Mr. Litherland, what is the current overall economic situation for motan?
Carl Litherland: The global economic conditions have changed noticeably in the years since the last K. Global supply chains are under increasing pressure, and the trend towards deglobalisation – particularly as a result of new trade policy measures by the USA – is presenting many companies with new challenges. Rising customs duties and logistic costs are not only placing a strain on us, but also on our customers. We began adapting our structures to this changed situation at an early stage. Even though our roots lie in the German SME sector, we are consistently developing into a decentralised, internationally active group. In addition to our existing operation centres in Germany and China, we have recently opened one in India. It is not just a matter of sales and service, but also specifically of local production, with regional staff and regional supply chains, which allows us to generate a more flexible response to market requirements, overcome regulatory hurdles more effectively, and position ourselves more efficiently within the local competitive environment. An additional advantage is that shorter transportation routes reduce the burden on the environment and contribute towards more sustainable value creation. Our decentralised strategy is therefore not only an economically necessary response to global developments, but also a contribution towards greater ecological responsibility.
How is motan responding to the economic difficulties facing customers?
Litherland: Many of our customers – particularly in Europe – are currently under considerable economic pressure. A fast, reliable solution is particularly in demand in such phases. This is precisely where our swift line comes in. We offer our customers standardised products with short delivery times, without the need for individual customisation, but with the usual quality, functionality and user-friendliness. Our core business remains the development of customised systems for complex applications. However, in injection moulding in particular, many standard applications – which account for more than 50 percent – can be efficiently covered with swift. This allows us to offer our customers an economically viable solution without compromising on technology. Our swift line is ideal for fast-growing markets such as India, Africa, Eastern Europe or South America, where requirements are different from those in established markets. This allows us to act in a targeted and competitive manner in these markets and provide the right solutions for our customers' needs.
What role does plastic play as a material in the current market situation?
Litherland: Plastic is still a key material, for example in medical technology. At the same time, awareness of more sustainable solutions is growing. Mono-materials, which are easier to recycle, are becoming more important and recyclates are increasingly being used. This also places new demands on our technology: drying, dosing, mixing and conveying are becoming more complex, as recyclates often have fluctuating qualities. Our task is to enable stable processes even under these conditions. At the same time, economic efficiency remains crucial. Due to the current low raw material prices, many customers are once again turning to virgin material more frequently. Plastic will remain, but how we deal with it will change, and this is precisely where we are supporting our customers through suitable solutions.
Are technical problems a thing of the past?
Litherland: The basic requirements have not changed much, but the solutions have. Recycled materials often involve material fluctuations – especially in terms of residual moisture, which must be reliably monitored at all times. It is important to be able to clearly assess the tolerance range within which we are operating, such as what the dryer and what the injection moulding machine can make up for. Fast response times are required here, and this is precisely where digitalisation provides valuable support. It enables more transparency, improved process monitoring, and significantly greater stability during operation.
How does the motan foundation help to promote social responsibility in the plastics industry?
Litherland: The motan Foundation was established with the clear aim of assuming social responsibility in the use of plastics. Its focus is on projects that deal with the sensible handling of plastic after its initial use – ideally with its return to the circular economy in order to minimise environmental impact. Many of the funded initiatives take place in economically weaker or emerging countries. This is because the greatest ecological damage is often caused in these regions, while the economic benefits from plastic products remain predominantly in the industrialised nations. This is where the foundation comes in, with educational work and very specific aid projects. For example: in Cambodia, a small truck was donated to improve waste collection and recycling on site. Such projects are also met with a great response within our company, and many employees contribute their own ideas. Our aim is to promote commitment, because every contribution counts when it comes to gradually solving global challenges.
