- Successful event: 300 visitors from 44 countries gathered to discover new solutions and exchange expertise
- Focus on Pipe & Profile, Recycling, and Circular Economy
- World premiere of the new PVC multi-layer pipe head and a new machine concept for upcycling post-consumer plastic waste
- Keynotes and live demonstrations at the state-of-the-art Technology Center
(Laatzen/Germany, April 2, 2025) Circular Economy, smart recycling, and future-oriented solutions for pipe and profile extrusion – the extrusion industry was inspired at the KraussMaffei TecDays “World of Extrusion” in Laatzen near Hannover/Germany. Around 300 visitors from 44 countries participated in the event from March 25 to 27. As a strong solution partner and pioneer in plastics technology, KraussMaffei Extrusion presented sustainable and economical solutions for the pressing challenges of the plastics industry. The TecDays were accompanied by high-profile keynote speeches from industry and research partners, along with live demonstrations at the state-of-the-art Technology Center.
Focus on Sustainability
In his welcome speech, Dr. Thomas Unger, Vice President of Technology at KraussMaffei Extrusion, emphasized the shared responsibility for a sustainable future: “Our goal is to reduce the CO₂ footprint with our solutions. Sustainability in extrusion is driven by innovation. And that’s exactly what you’ll experience over the next three days here at our Technology Center.” Ralf Benack, Managing Director at KraussMaffei Extrusion, highlighted the importance of personal dialogue: “The extrusion business is an expert business. We need to come together and share knowledge. We are even more pleased to exchange our experiences with you over the next few days.”
Pipe & Profile – The Lifeline of Civilization
The first part of the three-day event focused on pipe and profile extrusion. In his opening speech, Ralf J. Dahl, Director of Global Sales, referred to them as the “lifeline of civilization” since numerous pipe systems ensure the safe transport of drinking water, enabling daily life. High-profile keynote presentations by KraussMaffei Extrusion experts and partners such as Borealis, Baerlocher, Omya, Plastics Europe, and Georg Fischer provided fascinating insights into future trends and global challenges in the extrusion industry. Kabelwerk Eupen presented the “Smart Factories” concept as a vision of the future factory, shaped by digitalization and automation.
A highlight was the world premiere of the new PVC multi-layer pipe head, showcased in a live demo, producing three-layer pipes made from virgin material and foamed core. The innovative distribution system prevents spider lines and potential weak points. Due to its material flexibility, including recycled material processing, the new pipe head contributes to greater sustainability. Additionally, visitors witnessed live demos on the production of PE-PA pipes and PVC granulation.
Recycling and Circular Economy – From Post-Consumer Plastic Waste to High-Quality Compounds
The second part of the TecDays focused on recycling and circular economy. A special highlight was the premiere of the new machine concept for controlled upcycling of post-consumer plastic waste into high-quality automotive compounds. The innovative ColorAdjust system ensured precise, reproducible colors. Furthermore, a live demonstration of energy-efficient and scalable production of food-grade rPET granulates impressed the visitors.
Alongside live demonstrations, the TecDays provided extensive insights into various recycling processes. Mechanical, solvent-based, and chemical methods were presented, along with the latest developments in the Circular Economy. Expert presentations from industry partners such as PureCycle Technology, Veolia, Lober, Polymetrix, and Exxon Mobil, as well as from leading research institutions like IKV Aachen and IKK Hannover, offered valuable insights into current developments and trends. The program was complemented by forward-thinking technologies such as AI in compound development, smart sensors for inline quality monitoring, and solutions for cable compounds in an electrified future.
Evening Event: 100 Years of Partnership with Kabelwerk Eupen
A special highlight of the evening event was the ceremonial presentation of a unique gift to long-standing customer Kabelwerk Eupen AG. During a review of company archives, KraussMaffei Extrusion employees discovered an over 100-year-old debtor’s book with a handwritten note from Kabelwerk Eupen. Ralf Benack and Klaus Lorius presented a printed collage of this historic document to Michael Goebels, Plant Manager of the Pipe Division, and Patrick Ernst, Head of Department Production Pipe at Kabelwerk Eupen.
Positive Feedback on TecDays 2025
The KraussMaffei Extrusion TecDays 2025 provided participants with an ideal platform to exchange ideas on innovations and sustainable solutions in the field of extrusion. The successful mix of expert lectures, live demonstrations, and networking made the event a complete success. “We are very satisfied with the three days. The response and feedback from the visitors are overwhelming,” summarized Dr. Thomas Unger. KraussMaffei Extrusion plans to hold more TecDays in this successful format in the future.
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World of Extrusion: The KraussMaffei Extrusion TecDays were all about efficiency and sustainability.
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View of the Forum: High-profile keynote speeches from industry and research partners enriched the program.
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Opening of the TecDays 2025: Ralf Benack (Managing Director), Klaus-Dieter Lorius (Head of Sales Pipe & Profile), and Dr. Thomas Unger (Vice President of Technology) at KraussMaffei Extrusion (from left).
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Spotlight Recycling: The new machine concept for controlled upcycling of post-consumer plastic waste to high-quality automotive compounds attracted great interest.
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Spotlight Pipe & Profile: Live demos on the production of PVC multi-layer pipes, PE-PA pipes, and PVC pelletizing.
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Innovation in Extrusion Live: The Technology Center of KraussMaffei Extrusion impressed with its size and variety..
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Innovative and Sustainable: The new PVC multi-layer pipe head with recycled material usage drew great interest from visitors.
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Thank You for 100 Years of Partnership: Ralf Benack (left) and Klaus-Dieter Lorius (right) handed a special gift to Michael Goebels and Patrick Ernst from Kabelwerk Eupen during the TecDays.
Photos: KraussMaffei
Further information and images in print quality are available at:
Press contact:
Petra Rehmet
Marketing Manager Injection Molding Machinery
Phone: +49 (0) 89 8899 2334
Email: Petra.Rehmet@kraussmaffei.com
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KraussMaffei – Pioneering Plastics
KraussMaffei is among the world’s leading manufacturers of machinery and systems for the production and processing of plastics and rubber. Our brand stands for cutting-edge technologies – for more than 185 years. Our range of services covers all areas of injection molding machinery, extrusion technology and reaction process machinery. In 2022 we added additive manufacturing to our portfolio. This broad range of technologies gives KraussMaffei a unique selling point in the industry. With the high innovative power of our standardized and individual product, process, digital and service solutions, we can guarantee customers sustained additional value over the entire value-adding chain. Our range of products and services allow us to serve customers in many sectors including the automotive, packaging, medical and construction industries, as well as manufacturers of electrical and electronic products and household appliances. KraussMaffei employs around 4.200 people all over the world. With more than 30 subsidiaries and over 10 production plants, as well as about 570 commercial and service partners, we are represented internationally close to our customers. The company was founded in 1838 in Munich. Today, KraussMaffei is part of Sinochem Holdings Corporation Ltd., one of the world’s leading chemical companies.
For more information: www.kraussmaffei.com
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