Smart Extrusion for Sustainable Film Production

With innovative extrusion systems, digital services, and smart training solutions, the Reifenhäuser Group is tackling current challenges such as skills shortages and sustainability requirements. At K 2025, the company will be presenting technologies relating to automated extrusion, AI-based process optimization, and recyclable monomaterial packaging. K-Mag spoke with CSO Marcel Perrevort.

What does your company stand for—and what makes your product or service portfolio particularly special?

Marcel Perrevort: The Reifenhäuser Group is the world's leading specialist for extrusion lines and components. Our aim is to give customers a competitive edge through innovative technologies, digital solutions, and excellent services. With our Blown Film, Cast Sheet Coating, and Reicofil business units, we cover a wide range of film and nonwoven applications, complemented by high-end components from Reifenhäuser Extrusion Systems, Reiloy, and Kdesign. Our portfolio ranges from complete systems to intelligent software solutions and training—always with the goal of measurably increasing performance, quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

What topic or innovation will you be bringing to K 2025—and why is it relevant to the industry?

Perrevort: Under the motto “Boost Your Performance,” we will be showing how film manufacturers can produce profitably and future-proof their operations despite the shortage of skilled workers. The focus will be on three areas of innovation: automated extrusion, smart data, and innovative training. One highlight is the second generation of our unique PAM system, which automates the adjustment of coextrusion adapters, dies, and other downstream components—a decisive step toward greater process reliability and independence from skilled personnel. With new MDO technologies and downgauging solutions, we also demonstrate how recyclable mono-material packaging can be produced at competitive costs. In this way, we are contributing to the implementation of the European PPWR and supporting our customers in developing sustainable business models.

What would you like to discuss with visitors at K 2025 – what is particularly important to you?

Perrevort: We want to discuss concrete added value for our customers: How can operational excellence be achieved through automation, digitalization, and training? How can sustainable packaging be convincing not only technically but also economically? And how can the potential of data – with our new solutions under the Reifenhäuser NEXT brand – be used to make processes more efficient? The use of AI will play a decisive role here.

What are your expectations for participating in K 2025 – and what are you personally most looking forward to?

Perrevort: K is the most important stage for our industry. We expect intensive discussions with customers, partners, and new prospects in order to present solutions for current challenges such as skilled labor shortages, cost pressures, and sustainability pressures. Personally, I am looking forward to showcasing the enormous range of our innovations live for the first time—from high-tech systems and automation to digital services—and experiencing firsthand how these innovations are received by our customers.