Mr. Wittmann, is the low oil price the reason why things have quietened down somewhat in the circular economy recently?
Michael Wittmann: In Central Europe, sustainability continues to be a driver of innovation. However, the issue has taken a back seat because of political and economic developments. In our view, this is not only due to the oil price, but also because of the tense economic situation within many companies. Investments are being cut back, which is slowing down technological development. We should be prepared however for the EU to impose recycling quotas at some point, especially for the packaging and automotive industries. When that is the case, we should have good PCR qualities available and experience in processing them. It is important, however, that sustainability is economical; something we bear in mind at the Wittmann Group in all new and future developments.
How do you achieve that?
Wittmann: We place value on overall efficiency, and highlight potential savings across our entire product portfolio, from peripherals and automation to injection moulding machines. The focus is on energy consumption, time, space requirements and material usage. We always attach great importance to an optimal cost-benefit ratio. When using recycled materials, an increasing number of customers rely on consistent inline or in-house recycling. This results in very pure recycled material that can then be used directly in many applications. We offer a complete work cell consisting of an injection moulding machine, a mill and, upon request, a gravimetric dosing device and conveyor equipment. This allows you to increase material and cost efficiency, significantly improve your carbon footprint and reduce waste. It even opens up new design possibilities for product development, and perhaps even completely new business models.
How might these take shape?
Wittmann: At K, we will be presenting the "Wild Pot" project with Wildplastic GmbH from Hamburg. They collect plastics from the environment and process them. We will show how it is then processed – at K, for example, into a flowerpot. This is challenging because the plastic is only sorted by type and therefore varies in material quality. To compensate for this, we use High Q-Flow in the injection process. Of course, using this type of PCR cannot be cheaper than virgin material. This means that companies that use collected "wild plastic" must be committed to sustainability and willing to spend more on it. This is, of course, a niche application. The products do not appeal to the general consumer, but rather to the environmentally and climate-conscious consumer who wants to do something for future generations.
How strong is the influence of economic developments?
Wittmann: Fundamentally, the circular economy is not independent of economic cycles, because it is always easier to put innovations into practice when times are good. At the moment, however, there is a general reluctance to invest, and this can detain the entire market in terms of technological development. On the other hand, it is precisely in these times of weaker demand that opportunities arise to tap into new markets, implement new ideas, and develop innovative products.
What are the drivers of innovation in plastics machinery manufacturing?
Wittmann: Sustainability continues to be the main driver of innovation, alongside digitalisation and cost pressure. Cost efficiency considerations are leading to a further focus on the essentials. Tailor-made systems without the many extras that are otherwise found in specifications, in order to reduce investment costs, but, and this is very important, without compromising on quality. We call these variants Primus, and we offer them in all product areas. The new fully electric EcoPrimus injection moulding machine, for example, will be on display at K. We are also aware that innovations are increasingly user-driven. The Wildplastic® project is one example of this. In the circular economy in particular, there is considerable potential for efficiency and quality gains along the entire value chain.
Does artificial intelligence play a role?
Wittmann: In the OT area, extensive work is currently being carried out on applications because they represent a decisive competitive factor, especially where AI supports the operator in decision-making. In assistance systems for tool setting, for example, in predictive, condition-based maintenance or even in troubleshooting. At the trade fair, we will be presenting AIM4Help, an AI-based large language model for troubleshooting that can be queried normally, or accessed by reading QR codes on the machines. Such systems clearly help to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers, as they reduce the need for trained personnel.
How is the Wittmann Group positioning itself in the face of growing Chinese competition?
Wittmann: We are maintaining our high level of innovation. Like all European suppliers, we score highly in terms of customer proximity and system solution expertise, which is in high demand among our customers. Application technology consulting and service are and will remain our strengths. As the Wittmann Group, however, we are also exploiting the potential of our international production network. We are expanding our plant in China in order to serve China itself and the Asian market from there.
How important is K in this context?
Wittmann: Very important. I think that right now, the industry needs fresh impetus from the market, and K has come at exactly the right time. We receive valuable feedback there on global trends and topics. On the one hand, I am looking forward to presenting our new technologies and products, while on the other, I am looking forward to personal discussions with our customers, as personal contact is a decisive key for project success.
