Extrusion International 2-2025

11 Extrusion International 2/2025 rates and contributes to compliance with regulatory requirements. What’s more, digital systems are closely linked with the DPP, which features comprehensive informa- tion about the used raw materials, production processes and recycling paths. These technologies support companies in establishing closed material cycles, reducing environ- mental burdens and complying with the ESPR. Challenges and skilled labour shortage Despite numerous lighthouse projects progress is faltering in many companies, especially in SMEs. “Many small and medium-sized enterprises have not suf ciently invested in digitalisation since this is associated with substantial costs and dependent on speci c skills,” reports Mauritius Schmitz of the In- stitute for Plastics Processing (IKV) talking to the Industry Association for Plastics Packaging (IK). Another obstacle is the shortage of skilled staff. Those wanting to introduce automation, AI and IoT technolo- gies require specialists for data anal- ysis and IT security. This staff and skills shortage occasionally slows down implementation even though technical solutions already exist. AR (Augmented Reality) goggles can provide relief here by displaying maintenance instructions or train- ing content right in the staff’s eld of vision. This accelerates mainte- nance and onboarding processes without always having external experts on site. At K 2025 the enormous poten- tial that digitalisation holds for the plastics sector will be both high- lighted at the over 3,000 exhibitor stands and agged up at the vari - ous Specials that also address the challenges – rst and foremost the of cial K Special “Plastics Shape the Future”, organised by Plastics Europe Deutschland, or also the VDMA Forum. Start-up Zone and Start-up Pitch TOWARDS ZERO After its successful debut at the previous K the Start-up Zone will also form an integral part of the trade fair again in 2025 – this time located in the direct proximity of the Science Campus. Celebrating a premiere will be the Start-up Pitch as part of the Special Plastics Shape the Future. By organising the Start-up Zone K in Düsseldorf intends to once again offer young companies a dedicated stage from 8 to 15 October 2025. After all, it is especially start-up companies that play a decisive role for the plastics and rubber industry since they introduce innovations and fresh ideas into an industry increasingly faced with such chal- lenges as sustainability, ef ciency and digitalisation. Especially start- ups are characterised by great pio- neering spirit, risk af nity and high exibility. At K 2025 the Start-up Zone will be situated in Hall 7.0 and, hence, in the immediate vicinity of the Sci- ence Campus. At the Science Cam- pus universities (of applied sciences) and institutes will present the lat- est results of their plastics research. Both K Specials ideally complement each other. The immediate vicinity of the Start-up Zone and Science Campus will make Hall 7.0 a unique science and innovation hub. www.k-online.com www.conextru.eu | dobrowsky.j@conextru.eu Individual solution for highly efficient production: engineered by CONEXTRU