The speakers on the first day (from left): Dr. Thiess Petersen (Bertelsmann Stiftung), Dieter Gross (FEDDEM GmbH & Co. KG), Prof. Dr. Hans-Josef Endres (IKK), Sebastian Jost (FEDDEM GmbH & Co. KG), Joachim Friedrich (K.D. Feddersen Holding GmbH), Leander Bergmann (host) © FEDDEM GmbH & Co. KG
Under the motto ‘Built-in efficiency – compounding technology that combines sustainability with efficiency’, the FEDDEM ICX® Technology Days took place on 24 and 25 June 2025 in Niederzissen, at the site of sister company AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH. Over these two days, industry professionals, partners and industry experts came together to discuss the future of plastics processing – with a solid technological foundation, a practical approach and a clear focus on sustainability.
“We discussed the title of the event at length”, said Dieter Gross, Managing Director of FEDDEM GmbH & Co. KG. “We wanted to show that sustainability should not be at odds with efficiency – it is an integral part of our industry, so it is “built in”.
Dr. Thiess Petersen from the Bertelsmann Foundation kicked off the event with an economic analysis. He highlighted global challenges such as demographic change, technological transformation and geopolitical tensions – external conditions that have a significant impact on our daily work but cannot always be actively shaped. This makes it more important to respond with efficiency and innovative strength, according to Petersen.
This claim was taken up in the following specialist presentations: Sebastian Jost (FEDDEM GmbH & Co. KG) and Joachim Friedrich (K.D. Feddersen Holding GmbH) showed how ICX® technology can not only make processes more efficient but also enable them to be controlled intelligently using AI. This provided initial answers to the question of how intelligent process technology and new technologies can be used to achieve economic and sustainable production.
Prof. Dr. Hans-Josef Endres from “Institut für Kunststoff- und Kreislauftechnik (IKK)” (Institute for Plastics and Recycling Technology) at Leibniz University Hannover illustrated how high-quality recyclates can be obtained even from variable material streams through targeted process development and inline analytics. In his fact-filled presentation, he outlined the steps necessary to achieve high-quality mechanical recycling – a decisive contribution to the practical implementation of the circular economy. The first day of the event concluded with a practical demonstration at the AKRO-PLASTIC Competence Centre. FEDDEM then hosted an evening event at Burgbrohl Castle.
The second day focused on compounding. Under the title “All about compounding: new approaches and technologies”, Heiko Hornberger and Philip Cichy (both FEDDEM GmbH & Co. KG) presented current developments and practical solutions. The focus was not only on technical innovations in the field of extrusion peripherals, but also on strategic approaches for future requirements – from increased plant efficiency to flexible adaptability to different materials and applications.
The focus then shifted to technical solutions: Dirk Schoening (K.D. Feddersen Holding GmbH) used specific applications to demonstrate how clever material formulations can significantly reduce the carbon footprint while maintaining the best possible efficiency and processability. Another focus of his presentation was the qualification and development of new sources of recyclates as the basis for a reliable supply of sustainable materials. Practical examples from the household appliance and packaging industries were used to illustrate that even complex components can be manufactured with high-quality recyclates, while still largely meeting high technical requirements. In addition to technology, special attention was also paid to the human factor.
Aline Henke (hankensbütteler kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH & Co. KG) emphasised the role of training as “sustainability of knowledge” in her presentation. She presented the best practice example “Hallo Zukunft” (Hello Future), an initiative for targeted career orientation that addresses young talents at an early stage and inspires them to join the plastics industry. Under the motto “Unlocking talent: the art of attracting trainees through career guidance”, Ms Henke showed how close cooperation with schools, practical insights into companies and individual support help to attract qualified trainees and retain them in a company in the long term. Promoting young talent is not only an HR issue, but also a decisive factor for the future viability of the entire industry.
Finally, Amin Kirollos (Qlar Europe GmbH) highlighted current developments in the field of dosing technology. His presentation showed the central role that precise, intelligent dosing systems play in the dosing of very light (bulk density <0.1 kg/dm³), poorly flowing, heterogeneous and fluffy bulk materials – especially regarding recycling and upcycling processes.
Amin Kirollos presented innovative solutions that minimise material waste, stabilise processes and increase the efficiency of the entire production line. A factory tour at AKRO-PLASTIC finally enabled participants to experience what they had heard about in a real production environment – from theory to practice. In their concluding summary, the organisers formulated a clear goal: “If each and every one of you takes away an idea that you can integrate into your everyday working life, then we will have achieved a great deal” The ICX® Technology Days 2025 impressively demonstrated how modern compounding technology combines efficiency and sustainability – not as a buzzword, but as a concrete perspective.