For companies and professionals within the plastics and rubber industry, recycling plays a central role in maintaining a sustainable and resilient future. We are increasingly beginning to understand the environmental impact of non-reusable materials. Recycling acts as the catalyst for groundbreaking innovations in the industry, driving the transition towards a circular economy in line with the 2050 Resource Agreement. It's no coincidence that the central theme of the Kunststoffenbeurs 2023 on September 20 and 21 is: Future of Plastics: Sustainable, Smart, and Innovative!
Revolutionary Recycling Production Processes and Materials
The reuse of plastic and rubber materials opens up new possibilities, where not only waste is reduced, but also more innovative production methods are invented, leading to the emergence of new environmentally friendly materials. These developments increase efficiency and decrease the negative impact on the environment. Designing advanced recycling methods presents technical challenges, forcing experts to come up with innovative solutions. As a result, sustainable products are created that not only meet the requirements of current regulations but also pave the way for an economy where materials are repeatedly used in the plastics and rubber industry.
Specialized companies showcase the integration of recycling
Timmerije and Thiele & Kor, along with 230 other specialized companies from the plastics and rubber industry, are present as exhibitors at the Kunststoffenbeurs. Here, industry experts and prominent figures showcase their best practices related to sustainable plastics, improved product lifespan, circularity, and much more. According to Frank Bruins, Sales & Marketing Manager at Timmerije, these new developments in recycling methods are incredibly important. He explains, "When something is important in a sustainable production process, it's the ability to entrust different parts of the process to each other. Collaboration, including in logistics, is at the core of this. This way, a closed loop of raw materials and product components is established. The OEM plays a significant role, of course, but so does the entity that can process the used products, the one that turns them into new granulate, and us as processors of that material. The coordination among these players is crucial." As a long-time exhibitor, Thiele & Kor Plastics Machinery also emphasizes the necessity of ongoing growth in circular development within the industry. Kurt Callewaert, Managing Director, states, "This year, trust in collaboration is more important than ever. Plastic companies are engaged in the energy transition, seeking solutions for more efficient material usage, and considering the shift towards a circular plastics industry. In short, they are actively shaping the future of the sector."
Lectures focused on recycling are essential, involving the entire value chain in the integration of recycling
To open new doors to innovative solutions and production processes, collaboration and knowledge sharing are the key words. After all, the entire value chain is involved in the new developments and integration of recycling, along with the challenges that come with it. Sharing knowledge about recycling within the plastics and rubber industry goes beyond just the exhibition floor. The congress program offers various keynotes and lectures that delve deeper into the challenges and possibilities surrounding recycling. Some of the topics covered in the keynotes and lectures include:
- Merijn Tinga (known as the Plastic Soup Surfer) and Dirk Groot (known as the Zwerfinator) sharing insights about possibilities with plastic and recycling.
- 'Design for recycling of plastic packaging' by Partners for Innovation.
- 'Sustainable Composite Packaging from low-value packaging waste' by TNO-Brightlands Materials Center.
- 'Chemical recycling of polyesters' by NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
The full congress program can be viewed here.
An unique opportunity: ReThink Plastics award ceremony and exhibition area
For the first time since the inception of the competition in 2018, the Rethink Awards, organized by NRK and Plastics Europe, will be presented during the Kunststoffenbeurs in Den Bosch. The award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 20th, during the Rethink networking reception, right next to the Rethink Plastics Expo. This expo is one of the unique areas this year. As a visitor, you will explore numerous examples of sustainably produced and recycled products, with various items on display.
If you want to learn more about implementing sustainability, ensuring safety, and enhancing product quality in a world where energy transition, recycling, and circularity play a significant role, you mustn't miss a visit to this exhibition area.
Visit for free
Are you looking to broaden your knowledge and network in the plastics and rubber industry? Are you interested in integrating sustainable production processes or do you want to learn more about the challenges and solutions brought about by the energy transition? Then, make sure to visit the Kunststoffenbeurs (Plastics Fair) on September 20th and 21st at the Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch. Admission is completely free.