polyurethane formulation is sprayed onto a sandwich made of paper honeycomb and glass, natural or carbon fiber mats and then pressed. The result is lightweight composite structures with good flexural strength and torsional rigidity.

The second station showed the modern double conveyor belt for the production of metal sandwich elements and insulation panels, which allows the processing of both rigid and flexible cover layers and is therefore almost unique.

At the last station, the participants had the opportunity to find out about the use of polyurethanes in the construction of rotor blades for wind turbines. These consist of high-performance composite materials that are produced by saturating a glass fiber matrix with an infusion resin using a vacuum. The use of PUR resins allows faster curing times and provides composites with very good mechanical properties and high fatigue resistance.

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.

On November 22 and 23, 2023, the German Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association (FSK) will hold its 22nd International Specialist Conference. The major topics are: Fire – No Thanks, PU in Electromobility, and Chemical Recycling and Cyber Security.

• Follow the progress the EU project CIRCULAR FOAM for a closed-loop circular ecosystem to the end-of-life of PU rigid foam has already made in its first 20 months.
• Discover how computer simulation sets the right course for product properties and recycling already in the development process.
• Find out why cyber security is a very central task with an average of 1,168 hacker attacks per week worldwide.

The list of speakers is impressive with big players such as BASF SE, Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH, Covestro Deutschland AG, Dow Deutschland Anlagengesellschaft mbH, Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH, Hinzsch Schaumkunststoffe GmbH & Co. KG and REMONDIS SE & Co. KG. A top-class panel discussion and the ceremony for the presentation of the Innovation Award Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes 2023 are part of the program.

The event will take place on the premises of the Baykomm Communication Center at Covestro Deutschland AG in Leverkusen. Exclusive insights into the Covestro Technical Center in Leverkusen will be the crowning glory on the second day of the event.

Board election and farewell of Albrecht Manderscheid

The election of the new Board of Management is the most important item on the agenda of the preceding FSK General Meeting on November 22. The eulogy for the outgoing long-time Chairman of the Board Albrecht Manderscheid will be held by Dr. Markus Steilemann, Chairman of the Board, Covestro Deutschland AG.

Don’t miss this unique industry event and register here today!

You can find the current program here.

We are looking forward to seeing you!

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.

Stop by the impressive, free-to-attend, Foam Expo Europe this winter (5-7 December 2023) to get your yearly fix on all things technical foam in the manufacturing hub of Stuttgart, Germany. As the continent’s biggest technical foam event, it brings together suppliers, manufacturers, and decision-makers from across the industry to meet and make new connections, all under one roof. You can secure your free pass here.

This year the Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes (FSK e.V.) is again an exhibitor at the Foam Expo Europe. Visit us from December 5th to 7th, 2023 at the exhibition center in Stuttgart, Hall 1, Booth 331. The Converter Network meeting will also take place as part of the trade fair.

Co-located with Adhesives & Bonding Expo Europe, this provides synergy because there are thousands of unique technical foam applications that require very specific adhesives, tape, or sealants. Therefore, this supply chain-led show can help to establish the best fit in a short amount of time and connect you to experts in niche fields. Foam Expo Europe is also co-located with Thermal Management Expo Europe (new for 2023) because industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics (and many more) require some of their materials in foam, adhesives, and tapes to be thermally conductive or provide cooling solutions.

This year’s Exhibition will feature 200+ companies, showcasing a huge range of foam and foam-related products. It’s a unique opportunity for attendees to discuss the latest materials, components, and technologies available in the marketplace. Attendees can also take part in the free-to-attend Conferences, which address key trends and challenges facing the technical foam, adhesives, and thermal sectors in Europe and worldwide.

For attendees, the combined events provide an ideal opportunity to source new suppliers and materials, find ways to reduce waste, boost production efficiency, and explore innovative technical solutions to end-user requirements. But for most visitors, the chance to network, make new contacts, and meet people face-to-face is the key reason to attend. In fact, 95% of visitors were able to gain valuable connections from the show. Informal drinks receptions in the exhibition hall on the first two evenings will provide further valuable networking opportunities.

Martin Tietema, CEO and Founder at Foamplant said “Foam Expo Europe is really important for us. It’s essential that we can connect with the entire value chain from raw material suppliers to converters as well as the brands that are implementing the products – we can speak to all of them!”

Elena Turba, Communications and Marketing Manager at CMS said “The show has been very good, we have seen a lot of new and old customers. Face-to-face shows are important because the physical approach of seeing the machine and meeting the person you are speaking to is very effective for decision-making.”

Registration for Foam Expo Europe, which is FREE to attend, is open. Please follow this link to secure your free pass, it only takes 2 minutes and provides access to all three shows.

About Foam Expo Europe

Foam Expo Europe is the largest event for manufacturers and buyers of technical foam products and technologies on the continent. At the show, you can expect to see a variety of foam products and raw materials used in the manufacture of foam and related products, such as moulded, rigid, and flexible foams as well as manufacturing machinery and foam service providers. What’s special about Foam Expo Europe is that we are recognised as a main event in people’s diaries to meet raw material suppliers, chemical producers, manufacturers, converters, machinery suppliers, and end users.

About the Organiser

Organisers Smarter Shows (Tarsus) Ltd specialise in producing highly focused B2B supply chain exhibitions and technical conferences for the manufacturing and engineering sectors, with a focus on aerospace, automotive, and materials industries.

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.

 

Concentrated know-how was gathered for the joint specialist day on recycling and recovery of the FSK e.V. (Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Association) and the bvse e.V. (Federal Association for Secondary Raw Materials and Waste Disposal). On 5 October, mechanical and chemical recycling were put to the test at the Kulturhaus of BASF Schwarzheide GmbH.

At the Recycling and Recovery Specialist Day, the Who’s Who of PU recycling met and discussed various approaches to solutions as well as their strengths and weaknesses. There was agreement that there is not one simple and single solution for PU recycling, but that diverse recycling solutions are also required for the multifaceted material. There is still enormous potential, since so far only the smallest proportion of PU products is recycled at all. Especially in the building sector, the potentials would be enormous, a correct, separate collection is rarely guaranteed here. The 40 million old mattresses that accumulate annually in the EU alone also offer a great opportunity here. So far, only a single-digit percentage of PU products is recycled, be it chemically or mechanically; the large part is still thermally recycled, as this is the cheapest way.

“All players are called upon to rethink or even change their mindset in the area of PU recycling,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger. Recycling centres and recyclables collectors, as the basis and treasure trove of recycling, should urgently install systems that guarantee high-quality separation and collection. The experts clearly pointed out the shortcomings in collection. Far too little PU still ends up in recycling. On the part of politics, an incentive system would have to be created that would lead to a true competition of recycling. Enforcement of all measures introduced would also be desirable here.

Solvolysers are used in the chemical recycling of PU. In this process, the Solvolyses supply targeted building blocks that are reused in PU synthesis. The large system houses and the market as a whole would have to open up to recycling polyols. The polyols are in no way inferior to the basic raw materials, and according to studies and tests, they even surpass the positive properties in some cases, but they still meet with resentment.

Last but not least, the question of recycling should already play a central role in the development of primary products and the manufacturers should be held accountable accordingly. Communication and partnership are the key to achieving the necessary persuasion and education work.

After lunch, Viktor Schön from KMA Umwelttechnik GmbH touched another nerve of the participants – the frequently touched upon and red-hot topic of energy procurement and energy costs. The use of modern exhaust air technology and high-performance heat recovery according to individual KMA solutions reduces costs and provides planning security.

At the end of the event, the participants were invited to take a tour of the BASF Schwarzheide GmbH production site. Not only were the impressive plants on the factory premises visited, but also the solar park outside and the future location of the planned battery centre.

The event was organised by the FSK together with its partner association bvse. Thanks to his expertise, Dr Thomas Probst skilfully led through the event and exchange round as well as the panel discussion.

Left to right: FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger thanked the participants of the panel discussion High-profile panel discussion: Alexander Kramer, German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB), Christoph Brüning, omnicycle GmbH & Co. KG, Mila Skokova, H & S Anlagentechnik GmbH, Marco Werth, Rampf Eco Solutions, moderator Dr Thomas Probst, bvse e.V. and Dr Marieke Hoffmann, Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V.

Participants of the specialist day on recycling and recovery in front of the Kulturhaus of BASF Schwarzheide GmbH

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.