Dr Michael Merwart from the Transformationsnetzwerk neu/wagen, who was welcomed by Prof Endres, Head of the IKK, as the first speaker and sponsor of the 3rd IKK Colloquium, also picked up on this idea. "A transformation is necessary. We can achieve topics such as recycling and the circular economy together as essential components of various transformation strategies," said Merwart, who concluded with an ambiguous invitation: "Be prepared “Neues zu wagen” - to dare to try something new."
Michael Weigelt from TecPart has long seen the plastics industry as a climate protector and referred in his presentation to the contribution that plastics make to European climate policy.
After that, things got more technical. For the speakers among the system manufacturers Gerhard Scheel, KraussMaffei Extrusion, and Dr Philipp Kloke, Arburg GmbH & Co. KG, it is important to first consider the entire process chain and then take a closer look at individual production stages. "If the extruder is used, for example, it should be operated at the lowest possible speeds in order to minimise energy wastage by dissipating the excess heat generated," explained Scheel. Philipp Kloke highlighted the optimisation potential of various injection moulding areas, from component design and materials to system components, process parameters and production planning. Hans Schneider from Zeppelin, which sees itself as an integrator in the field of solids handling, also sees a similarly comprehensive approach, both with regard to the various raw materials and the granulates as the end product. "For energy efficiency, consumption measurements must also be integrated into the processes. Ideally, this is done on both sides, at the manufacturers and at the customers/processors, so that both can access the data in the end," says Michael Eloo, Maag Germany GmbH. Ingo Hartmann, Röchling SE & Co.KG, sees another starting point in the energy management matrix when synergies between similar sites can be utilised.
IKK speakers Stefan Kerkenberg and Felix Mehrens agree that there is still great potential for increasing energy efficiency in the plastics sector through innovative process optimisation in injection moulding and mould cooling, and that this potential needs to be scientifically exploited. "Always going full throttle and regulating the speed with the brakes is outdated."
The topic of the circular economy plays an important role among processors and automotive suppliers. Dr Gerrit Hülder, Robert Bosch GmbH, used various examples to show how the transition to a circular economy can be organised efficiently. This is the only way to make it comprehensible and realisable for everyone." This requires recycling streams that are stable in terms of quality," summarises Hülder.
The statement by Ansgar Hoffmann HOFFMANN & VOSS GmbH, once again made a big bow, almost like a closing word, when he said that with all the measures that need to be implemented in order to be de facto energy-efficient, we must succeed in involving the entire workforce.
"This year's IKK colloquium has shown that the necessity of trade is no longer up for discussion, but that there is still plenty of room for optimisation in terms of how. Together, we will succeed in finding and following the right paths. We look forward to the next IKK colloquium and the further exchange with you and would like to thank you for the support of the speakers and the Transformationsnetzwerk neu/wagen as well as the interest of the participants," Prof Endres concluded.
