Mr. Schmidt, is there a noticeable progression within recycling?
Bengt Schmidt: Recycling has been a major issue in the plastics industry for years, with considerable technological possibilities at present, but the processing of recyclates is often still a challenge. At the same time, the demand for recyclates from plastics processors is rising sharply. In many cases however, it cannot be satisfied. The quantities available for recycling from the yellow bag are not sufficient. Processors are therefore often forced to use virgin material.
Is this why Kiefel offers machines able to manufacture products from natural fibres?
Schmidt: Natural fibres can be a way to replace plastics in packaging. That's why we also offer machines for fibre-moulded packaging, which is ultimately paper packaging. We have now launched the second generation of machines and are already selling them in Europe and North America. However, when you enter a completely new technology, you need partners who are prepared to invest in the necessary resources in terms of personnel and equipment, in order to pave the way for a new solution – in our case, environmentally-friendly packaging. They need to be sure that they will be successful with these products on the market; however, the market is currently still heavily reliant on regulatory support.
How do you rate the progress of the circular economy?
Schmidt: The overall political situation is causing uncertainty or a quest for orientation in the market, which is influenced by various factors, such as high energy costs in Europe, the renegotiation of trade flows by the new American administration, and legislation such as the PPWR packaging regulation. This in turn means that processors are also holding back on investments, and it also makes it incredibly difficult to establish a circular economy. If you really want something, you have to commit to it, with all the consequences. At the moment, nothing is happening because everyone is waiting.
This state of uncertainty is also unsatisfactory for the economy. So, what would need to happen?
Schmidt: Individual companies cannot change a great deal, but it would certainly be helpful if the political targets for the circular economy, recycling and recyclates were set lower, and consequently more realistic. When a regulation comes along that makes all plastics processors shake their heads and wonder how they are supposed to implement it, insecurity sets in. However, if you set a target that is considered ambitious but feasible, companies would regain their confidence. At Kiefel, we believe we are very well positioned. We have already developed solutions that answer the questions of the future and still have a lot in the pipeline: some examples include thermoforming with recycled mono-material films or with natural fibres. There is also a lot that we can still do, but we always need a brand owner to drive innovation.
What is the situation outside the fibre sector?
Schmidt: In the polymer sector, i.e. in the plastics processing sector, Kiefel machines are designed in such a way that they can process a wide variety of plastics, including recyclates, efficiently and with high quality – we will of course also be demonstrating this at this year's K with our latest tilting machine model. Thermoforming machines can handle material fluctuations and impurities better than injection moulding machines, for example, and can handle higher recycling rates. They also have a better energy balance. I am therefore certain that we will be able to generate an increasing share of the market in the future.
How does Kiefel ensure its innovative strength?
Schmidt: Firstly, through continuous investment in technology, which enables us to optimise our machines. Secondly, through partnerships in research and development, for example, with research institutes such as the Fraunhofer Institute or with universities worldwide. Thirdly, through even closer cooperation with our customers. To this end, we are currently expanding our Customer Innovation Centres worldwide, most recently by adding an integrated laboratory to our headquarters in Freilassing with a focus on polymer. The main aim there is to conduct research into various materials in the field of plastics, together with and for our customers, carry out proof of concepts, produce samples and run various tests, also with regard to moulds. The aim is also to constantly make processes more efficient. Finally, we are involved in numerous industry initiatives, such as Holy Grail 2.0 for example, which focuses on digital watermarks for labelling packaging, and R-Cycle, which deals with a traceability standard for packaging. This involvement serves as an important impetus for our own innovation activities.
