Lindner Expands in Latin America with New LATAM Subsidiary
Lindner, a worldwide leader in recycling and shredding technologies, furthers its strategic growth by launching its new subsidiary, Lindner LATAM, located in Brazil. This milestone signifies an important advancement in enhancing the company’s presence and capabilities in the Latin American market — a region experiencing a swift increase in demand for efficient, future-oriented waste processing solutions.
With years of expertise in engineering and creating durable shredders and comprehensive system solutions for the recycling sector, Lindner is well-known for its dedication to quality and innovation. The newly established Brazilian subsidiary indicates a long-term commitment to assist Latin America’s shift toward a circular economy and sustainable resource management.
Through the establishment of Lindner LATAM, the company seeks to create more intimate relationships with local stakeholders, create region-tailored solutions, and provide quicker, more agile customer service. Through this strategy, not only does Lindner’s commitment to proximity to customers become even more pronounced, but municipalities, waste management operations, and industrial recyclers in the region are also enabled to address the critical issues of diversion of waste, alternative fuel generation, and recycling of plastics.
“Latin America is a dynamic market with great potential. Lindner LATAM gives us a basis for being closer to our customers and partners, working together on pioneering recycling solutions,” says Michael Lackner, Managing Director at Lindner Holding.
Frederico Hartmann, who is a prominent recycling industry personality throughout Latin America, has been appointed to head the new subsidiary. With his base in Brazil, Hartmann has been instrumental in building Lindner’s presence in Latin America since 2012. The company’s decision to appoint him as Managing Director of Lindner LATAM in May 2025 underscores its trust in his intimate understanding of the local market, rich industry relationships, and successful history of overseeing winning recycling projects from development to operation.
With this specific local facility, Lindner hopes to create new solutions for the region, whether it’s for plastic recycling for circular materials, alternative fuels to cement manufacturing, or mechanical shredding. On the other hand, through Lindner LATAM, the company reiterates their support promise of efficient machines, reliable service and a clear conscience for its clients throughout Latin America to process waste into something useful and to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Tosca Webinars Provide Guidance on New Packaging Legislation
Lisa Buchholz, Business Development Director Europe
A series of expert-led webinars has been launched by Tosca, a global pioneer in 100% recyclable and reused plastic packaging and pooling solutions, to discuss the major changes in packaging legislation in the UK and Europe. The first session provided insightful information about how companies may stay ahead of the curve through reuse, as well as the future EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks.
Led by Tosca’s Team, Laurent Le Mercier, EMEA President; Karin Witton, Global Head of Sustainability; and Lisa Buchholz, Business Development Director Europe the webinar brought together regulatory knowledge, sustainability expertise and hands-on market insight. The message was clear that the future of packaging is recyclable and reusable, and businesses that there is a call for action to comply, compete and differentiate!
New packaging regulations: reuse is no longer optional
Across Europe and the UK, sweeping new packaging regulations are set to reshape how businesses design, manage and think about packaging. With the upcoming PPWR and EPR regulations, companies face a significant shift, as packaging systems must move away from single-use toward models.
Laurent Le Mercier, EMEA President, Tosca
The PPWR sets binding reuse targets and stricter recyclability standards requirements across all packaging formats. For producers, retailers and suppliers, this introduces new levels of complexity that demand long-term, strategic changes. EPR adds another layer of urgency, as producers are increasingly responsible for the full lifecycle of packaging, from design to end-of-life. This will drive an increase in costs for systems that rely on disposable materials, while those built around reuse and recycle, durability and efficiency will become more economically and environmentally sustainable.
While some businesses are already adapting and future-proofing their operations, many are still assessing the implications. Time is critical and inaction or delay will put at risks businesses falling behind in compliance and in competitiveness, especially as more consumers, investors and regulators demand demonstrable progress on circularity.
Expert support through this transition, turning compliance into a competitive advantage
Karin Witton Global Sustainability Director Tosca
Their pooling and reusable packaging solutions offer companies a solution to achieve PPWR compliance effortlessly while improving hygiene standards, lowering operational costs, significantly reducing waste, and unlocking a powerful competitive advantage through reuse.
They are committed to supporting its customers and their industry through this regulatory shift. As a trusted advisor, we will continue to guide businesses in understanding and implementing these changes. This webinar series is part of this effort, with additional future sessions planned to explore various aspects of implementing new regulations.
Tosca has also published a comprehensive whitepaper, “Navigating the Future: A Guide to EU Packaging Related Regulations,” which offers advice on adapting to regulatory changes and highlights the benefits of recyclable and reusable packaging in the supply chain, helping businesses succeed in a sustainability-focused environment.
Global Robotics Enthusiasm Fuels Most Visited Automatica in History
Barely 49,300 visitors from more than 90 countries
More than 1,100 robot exhibits across six exhibition halls
Record-breaking visitor and exhibitor satisfaction levels
automatica, the leading exhibition held from June 24 to 27, 2025, was an impressive demonstration of approaches to solving future challenges using smart automation and robotics. Barely 49,300 visitors from more than 90 nations, along with approx. 800 exhibitors from 40 countries, and an extensive supporting program underlined automatica’s domain leadership.
The four-day trade fair had a strong focus on AI-powered robotics, SME automation, health tech solutions, mobile robotics, and networked production. A successful range of topics according to Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Co-CEO of Messe München. “automatica once again inspired the entire industry. The trade fair has seen significant growth in terms of both visitors and exhibitor participation, despite adverse economic conditions. That underlines its status as a must-attend in the industry.” Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria’s Minister for Economic Affairs, stressed the significance of these future technologies during his tour of automatica and its co-located trade fairs Laser World of Photonics and World of Quantum. “Robotics and automation are going to revolutionize our production processes. The integration of Artificial Intelligence in particular will unlock a range of new possibilities.”
automatica 2025 offered a first-class supporting program. Photo Credit: Messe München GmbH
Exhibition Director Anja Schneider is delighted as well: “800 exhibitors and a whopping 1,120 robots made automatica an incredibly impressive crowd-puller covering the entire value chain. And I am particularly pleased with its pronounced employment fair character.”
Patrick Schwarzkopf, Managing Director of VDMA Robotics + Automation, also feels the trade fair was a great success. “automatica 2025 has shown that robotics and automation are the key to strong competitive positioning. It has provided an impressive confirmation of its claim to global leadership through real-world AI solutions, automation for SMEs, and networked production: It is the place where worldwide novelties and the future of automation is presented first.”
Exhibitors pleased with extensive inspiration
Exhibitors from all areas have come to a positive conclusion on automatica 2025. “automatica is one of the most important events not only for FANUC but also for the entire European robotics industry.” said Takayuki Ito, President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and former Vice President at Fanuc. “It brings together global technology leaders and users to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and drive the future of automation. I greatly appreciate this platform for international dialog in my capacity as President of the IFR.”
Reinhold Groß, CEO of the robotics segment at KUKA, also came to a positive conclusion. “This year, we have seen remarkable interest from customers who have not automated yet. Thus, automatica 2025 was the perfect stage for us to demonstrate that ‘making automation easier’ goes well beyond providing easy and intuitive access to robotics.” Martin Bender of Bender + Wirth confirms from a user perspective that this is one of the major reasons for an increasing number of SMEs to turn towards automation. “I represent an SME and really appreciate the technical discussions with the exhibitors. The whole experience makes me feel that I made the right choice by joining automatica,” says Martin Bender. “The trade fair spreads inspiration and motivates me to try new things as we move forward on our automation journey.”
Record visitor survey results
94 percent of exhibitors gave the trade fair an excellent to good rating in a survey conducted by the Gelszus market research institute. They particularly appreciated the visitor quality (88 percent) and the increase in new customer acquisitions (87 percent). Correspondingly, Frank Konrad, Chairman of the Board and CEO at HAHN Automation, is quite satisfied with the four trade fair days: “automatica 2025 was yet another indicator of just how crucial smart automation and robotics are for the industry’s future. Agility, an open mind with regard to new technology, and constructive regional economic policy are pivotal factors in securing Europe’s role as an automation powerhouse. We experienced great inspiration in Munich and have a clear take-away from the week we spent here: The future is automated – and we are prepared to shape it together with our customers.”
1,120 robots were exhibited in the six exhibition halls. Photo Credit: Messe München GmbH
Successful trade fair participation
Neura Robotics introduced their new humanoid generation at automatica 2025. “The trade fair has given us the opportunity to present our vision and products to tens of thousands of people,” said David Reger, Founder & CEO of NEURA Robotics. “We are honored by the incredibly overwhelmingly positive response and great interest in more than 60 NEURA robots.”
MVTec Software is another exhibitor looking back on successful trade fair days. “We once again had plenty of great discussions this year – with both potential new customers and long-time partners. It was the unabated continuation of a trend that makes automatica ever more important for us and the machine vision industry at large as it evolves into an indispensable platform for exchange,” said Managing Director Dr. Olaf Munkelt.
38 percent of international visitors
The great exhibitor ratings are also reflected in the visitor statistics. The top ten visitor countries after Germany were Austria, Italy, Switzerland, South Korea, China, Poland, the UK, Czech Republic, the USA, and Netherlands. The share of international visitors was at 38 percent. 99 percent of exhibitors gave the trade fair an ‘excellent’ to ‘good’ rating. Furthermore, 95 percent of visitors praised the presence of market leaders, and the same share of respondents confirmed the leading role of automatica as they gave the overall atmosphere at automatica good to very good ratings.
Around 47,500 visitors attended automatica 2025. Photo Credit: Messe München GmbH
Top-notch supporting program
“My first time at automatica was a fantastic experience,” said industry advocate Jake Hall (The Manufacturing Millenial). “I got a deep dive into product innovations while seeing new technologies, start-ups, and education shaping the future of the industry.” Like many other visitors, he was an active participant in the extensive supporting program. 14 showcases and stages, more than 270 keynotes, ten guided tours, and three workshops facilitated top-level exchange and knowledge transfer. There was a special focus on health tech with numerous exhibits from across the industry and the two-day MedtecSUMMIT.
Further, the munich_i Hightech Summit was all about the megatrends in robotics and AI. This event was once again curated by the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and featured top-level speakers from companies such as Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and Nvidia. Prof. Lorenzo Masia, Executive Director of MIRMI, sums it up. “automatica is the perfect place to showcase the institute’s capacity of aligning to the different challenges in robotics and AI that are calling right now. And of course to network with the industry players we would like to interact and brainstorm with more.”
The next automatica will take place from June 22 to 25, 2027. It will again be co-located with Laser World of Photonics – the World’s Leading Trade Fair with Congress for Photonics Components, Systems and Applications – and World of Quantum in Munich.
Pioneering Sustainable Polypropylene, Advanced Petrochemical Takes the Lead at K 2025
Advanced Petrochemical Company, one of the Middle East’s leading producers of propylene and polypropylene, made a strong impression at the K Preview 2025, the official prelude to K 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, which will be held from October 8–15, 2025, in Düsseldorf.
Photo Credit: Messe Düsseldorf
During the three-day preview event, Advanced Petrochemical introduced its future strategic vision for petrochemicals, showcasing how its premium propylene and polypropylene solutions will address top industry priorities like sustainability, supply chain robustness, and innovation. The involvement of the company emphasized its mission to share practical solutions with worldwide stakeholders and establish meaningful relationships prior to the main event this October. Attendees can locate Advanced Petrochemical at Stand G36, Hall 8a, where it will exhibit its integrated production capacity and complete product range.
During the preview, Advanced Petrochemical emphasized its core products: propylene and polypropylene (PP), manufactured using advanced propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology. With a production capacity exceeding 450,000 tons annually, the company supplies high-quality raw materials used in applications such as food and industrial packaging, automotive parts, textiles, fibers, hygiene products, and medical solutions. Its polypropylene grades are valued globally for their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, supporting a wide range of downstream industries.
Photo Credit: Messe Düsseldorf
A company spokesperson explained that Advanced Petrochemical is deeply focused on improving sustainability throughout its operations, aligning with the overarching K 2025 theme of “The Power of Plastics: Green, Smart, Responsible.” The company continues to invest in process efficiency, resource optimization, and initiatives that enable recyclability and support a more circular economy. Advanced’s forward-looking strategy also includes expanding its global customer network and developing strong partnerships with international converters, distributors, and end-users to deliver tailor-made solutions that meet the unique needs of various markets.
“K Preview 2025 was an excellent opportunity for us to share how our solutions help customers around the world meet quality, safety, and environmental goals,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to advancing polypropylene and propylene production that balances performance, economic value, and sustainability.”
Advanced Petrochemical’s upcoming showcase will demonstrate the company’s progress toward long-term goals such as reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy in operations. Through its involvement in K 2025, the company seeks to showcase its technical proficiency, strong logistics system, and client-centered services that guarantee punctual delivery and consistent product quality across various areas. Its significant presence at K 2025 is anticipated to strengthen partnerships, create new markets, and emphasize its position as a trustworthy provider of high-quality petrochemical products that are vital for contemporary living.
Brückner Group SE Enhances Management Team with CFO Angela Strigl
Angela Strigl will take over as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Brückner Group SE in Siegsdorf on July 1, 2025. She has been the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH for the last three and a half years, and she is moving within the group. Robin Schaede will take her place there.
Since January 2022, she has been the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH, a prominent worldwide manufacturer of plastics processing machinery. She managed the financial affairs of PackSys Global AG, a globally operating packaging machine specialist, in Switzerland for about five years as CFO before this. Brückner Group SE is the parent company of both of these businesses. Angela Strigl started her career there as Head of Finance & Controlling and will now return as CFO.
ANGEL STRIGL, CFO at Brückner Group SE
“I’ve been a part of the Brückner Group for many years. I’m excited to be back at the management holding company and to oversee financial management of the group during a phase of important strategic decisions,” Strigl said. “My focus will be on streamlined processes, sound decisions, and a financial structure that will secure the group’s long- term growth.”-ANGELA STRIGL CFO at Brückner Group SE
Prior to joining the group, she gained extensive consulting experience at Deloitte & Touche as Director International Tax. In this role, she advised medium-sized companies on complex restructuring, optimization, and international tax issues.
With her broad expertise at the intersection of financial strategy, tax law, and international corporate management, Angela Strigl will bring new perspectives to drive the group’s future-focused growth in her new role. She is taking over the position from Maximilian Schneider, who is retiring after 25 years with the group.
Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH has appointed Robin Schaede, an internationally experienced and accomplished CFO, to fill Angela Strigl’s previous position. Robin Schaede possesses extensive experience in various functional areas within family businesses, private equity, and publicly traded companies. At these organizations, he successfully optimized corporate structures, relocated services, improved and digitalized financial processes, and executed M&A transactions. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the publicly traded engineering company Techno trans SE, where he helped guide the company through a strategic and structural reorganization and was responsible for establishing shared service centers.
“Angela Strigl is a renowned financial expert who is returning to Brückner Group SE with a deep understanding of our business and structures. Her career is a prime example of the career development opportunities we can offer outstanding and passionate employees within our group,” commented Dr. Axel von Wiedersperg, CEO of Brückner Group SE, proudly. “At the same time, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Maximilian Schneider for his many years of dedicated service and wish him all the best for his well-deserved retirement.”
Plastics Europe Reinforces Climate Commitment Through K 2025 Special Show
At the official K Preview 2025, Plastics Europe presented an ambitious roadmap for its flagship special show, “Plastics Shape the Future,” which will once again be a major highlight at K 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, taking place from October 8 to 15, 2025, at Messe Düsseldorf.
Dr. Christine Bunte, Managing Director Plastics Europe Deutschland, photo credit: Messe Düsseldorf
Positioned at Hall 6, Stand C40, this interactive 600-square-meter pavilion will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and young talent to demonstrate how plastics can drive solutions for a smarter, greener, and more responsible future. This year’s expanded concept will tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, from accelerating the circular economy to achieving climate neutrality and building the workforce of tomorrow.
“With ‘Plastics Shape the Future,’ we want to show the world what our industry is capable of,” said Dr. Christine Bunte, Managing Director at Plastics Europe Deutschland, during her remarks at the Preview event. “K 2025 will serve as a ‘World Expo for Plastics,’ providing a platform for honest dialogue, cross-sector collaboration, and practical examples of how we can make plastics more sustainable and more innovative at the same time.”
A standout feature of Plastics Europe’s 2025 showcase will be its seven themed days, each dedicated to a key topic: “Kick-Off Wednesday” will focus on competitiveness and sustainability, followed by “Circular Thursday” exploring circular economy solutions across industries, “Climate Friday” addressing life cycle assessments and carbon impacts, “Smart Saturday” highlighting AI and digitalization for resource efficiency, “Career Sunday” dedicated to nurturing young talent and diversity, “Innovation Monday” featuring start-up pitches, and “Visionary Tuesday” with deep dives into future technologies and microplastics research.
Visitors can expect daily live talks on the Innovation Stage, expert panels with voices from the plastics value chain, and new exhibits demonstrating how circular design, advanced recycling, and material innovation are already helping to close loops. The “Plastics Shape the Future” area will also include networking spaces and hands-on educational stations to engage students and young professionals.
“Our industry is undergoing a massive transformation,” Dr. Bunte added. “We have to prove that we can deliver on climate goals, resource efficiency, and circularity — and that starts with transparency, collaboration, and real-world solutions. K 2025 is the perfect stage for this.”
The Preview underlined that K 2025 will attract thousands of decision-makers from around the globe, reaffirming its status as the leading marketplace for material innovations, smart processing technologies, and sustainable solutions that address the complex challenges facing the plastics and rubber sectors.
Plastics Europe will host a dedicated press conference at “Plastics Shape the Future” during K 2025, alongside daily themed activities that align with the event’s guiding motto: “The Power of Plastics: Green, Smart, Responsible.”
Martial Durou Takes on Role as Southeast Asia Ambassador for GRA to Boost Gravure Technology
With effect from July 2025, the Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) is pleased to name Martial Durou as its official Ambassador for Southeast Asia.
Martial, who is based in the Philippines, brings to his new position more than 25 years of experience in the package graphics sector. He has worked in France, Spain, the UK, and Malaysia in a variety of roles, ranging from Repro Operator to Process Optimisation Manager. He is currently working at WeDoRepro, a company that offers packaging-related graphic services and advice.
He started his career at Gravure d’Azur (Janoschka) in France in 1996. He then played a significant part with Asia Pacific Engravers in Malaysia. He oversaw the establishment of the engraving and studio divisions of Grabaciones Janoschka in Spain from 2000 to 2003. After that, he worked for Fuji-Seal Europe, where he oversaw the creation of graphics in France and the UK.
As a pioneer in the creation of Europe’s first roll-to-roll litho-printed shrink sleeve, Martial’s experience also encompasses consultancy and invention in dry offset litho and flexo printed packaging. He worked as a European Graphics Technologist at Rexam from 2008 to 2014, where he was responsible for process innovation and development across 23 manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia.
Reflecting on his new role, Martial stated: “I have been in the packaging industry for almost 30 years, starting with rotogravure, moving onto other processes and other continents, to eventually come back to rotogravure. I have loved every step of it. GRA (ERA at the time) has always been present in my professional life through their articles and conferences, and I am now honoured to be GRA representative for the Southeast Asia region.”
In his capacity as GRA Ambassador, Martial will operate as a crucial link for Southeast Asia, encouraging communication, assisting with member involvement, and advancing GRA’s goals of sustainability, innovation, and global cooperation.
GRA expands its footprint in one of the most vibrant print and packaging regions globally with this appointment.
Rubber Sector Embraces ‘We Are K!’ Theme to Unveil Complete Chain Strategies at K 2025
Boris Engelhardt, Managing Director of the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), Photo Credit: Messe Düsseldorf
Boris Engelhardt, Managing Director of the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), is confident about the upcoming K trade fair:
“For the rubber and elastomer industry, K 2025 is a special platform. Firms in our industry can gain information on the latest trends from their suppliers and, simultaneously, present their products to an international public. This scope is an ideal fit for us. Our network partners are represented here along the complete supply chain. They show innovative, top-quality rubber products that are decisive in order to build a sustainable and safe living environment. That is our aim, and the trade fair provides us with the ideal framework for this. We are pleased to be a significant part of K.”
Although rubber and elastomers are traditionally considered the “smaller K” within the wider trade fair, exhibitors with a significant share of elastomer products in their portfolios will be well represented throughout the entire exhibition grounds this year. The industry’s commitment to showcasing innovative solutions and building strong connections will be visible across multiple halls and dedicated highlights.
The first point of contact and orientation for anyone wishing to find out more about elastomers at K will once again be Rubber Street — which will debut as an official special show organized by Messe Düsseldorf in 2025. This dedicated elastomer hotspot is launching with record participation. With a total of 19 exhibitors, the 500-square-meter special area in Hall 6 is now fully booked. The exhibitors’ portfolios reflect the entire elastomer value chain in a highly focused format — bringing together raw material suppliers, compounders for rubber and TPE, processors, and the recycling sector under one roof.
The wdk (German Rubber and Plastics Industry) is traditionally the patron of this “showcase of the elastomer industry” and, in cooperation with the Allianz Zukunft Reifen (AZuR) network, will once again have its own booth (Booth C54-06) in 2025. As part of their program, AZuR will host a press conference on the topic of the circular economy at their booth on the second day of the trade fair, October 9, at 2:30 p.m. This underlines the industry’s dedication to sustainable practices and closed-loop solutions.
The wdk’s role at K extends even further. Together with the German Plastics Processing Industry Association (GDK), PlasticsEurope Germany, and the Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation), the wdk serves as a non-profit sponsor of the K trade fair. As part of this, wdk Managing Director Boris Engelhardt represents the rubber industry on the K trade fair’s Exhibitor Advisory Board, ensuring that the sector’s interests are firmly anchored in the planning and development of the world’s leading plastics and rubber trade fair.
GKV Connects Young Talent with Green Innovation at K 2025
Dr. Oliver Möllenstädt, Managing Director of the German Plastics Processing Industry Association, Photo Credit: Messe Düsseldorf
The German Association of Plastics Converters (GKV) is set to play a key role at K 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, taking place from October 8 to 15, 2025, at Messe Düsseldorf. At the recent K 2025 Preview, which gathered industry leaders and media to share the themes and highlights of this year’s fair, Dr. Oliver Möllenstädt, Managing Director of the German Plastics Processing Industry Association, emphasizes:
“We want to show young people that plastics are innovative, sustainable and indispensable for numerous applications in everyday life, in technology and in environmental protection.”
One of GKV’s most important contributions to K 2025 will be the launch of the Young Talents Lounge, a dedicated special area in Hall 8A designed to inspire the next generation of plastics professionals. Developed by GKV in close collaboration with Messe Düsseldorf, this new initiative will provide students, apprentices, and early-career professionals with direct insights into modern plastics processing, sustainable production, and diverse career paths within the industry. The Young Talents Lounge reflects GKV’s firm commitment to attracting and retaining skilled workers at a time when many plastics converters face an acute shortage of qualified personnel. Through hands-on activities, career guidance, and interaction with industry mentors, the Lounge aims to bridge the gap between education and practice while positioning the plastics sector as a modern, innovative, and responsible industry.
The Young Talents Lounge fits perfectly with K 2025’s overarching theme, “The Power of Plastics: Green, Smart, Responsible,” which emphasizes the industry’s vital contribution to sustainable solutions, smart technologies, and the circular economy. GKV’s initiative complements the show’s major focus areas — sustainability, digital transformation, and skills development — by highlighting people as the driving force behind all innovation. Beyond the new talent hub, GKV will also be actively involved in panel discussions, expert dialogues, and networking opportunities that bring together key stakeholders from raw material suppliers, machine manufacturers, converters, and recyclers.
Photo Credit: Messe Düsseldorf
As a co-sponsor of K 2025, alongside PlasticsEurope Deutschland, the German Plastics Processing Industry Association (GKV) plays an integral role in shaping the trade fair’s program and ensuring that the voice of the converters is well represented on the international stage. Dr. Möllenstädt, who sits on K’s Exhibitor Advisory Board, continues to advocate for a future-focused plastics industry that embraces innovation while demonstrating real progress in circular economy strategies and responsible resource management.
With thousands of visitors expected from around the world, K 2025 promises to be an important catalyst for knowledge transfer, business partnerships, and forward-looking solutions that address both industry and societal needs. Through its active participation and the new Young Talents Lounge, GKV is sending a clear signal: securing a qualified and motivated workforce is as vital as technological breakthroughs in achieving a sustainable and competitive future for plastics converting.
The Arburg Hungária Kft, organized Juniális summer festival is an important component of the Hungarian plastics industry. This year’s tremendous response has once again shown how successful the idea of providing clients with on-site access to the newest injection molding technology and industry trends, along with knowledgeable information and a fantastic networking opportunity, is. Learn more in the conversation with Arburg Hungary’s managing director, Laszlo Csizmadi.
How satisfied were you with Juniális 2025?
The event was a complete success. We had a great turnout from both existing and new customers and partners. Our Open Day has been a tradition for decades now and is very popular with our customers. Juniális is an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise and our strong commitment to the Hungarian plastics market.
Participants at Juniális 2025 were particularly positive about the talks and presentations that went beyond pure machine technology – for example on digital transformation.
Were you able to make new contacts?
With Juniális, we are of course first and foremost pursuing the goal of involving our existing customers. We also want to continue to develop year on year, also by attracting new interested parties and potential partners. We have succeeded in doing that once again this year, viewing it as very important for the long-term development of our company.
What were the main topics of the Juniális 2025?
When putting together the event concept, we take care to present our expertise as comprehensively and in as much detail as possible. Juniális 2025 focussed on answers to questions that are currently of great concern to our customers. These include increasing machine availability, automation of injection moldings production, industrial digitalisation, sustainability and after-sales and service. At Juniális, we demonstrated not only that Arburg is an outstanding machine manufacturer, but that it can also fully support its customers as a holistic service and solution provider. In addition, the company plays a pioneering role in the industry when it comes to digitalisation and resource-saving production, making active contributions towards a sustainable future.
Which machines and highlights did you showcase?
The focus was on two exciting injection moulding applications. Using a hybrid Allrounder 470 H with a clamping force of 1,000 kN, equipped with a Multilift Select 8 linear robotic system, we demonstrated the automated production of a toy car made of PC-MA – a material characterised by high impact and heat resistance as well as special scratch resistance.
Paper injection moulding is particularly innovative. A hydraulic Allrounder 420 C Golden Edition with a clamping force of 1,000 kN used this process to transform what are known as “paper pearls” into a 3D puzzle. The main component of the sustainable material comprises paper fibres. These are made injection mouldable using bio-based and biodegradable plastics, e.g. based on lignin, starch or corn.
Please tell us more about the Focus Points.
These Focus Points were a special feature of the event: At three stations, participants were able to experience the most important elements of the Arburg range interactively. The focus was on the operability of the Gestica control system, the details of the current services and Arburg’s digital products. Participants were able to ask our experts their questions directly.
One highlight was the presentation of the assistance and pilot functions of the Gestica control system. For example, great interest was shown in our “aXw Control FillAssist”. Using a practical example, we demonstrated how this filling simulation, integrated into the control system, can be used to reach good part status quickly, together with a stable production phase during start-up.
Successful Juniális 2025 at Arburg Hungary: The participants appreciated the combination of machine exhibits, interactive stations, technical presentations and exchange of experiences.
And classic specialist lectures rounded off the programme?
Indeed, they did. In line with the current challenges facing the industry, these specialist presentations focused on digitalisation, sustainability, automation and innovation. A particular high point was the “aXw Control RecyclatePilot” control function. This reliably compensates for fluctuating material qualities and enables stable part quality even when processing recyclates. After all, in the 21st century, global plastics consumption will continue to increase, in tandem with the importance of efficiency in recycling and a functioning circular economy.
In addition, the participants were given a comprehensive insight into the latest developments in our robot portfolio, learning how Arburg is positioning itself in the turnkey sector. With our holistic approach, we can offer our customers complete, customised automated manufacturing systems. In addition, external partners gave presentations on innovative materials, providing a practical insight into digital transformation and reporting on results from sustainability research.
What was the feedback from visitors?
Feedback showed clearly that the diversity of our programme is highly appreciated. The lectures and presentations that went beyond pure machine technology were particularly well received by the participants: For many, it was new to learn how comprehensively Arburg supports its customers with services such as training and service. The guest lectures, which gave participants an insight into injection moulding from the perspective of raw material manufacturers, for example, also generated great interest.
Which current developments are you observing in the Hungarian plastics market?
In Hungary, many companies are currently pursuing a more cautious strategy and the willingness to invest is subdued. At the same time, we have noticed that most customers are consciously prioritising: They are looking for solutions that will make their processes more efficient and sustainable in the long term. This is supported, for example, by preventive maintenance, specialised training, digital developments and automation.
Topics such as digitalisation, turnkey and automation as well as sustainability are of crucial importance for the future of Hungarian industry. With the help of turnkey systems, companies are able to react more rapidly to changing market conditions. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a basic requirement, meaning that these trends will continue to intensify in the coming years.
Why should Hungarian customers also visit K 2025 in Düsseldorf after Juniális in autumn?
K 2025 is the world’s most important trade fair for the plastics industry, where the latest technologies, developments and international trends are presented at first hand. For our Hungarian customers, it offers an excellent opportunity for professional orientation, establishing new contacts and gaining inspiration.
While Juniális is a national event with a personal atmosphere, the K trade fair showcases the future of the industry on a global level. Here, Arburg will be showcasing its entire portfolio at stand “13A13” and in the arburgGREENworld pavilion, as well as world premieres that are not to be missed. Both events are valuable but offer different experiences and complement one another perfectly.
The Preview underlined that 
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