Christina Slopek-Hauff Recognized For Outstanding Achievement With Drupa Prize 2026
The drupa Prize 2026 has been awarded to literary scholar Christina Slopek-Hauff for her outstanding doctoral thesis in the field of English and American Studies. With her thesis “Plural Psychologies: Interrogating Mental Illness in Anglophone African and African-Diasporic Fiction”, she makes an innovative contribution to interdisciplinary literary and cultural studies. With this prize, drupa annually supports outstanding early-career researchers from the Faculty of Arts at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.
The drupa Prize, worth 6,000 euros, was presented on 7 May 2026 during a formal ceremony at the exhibition grounds in Düsseldorf. The presentation was attended by Wolfram N. Diener, Chairman of the Management Board of Messe Düsseldorf, Sabine Geldermann, Director of the drupa Portfolio Print Technologies, Prof. Dr Heidrun Dorgeloh, Vice-Rector of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Prof. Dr Ulli Seegers, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, and her supervisor, Prof. Dr Birgit Neumann.
Christina Slopek-Hauff (centre) was awarded the drupa Prize 2026.
Dr Andreas Pleßke, Chairman of the drupa Committee, paid tribute to the award winner: “Christina Slopek-Hauff’s work exemplifies research that transcends disciplinary boundaries and brings global perspectives to light. Particularly in a time of profound transformation, including within our industry, such nuanced, intercultural approaches are crucial for understanding complex interrelationships and developing new ways of thinking.”
Interdisciplinary contribution to literary and cultural studies
In her dissertation, awarded a summa cum laude, Christina Slopek-Hauff analyses literary texts as spaces in which dominant, often Western-influenced concepts of psychology and mental health are critically questioned and expanded. In doing so, she combines approaches from the Medical Humanities, Disability Studies and Postcolonial Studies. The work demonstrates how literature helps to make diverse (“plural”) perspectives on mental health visible and to challenge hegemonic structures of knowledge. In doing so, it makes both an academic and a societal contribution to the current debate on diversity and cultural perspectives on health.
PME Fluidtec And Oerlikon HRSflow Optimize Youth Bike Design With Innovative Processing Solutions
Setting new industry standards, the li:on youth bikes from Kids Bike Revolution in Markdorf combine high safety and stability with low weight as well as sustainable manufacturing and design. A key feature is their frames which come in two sizes. They are made of Fibrit, a polyamide reinforced with 40% recycled carbon fibers that is lightweight and recyclable. Weber Fibertech, which is also based in Markdorf, produces the frames using modified water injection technology (WIT) and its patented E-LFT process, as well as FLEXflow HRS servo-driven hot runner technology from Oerlikon HRSflow. PME fluidtec, a Weber Fibertech subsidiary and a leading global supplier of machines and injection systems for fluid-assisted injection molding based in Ettenheim, Germany, developed the WIT. KraussMaffei manufactures the MX 1600 injection molding machine, which is specifically designed for this application.
In the WIT process, the mold is first filled with molten material. Immediately afterward, a water jet strikes the still-liquid core of the part in the opposite direction of injection, forcing excess material back into the injection molding machine’s melt supply. This saves material without reducing the rigidity of the tubular frame. However, it requires very complex control of the opening and closing of the injection nozzles in both phases of the WIT. FLEXflow HRS meets these requirements and was therefore key to the project’s success.
FLEXflow HRS as a key
Felix Dorn of Weber Fibertech, right, and Joachim Scheffer of Oerlikon HRSflow, presenting a frame for the li:on youth bicycle that was injection-molded using water injection technology and FLEXflow HRS servo-driven hot runner technology. Oerlikon HRSflow
Compared to conventional hot-runner injection molding, the combination of WIT and hot-runner technology, together with the flexible control unit of the servo-driven FLEXflow HRS systems, offers significant advantages. It enables independent and precise adjustment and monitoring of the needle stroke positions as well as the movement speeds of all nozzles integrated into a mold. This allows for precise control of the opening and closing cycles as well as melt flow, compensates for different flow paths, and enables the targeted positioning of weld lines. This flexibility is available both during injection into the cavity and during the WIT-specific push-back of the molten material for direct use in the subsequent cycle. Separate overflow cavities are not required, eliminating the material loss otherwise associated with them.
For both frame sizes of the li:on bikes, four injection points on the rear fork have proven to be optimal. There, nozzles from the Wa series from Oerlikon HRSflow, which are designed for medium to high shot weights, allow for short injection times. They are made of a highly wear-resistant special steel and thus withstand the demands of processing the abrasive, carbon-fiber-reinforced polyamide.
Friedbert Schmitt, Managing Director of Weber Fibertech, comments: “Thanks to FLEXflow HRS hot runner technology, we can use the WIT for series production and deliver top-quality lightweight frames for the li:on youth bikes. Even at first glance, these closed, multidimensional hollow profiles impress with their perfect surfaces and lack of warping. Despite varying flow paths and cross-sections, their individual areas are completely and uniformly filled and securely sealed at the end of the process. Wall thickness requirements are precisely met throughout. The weld lines are optimally positioned, minimizing their impact. In this way, we make a significant contribution to the high safety level of the products.”
To make the most of the capabilities of FLEXflow HRS in conjunction with the WIT system, Oerlikon HRSflow has customized the control software for this specific application. Joachim Scheffer, Key Account Manager at Oerlikon HRSflow, explains: “Working closely with PME Fluidtec, we first set up and refined the interface with the WIT system. We then programmed FLEXflow HRS so that the melt fronts, starting at the four injection points, converge in a defined manner at the seat post, in the bottom bracket area as well as at the head tube. Thanks to the ability to precisely control the movements and positions of the individual valve pins, we were also able to adjust the timing of the backpressure so that the separate melt flows in the individual frame parts move back evenly. This project would not have been feasible with conventional hot runner technology.”
Focus on safety and sustainability
Phase 1, top: Starting from the four injection points, the melt spreads throughout the cavity until it is completely filled. Phase 2, bottom: Starting from the opposite side, the water pushes the still-liquid cores of the individual sections back toward the needle-valve nozzles. Oerlikon HRSflow
Developed by former professional cyclists Tony Martin and Marcel Kittel, li:on bikes combine the lightweight design of aluminum frames with the high riding stability of carbon models. With three trim levels, three attractive colors, and frame sizes of 24” and 27.5”, they set a new standard for children’s and youth bicycles in terms of road safety and sustainability.
Thomas Arimond, Managing Director of li:on-bikes, comments: “With the launch of these youth bikes, we are meeting two key requirements: outstanding visibility as a safety feature and environmental sustainability as part of our responsibility as a manufacturer for the ecological footprint of our products. The paint finish in bright, light-reflecting colors and additional lighting elements make them particularly conspicuous, even in poor visibility conditions. This helps protect the health and, in extreme cases, even the lives of young users. On the manufacturing side, we take various measures to ensure that the associated environmental impact remains as low as possible. We manufacture all components in Germany. This keeps transport distances short. In addition, we manufacture virtually ‘on demand.’ This minimizes the number of unsold returns that would otherwise have to be disposed of. The carbon fibers used for the Fibrit material come from the recycling loop. The material itself can also be recycled and returned to production. Compared to aluminum, it has a significantly reduced carbon footprint during manufacturing.”
Help with development projects
To establish on the market such frames, which are made of cost-efficiently processable thermoplastic as an alternative to conventional aluminum and carbon frames, Weber Fibertech founded the Fi.Bi.Tec division (Fiber Bike Technology www.fibitec.com). This focuses on the bicycle industry’s growing interest in “Made in Germany” frames and other components. The company supports OEMs from the feasibility study through to large-scale production in Germany.
“Best Kids Bike” Award
Buyers of the li:on youth bike – shown here in the Urban Green version – can choose from two frame sizes, three trim levels, and four colors. Kids Bike Revolution
Shortly after its market launch, the li:on bikes received a prestigious industry award. During Cyclingworld 2026 – Europe’s show for the finest cycling culture – they were named “Best Kids Bike”.The jury recognized the brand’s innovative concept of modern, safe, and sustainable children’s bicycles. They highlighted the use of special light-reflective paint to make young cyclists more visible in traffic, the bike’s exceptional safety features, and the manufacturing process, which emphasizes sustainable production.
MAAG Group Brings Collaborative Engineering Solutions To Plast Milan 2026
MAAG Group EBG strand pelletizing system
The MAAG Group will attend Plast Milan in Milan, Italy from June 9 to 12, 2026 and will present modern solutions for polymer processing, and manufacturing as well as pipe and hose production in Hall 13, Booth L09 M10. This will be the first joint appearance in Italy since the acquisition of SIKORA in June 2025. SIKORA is a leading provider of innovative measurement, control, inspection, and sorting technologies.
At the booth visitors can see:
The PURITY CONCEPT V laboratory system inspects and analyzes granules, flakes, and test plates.
First gear pump specifically designed for pumping hard PVC
High-performance melt filters for recycling processes
PURITY CONCEPT V for inspection and analysis of pellets, flakes, and test plates
PURITY SCANNER ADVANCED for inspection and sorting of demanding plastic applications
CENTERWAVE 6000 for measuring the wall thickness and diameter of pipes from 32 to 1,600 mm
The CENTERWAVE 6000 measures pipes from 32 to 1,600 mm.
Together, MAAG Group and SIKORA show their combined expertise along the entire value chain of plastics processing. “Our aim is not only to provide customers with first-class machines and systems, but also to support them as a long-term partner with in-depth process expertise,” summarizes Ueli Thürig, President MAAG Group.
Reliable And Accurate CV Line Inspection With X-RAY 8000 ADVANCED
Energy cables place high demands on their function and their production. As submarine and underground cables, they ensure that energy is reliably transported to where it is needed. To ensure that electricity is delivered safely, the highest cable quality is essential. For over 30 years, SIKORA’s X-RAY 8000, with over 2,000 systems installed, has been considered the global industry standard in CV lines.
Directly after the extruder, in the CV pipe, the X-RAY 8000 ADVANCED X-ray measuring system measures the dimensions of the cable – such as wall thickness, eccentricity, diameter, and ovality. Unlike conventional systems on the market, the X-RAY 8000 ADVANCED features unique High-Speed Technology (HST). It is equipped with 16 measuring sensors, which reduces the measuring distances and thus measures at least 10 times faster than conventional systems. The result: the measuring values are available in less than 30 seconds for immediate centering and distortion-free control to the target dimension within 100 seconds.
Continuous use of the X-RAY 8000 ADVANCED enables a wall thickness reduction of around 5%, resulting in significant material and cost savings. The 5% material savings correspond to a CO₂ reduction of around 375 tons per year – comparable to approximately 125 round-trip flights between Frankfurt and New York. The X-RAY 8000 ADVANCED thus contributes to greater sustainability in cable production.
The durable XLL X-ray technology ensures a long service life. Special, self-cleaning, and non-toxic (NTX) measuring windows guarantee particularly safe and healthy handling in the CV line. In addition to the measuring system, a control cabinet containing an industrial PC for evaluating the X-ray image is supplied. All measuring values are clearly visualized and logged in real time on a TFT monitor.
The X-RAY 8000 ADVANCED can be integrated both vertically in CCV lines and VCV lines as well as in a horizontal line for medium-voltage cables. It can also be used in hybrid CV lines where both XLPE and PP are used as insulation materials.
The X-RAY 8000 ADVANCED is used for quality control in CV lines.
For final quality control at the end of the CV line, the X-RAY 8700 NXT records the cold values of the cable. In combination with the X-RAY 8000 ADVANCED at the beginning of the line, the shrinkage values for all three insulation layers of the cable can also be precisely determined. This ensures optimal process control and meets existing cable quality requirements for maximum reliability and safety.
China-Based Specialty H2O2 Facility Completed By Evonik And Fuhua
Evonik and Fuhua have completed construction of a state-of-the-art hydrogen peroxide plant in Leshan, China. Set to produce specialty-grade hydrogen peroxide for cutting-edge industries like photovoltaics and semiconductors, the facility will enter trial production soon, with full operations expected by Q2 2026.
Facility now entering trial production of specialty grades
Full start-up expected in Q2 2026 with annual production capacity of 20,000 tons
Evonik Fuhua New Materials has completed construction of its hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) facility in Leshan, Sichuan Province, China. The joint venture between Evonik and Fuhua Tongda Chemicals Company (Fuhua) will purify industrial-grade H2O2 into specialty grades to serve high-growth markets in the region. The plant is now preparing to enter trial production, with the first commercial volumes expected in Q2 2026.
Based on technology licensed from Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line, the facility utilizes industrial-grade H2O2 produced by Fuhua as a feedstock. The resulting specialty grades will be offered to meet growing regional demand for high-end applications such as solar cell production, semiconductor manufacturing, food packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The plant is designed with an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons.
Christian Kullmann, Chairman of the Evonik Executive Board, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration: “Evonik’s leading position in the global specialty chemicals industry is built on innovation, strong technology platforms, and a global network. This project showcases our exemplary cooperation model with important partners like Fuhua: By combining Evonik’s technological strengths with Fuhua’s industrial chain and local capabilities, we will jointly provide high-quality solutions for customers in the region and globally.”
Dr. Claus Rettig, interim CFO of Evonik and President of Evonik Asia Pacific, added: “This facility will strengthen Evonik’s supply capability and service efficiency in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China. Through local cooperation, Evonik will be better positioned to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-purity specialty-grade hydrogen peroxide products, ensuring reliable and efficient support for our customers.”
Fuhua Chairman Zhang Hua underscored the significance of the collaboration: “This partnership with Evonik marks an important milestone in Fuhua’s development toward higher-end and more international operations. The project will further enhance Fuhua’s competitiveness and support national development priorities in new energy, advanced manufacturing, and future-oriented chemical production.”
Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile chemical needed for a wide array of industries. It plays an essential role in applications ranging from electronics to renewable energy and aseptic packaging. Yet after use, the chemical breaks down into only oxygen and water – giving it a particularly beneficial environmental handprint.
Gneuss MC Moves Ahead Independently In Sensors And Measurement Technology Market
Gneuss Spins Off Its Sensors and Measurement Technology Division into a Separate Company
Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH, a supplier of plastics processing and recycling equipment and systems, is restructuring its sensor and measurement technology division. As of May 1, 2026, the operational business will be fully transferred to the newly founded Gneuss MC GmbH & Co. KG.
This move is a response to the division’s continuous growth in recent years. Rising demand and increasing technological complexity mean that a more independent organisational structure is necessary.
The new company will consolidate all activities within the Measurement & Controls division, creating a clear structure for further business development. All division employees will transfer to the newly established company.
Gneuss MC develops and manufactures sensor solutions for pressure and temperature measurement in extrusion processes. These systems are designed for demanding industrial applications and ensure reliable measurements even under conditions such as abrasion, corrosion and high temperatures.
Another focus is on customer-specific solutions: Thanks to its in-house manufacturing capabilities, Gneuss can produce both standardised and custom-designed sensors. The portfolio is complemented by digital technologies, including fully digital sensors and RFID-based systems for measuring and monitoring equipment.
“With this spin-off, we are creating the structural conditions to consistently further develop our sensor and measurement technologies and strengthen our position as a technology leader in the long term,” says Dr Stephan Gneuss.
R-Cycle And TILISCO Drive Packaging Compliance Innovation With PPWR Compliance Compass
The clock is ticking for the packaging industry: Key requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will take effect on August 12, 2026. To support packaging manufacturers in this monumental task, R-Cycle, together with packaging management specialist TILISCO, is presenting a new AI-based software-as-a-service solution – the PPWR Compliance Compass – at this year’s Interpack in Düsseldorf (Hall 7a, Booth C10, Start-up Zone).
AI-powered data aggregation instead of manual effort
In practice, the biggest hurdle in implementing the PPWR often lies in scattered and incomplete data. Information is often stored in different systems and formats – for example, in PDFs, Excel sheets, or emails from suppliers. This is where the PPWR Compliance Compass comes in with its AI-powered data capturing.
A specially trained artificial intelligence automatically extracts and aggregates all relevant packaging data from various sources. Missing information is easily completed with the help of specific supplier inquiries. Users receive a transparent overview of their packaging portfolio via a dashboard. As soon as all necessary packaging information is available, they can generate the legally required declaration of conformity at the click of a button.
Intelligent GAP analysis for efficient results
A key feature of the tool is its built-in GAP analysis. The system immediately compares the existing data set with the current PPWR requirements. An intuitive traffic-light system visualizes the compliance status of the entire portfolio and immediately highlights any missing or critical information. Particularly practical: Users can request the missing information from their respective suppliers directly within the tool to efficiently close data gaps.
The PPWR Compliance Compass enables rapid implementation of all currently relevant requirements while also ensuring future-proofing, as it evolves alongside regulatory requirements. The focus is on the information required to comply with PPWR regulations from the effective date of August 12, 2026 – this simplifies the process and enables timely implementation for companies, even if they do not yet have the necessary in-house expertise and resources. The scope of the tool will be gradually expanded in line with growing legal requirements, ensuring that users can continue to meet the current PPWR compliance requirements at the click of a button and get transparency regarding the regulatory landscape. To achieve this, R-Cycle draws on a large network of various expert communities that continuously address the interpretation and application of regulatory requirements.
The PPWR Compliance Compass Live
Visitors to Interpack can experience the tool’s capabilities firsthand at the R-Cycle booth – from easy-to-use AI-based data capturing to the final declaration of conformity. The comprehensive demo version covers various types of packaging (FMCG, industrial, logistics, etc.) and provides a step-by-step guide to using the tool.
“Packaging manufacturers should be able to focus on what matters most, rather than wasting valuable time manually searching for and preparing data,” explains Dr. Benedikt Brenken, Director of R-Cycle. “That’s why we offer an AI-powered solution that enables users to achieve rapid PPWR compliance based on a streamlined and easy-to-use platform.”
A key advantage of the solution is its technological backbone: The system uses open and global GS1 standards. These form the global “language of business” and ensure a future-proof infrastructure that enables seamless interoperability between manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers.
Exclusive Partnership: Regulatory Expertise Meets Digital Innovation
The development of the PPWR Compliance Compass is the result of an exclusive partnership between ProData GmbH and TILISCO GmbH. This collaboration combines TILISCO’s technical and regulatory expertise in comprehensive packaging management with ProData’s proven R-Cycle platform for the digitization of packaging data. The unique value proposition for the customer: The software incorporates the necessary expertise to comply with complex EU regulations and is based on R-Cycle’s proven data standards, which are already used by a community of over 50 renowned companies across the entire value chain.
Ultraled Displays Expands Its India Journey With Mumbai Hub
This premier company-owned Experience Centre in Mumbai will serve as a high-touch brand engagement space and a specialized training platform for channel partners, and customers.
Five additional centres planned; expansion to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata underway
UltraLED Displays, a Titan Intech Ltd brand specializing in LED display solutions, has inaugurated its Mumbai Experience Centre, marking the launch of its second company-owned hub and a key step in its national expansion journey. This also marks the company’s second experience centre launch within a week, underscoring its rapid expansion strategy and strong commitment towards enabling immersive product experiences for customers and partners across India. The centre was inaugurated by Mr. Su Piow Ko, Director, Titan Intech Ltd, and Mr. Narsimharao Venuturupalle, Whole Time Director, Titan Intech Ltd, in the presence of industry representatives and partners.
Strategically located at 3rd Floor, Millennium Business Park, Office No. B-303, Mahape, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, the experience centre has been developed as a dedicated product and brand engagement space for India’s financial capital. It enables enterprise clients, partners, and decision-makers to explore UltraLED’s display technologies through immersive demonstrations and real-world application scenarios.
The centre has been designed as a multi-purpose environment to facilitate product exploration, live demos, solution consultations, and hands-on training sessions. It is expected to play a critical role in enabling informed decision-making for businesses evaluating display infrastructure and AV solutions.
The facility showcases UltraLED’s full portfolio, including Ultra SHIELD COB Displays, Ultra EDGE SMD Displays, Ultra Engage All-in-One COB Displays, Transparent Displays, and K-type digital kiosks along with digital standees. These solutions cater to a wide range of applications spanning mission control centres, oil and gas operations, corporate environments, retail ecosystems, and public infrastructure.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Su Piow Ko, Director, Titan Intech Ltd, said, “Mumbai is a key market for us, and this centre allows us to engage with customers in a far more direct and experiential way. Seeing and interacting with these solutions firsthand brings a different level of clarity when businesses are evaluating long-term technology investments.”
Mr. Narsimharao Venuturupalle, Whole Time Director, Titan Intech Ltd, added, “As the market evolves, customers are looking for more than just products, they are looking for guidance, reliability, and strong execution support. This centre has been built to address exactly that by bringing together technology, expertise, and collaboration under one roof.”
The Mumbai launch builds on UltraLED’s ongoing expansion roadmap, aligned with its ‘Made in Bharat, Made for Bharat’ philosophy. The company plans to roll out five additional experience centres across major cities as part of its nationwide expansion strategy. Following Mumbai, the next phase includes Hyderabad, with Bengaluru and Kolkata scheduled subsequently.
The company has previously outlined an investment of approximately Rs 5 crore to support this expansion, aimed at strengthening regional reach and enhancing market access in a segment largely dominated by imported solutions. Through this initiative, UltraLED aims to promote locally engineered technologies such as COB, SMD, and MIP, while building robust service and support ecosystems across India.
Dewtector Advances Moisture Measurement Technology For Bulk Solids
Ensuring Quality and Consistency in Plastic Manufacturing and Recycling
A cross-sectional view of the DewTector’s product chamber, illustrating the air flow. The direct measurement approach using a hygrometer eliminates the need for complex calibrations for each formulation.
With the launch of the DewTector, Coperion introduces an innovative moisture measuring device designed to provide reliable, automated online measurements of surface moisture content in bulk materials, particularly plastic pellets. The patent-pending device offers an economical, simple and reliable method to help plastic manufacturers and recyclers monitor moisture levels more efficiently. It addresses a critical challenge faced by processors in maintaining both product quality and maintaining compliance with industry standards.
The DewTector uses a straightforward approach ─ it introduces a partial flow of bulk solids into a pressure-tight product chamber. The system determines the moisture content by analyzing the moisture released into the airflow. As the air absorbs moisture, it is analyzed by a hygrometer that measures only water content. This targeted detection ensures reliable results unaffected by other substances or changes in material composition. The system neither requires extensive calibration, nor the use of chemicals for different materials or recipes, making it easy to operate and maintain. The system achieves an accuracy of +5% to −15% across moisture levels ranging from several thousand ppm to a few hundred ppm, with up to ten measurements per hour.
Challenges of Moisture Measurement in Plastics Plastic manufacturers often face the challenge of moisture entering their final products, which can originate from various sources such as insufficient drying, defective water separators, leaking wash nozzles, or environmental factors like rain and condensation. If moisture levels go undetected, it can lead to costly product complaints and reputational damages. Additionally, processors must adhere to strict moisture content limits to ensure high-quality output, and the recycling sector requires dry input materials for effective processing.
Traditionally, moisture measurement has been labor-intensive and prone to inaccuracies, often relying on sporadic manual assessments of relative humidity in bags and containers. Existing automated methods, such as capacitive and microwave resonance techniques are typically complex, expensive, and require extensive calibration for different formulations, making them impractical for many users.
By simplifying moisture measurement and reducing the labor and time spent on manual sampling and analysis, the DewTector enhances operational efficiency while providing accurate, real-time data critical for process control.
PLAST 2026 Draws Expanding Global Participation Ahead Of 2026 Edition
With little more than a month to go before opening, Plast 2026 confirms its position as Europe’s leading trade fair of the year in the plastics and rubber industry. The twentieth edition, scheduled from 9 to 12 June at Fiera Milano, is delivering positive results despite the complex international geopolitical and economic landscape, marked by trade tensions and instability across global markets.
The Milan show is demonstrating its resilience with the participation of over 1,000 exhibitors – 44% of them international companies – 200 of whom were not present at either of the two previous editions, across a floor space of over 40,000 square metres. A result all the more significant in a challenging market environment in which strategic sectors such as the automotive industry are undergoing a period of profound transformation. Attracting 200 new exhibiting companies in this context is a clear signal of the industry’s confidence in Plast as a platform for showcasing innovation and developing commercial relationships.
The organisation is also working to significantly increase the presence of international visitors, with representatives from the main destinations of Italian exports, through buyer delegations organised in collaboration with Agenzia ICE and strategic agreements with leading trade associations – both within the sector and representing key end markets. Over 300 delegate companies are expected, including around seventy from India and a similar number from Latin America.
Satellite shows Plast, together with its three satellite shows – Rubber, 3D Plast and PlastMat – represents the entire supply chain of the plastics and rubber industry, occupying six of the eight halls at MaTec. Rubber is dedicated to the rubber sector, from materials to processing technologies and industrial applications. 3D Plast explores the frontiers of 3D printing and additive technologies applied to polymers. PlastMat focuses on materials innovation, a central theme in the evolution of the manufacturing industry.
A market with strong potential
The “Made in Europe” machinery sector is characterised by a strong export orientation, including towards emerging markets with a growing appetite for investment, and maintains a strategic role on the global stage. Access to these markets represents a decisive lever for consolidating the excellence of European companies, particularly manufacturers of machinery for processing plastics and rubber. In this context, Plast 2026 offers industry players a leading showcase for the most advanced solutions, with particular attention to the challenges of technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
Italian plastics and rubber machinery export performance
Data on Italian exports of plastics and rubber machinery in 2025, compiled by the Amaplast research department, paint a mixed picture: significant contractions across nearly all geographical areas, with the sole exception of Asia/Oceania, driven primarily by China and India.
Destination areas for Italian exports of machines, equipment and moulds for plastics and rubber
The drupa Prize 2026 has been awarded to literary scholar Christina Slopek-Hauff for her outstanding doctoral thesis in the field of English and American Studies. With her thesis “Plural Psychologies: Interrogating Mental Illness in Anglophone African and African-Diasporic Fiction”, she makes an innovative contribution to interdisciplinary literary and cultural studies. With this prize, drupa annually supports outstanding early-career researchers from the Faculty of Arts at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.
In her dissertation, awarded a summa cum laude, Christina Slopek-Hauff analyses literary texts as spaces in which dominant, often Western-influenced concepts of psychology and mental health are critically questioned and expanded. In doing so, she combines approaches from the Medical Humanities, Disability Studies and Postcolonial Studies. The work demonstrates how literature helps to make diverse (“plural”) perspectives on mental health visible and to challenge hegemonic structures of knowledge. In doing so, it makes both an academic and a societal contribution to the current debate on diversity and cultural perspectives on health.
