News Plastech
Wittmann will present the Feedmax Clean 300 vacuum material loader at Fakuma 2026. The new size is designed for higher material throughputs and integrated dedusting in applications using recycled materials.
Billion SAS and Engel have agreed a strategic partnership covering service continuity for existing Billion machines and recommended supply of new injection moulding equipment. Billion will remain independent and continue as the main service contact for its installed base.
A reading of Vaclav Smil’s How the World Really Works highlights the dependence of modern societies on cement, steel, ammonia and plastics, and the systemic limits of rapid material substitution.
Hexpol will acquire 100% of Italy’s Vipa Group, a producer of thermoplastic compounds for the wire and cable segment. The transaction is intended to strengthen the group’s Thermoplastic Compounding offering.
Sigma Engineering will present Sigmasoft Virtual Molding version 6.2 at Fakuma. Visitors will be able to prepare simulation models using their own mold or part geometry data during scheduled sessions.
KraussMaffei has introduced the LRXplus Twin, a multiple kinematic linear robot for demanding automation tasks in injection molding. The system is available in Twin X and Twin Z variants with load capacities from 35 to 100 kg.
World Cleanup Day 2026 highlights the need to keep plastics in the circular economy. PiFA, NGR, Da Fon Environmental Technology and Buy Food with Plastic stress the role of mindset, technology, data and local initiatives in giving waste value.
Kraiburg TPE has issued its first company-wide Sustainability Report, prepared in accordance with simplified ESRS. The document covers ESG performance, climate action, circular material concepts and supplier management across all three production sites.
KraussMaffei has introduced two ColorForm developments for in-mold coating of thermoplastic parts: a multi-color mixing head for automated color changes and a 0.1 mm polyurethane thin-layer process developed with Siegfried Hofmann GmbH.
Plastics are used in emergency shelters, drinking water supply and medical care during disasters and conflicts. Their low weight, durability and hygienic properties support fast deployment in crisis areas.
Emerson will present Branson welding and joining technologies at MSV Brno 2026. The stand in hall G1 will feature ultrasonic and laser systems, heat staking, and solutions for integration with Industry 4.0.
Clariant has launched two R&D laboratories for its Additives business in China, located in Huizhou and Shanghai. The facilities extend local capabilities from application development to full synthesis and pilot-scale development.
Ren Xinting will become Managing Director of KraussMaffei Extrusion on September 1, 2026, while continuing as Managing Director of KraussMaffei China. He will succeed Ralf Benack, who will step down at his own request.
Evosys Laser GmbH will present new machine generations, process modules and measurement methods for laser plastic welding at Fakuma 2026. The company will also run live demonstrations of through-beam welding and the Evo2Step process.
Plastics account for about 50 to 60 percent of medical devices, according to BVMed. Their role in healthcare covers disposable products, implants, packaging and precision components for personalized medicine.
Finke Colors has expanded its range of laser-active masterbatches with an additive for marking transparent plastics. The solution creates hologram-like effects inside the polymer without damaging the surface.
Evosys Laser has founded Attosys Laser GmbH in Erlangen to expand its portfolio of laser-based manufacturing processes. The subsidiary focuses on glass processing, material joining and precision machining for demanding applications.
Enma is presenting a modular single-shaft crusher and a combined granulator solution at Fakuma 2026. The equipment is designed to improve efficiency, reduce space requirements and support flexible plastic recycling operations.
Plastics are becoming a key enabler of frugal vehicle design, combining lightweight construction, functional integration and circularity. Their role extends from exterior structures to intelligent interior surfaces and recycled material streams.
Key provisions of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will apply from 12 August 2026. The rules affect packaging producers and many plastics companies that must define their role in the supply chain and meet new compliance obligations.
AMI Market Intelligence reports that global BOPP film demand is expected to return to a more stable growth path, with a CAGR of more than 3% through 2030, despite regional differences and recent macroeconomic pressures.
The BioROOTGUARD research project aims to develop a biodegradable plastic film to protect young tree roots from cockchafer grubs and the invasive Japanese beetle. FKuR leads the consortium funded under Germany’s Sustainable Renewable Resources programme.
In the 10th edition of the vector awards 2026, igus recognised four cable carrier applications. The awards went to projects in shore power supply, microchip production, stage technology and water treatment.
EREMA Group reports a profit for financial year 2025/26 despite lower revenue and difficult market conditions. The company points to rising global plastics demand and the need for high-performance recycling technologies as long-term growth drivers.
BASF presents Green Energy Manufacturing as part of its Engineering Plastics Sustainability Toolbox. The approach uses renewable energy carriers in chemical production to reduce product carbon footprints without changes to established processes or specifications.
SKZ and ZBT have launched the SCoPE research project to develop a single-stage welding process for bipolar plates made from highly filled polymer compounds. The project targets a cost-effective manufacturing route for fuel cell components, particularly for SMEs.
Barmag and Object Carpet have tested BICO BCF yarn across the carpet manufacturing process. The trials indicate improved volume, elasticity and heavy-duty performance, as well as potential for recyclable carpet concepts.
After a fire halted recycling operations in 2024, Plastika Kosovo has resumed production with a new Lindner Washtech washing line. The plant is designed to double recycling capacity and handle a wider range of input materials.
We have completed the largest technology migration in Plastech’s history. The portal has been moved to a new platform and thoroughly rebuilt, while the entire archive collected since 2002, including articles, market data, the company directory, B2B offers and the forum, remains available at the same address.
Arburg has published its Sustainability Report 2025 as an interactive online PDF. The document presents progress under the arburgGREENworld programme, including ESG activities, resource efficiency, the circular economy and carbon footprint indicators.
Lanxess has introduced Disflamoll Advance, a platform for plasticizing flame retardants with triphenyl phosphate content below 0.1%. The first product, Disflamoll Advance OT, is intended for polar polymer systems including flexible PVC and TPU.
Reifenhäuser North America has added six specialists in sales, service and customer care. The company is strengthening local support for extrusion and injection molding customers in the United States and Canada.
SKZ will host the international conference “Trends in Fire Safety and Innovative Flame Retardants for Plastics” on 30 September and 1 October 2026 in Würzburg, Germany. The programme will address regulations, testing methods and sustainable flame retardant systems.
Arburg has signed an agreement to acquire Stork Plastics Machinery B.V. from Stibbe Participaties B.V. The transaction is intended to expand Arburg’s portfolio in large injection moulding machines and packaging applications.
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has expanded its European production center in Malta to support semiconductor customers. The facility adds cleanroom capacity and will focus on FKM and FFKM products, including new fluorosurfactant-free materials.
Albis will exhibit healthcare material solutions at Medtec China 2026 in Shanghai. The company will focus on diagnostics, pharmaceutical packaging, drug delivery systems, diabetes care and surgical instruments.