Marcel Perrevort, CSO of the Reifenhäuser Group, explains: "Success is closely linked to continuous improvement. However, in times of shortage of skilled workers, it is becoming a challenge for many manufacturers to achieve higher performance, better quality, greater efficiency or sustainability. We will therefore be presenting innovative technologies that give producers the extra boost they need right now. Automation, data and AI play a decisive role here."
At the K trade fair, the Reifenhäuser Blown Film, Cast Sheet Coating and Reicofil business units will present their line technologies for film and nonwovens applications. For the first time, the barrel and screw unit Reiloy as well as the subsidiary Kdesign - specialist for cooling, measuring and calibration technologies for blown film lines - will also be represented at the main stand. The Reifenhäuser Extrusion Systems component unit will be exhibiting in another hall.
Establishing sustainability as a business model
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| Reifenhäuser Cast-MDO enables the easy-tear effect, as the polymer chains are oriented in the machine direction by stretching the film. Images:Reifenhäuser |
The circular economy and CO2 reduction will also remain key topics for the entire industry at this K. Reifenhäuser will be presenting how the required recyclable products and products made from recyclate can be manufactured profitably. This is crucial for the future competitiveness of manufacturers, especially in view of the recently published PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) in Europe.
The Reifenhäuser Blown Film and Cast Sheet Coating units will be presenting their latest MDO (Machine Direction Orientation) technologies, which enable recyclable mono-material packaging by film stretching. Thanks to ever thinner film structures (downgauging) and clever technology features, Reifenhäuser systems reduce production costs to the same level as conventional products. Both business units focus in particular on barrier applications for the food, medical and hygiene sectors.
Operational excellence through automation, digitalization and training
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| The Reifenhäuser automation option PAM simplifies the operation of coextrusion adapters and dies |
In day-to-day production, plastics processors are often dependent on highly qualified personnel in order to exploit the full operational potential of their extrusion systems. The need for automation is therefore constantly growing. At K, Reifenhäuser is launching new developments in this area and presenting further developments of already proven automation options - above all the patented PAM system (precise, autonomous, mechatronic) for flat film lines. The automation option uses mechatronic actuators to automatically control the coextrusion adapter and die during operation. The second generation of this system, which is unique on the market, will be presented for the first time at K.
Digital solutions are another decisive factor for operational excellence. Reifenhäuser offers powerful software tools for connecting machines, data analysis and automatic process monitoring and optimization of production. In addition, Reifenhäuser provides scalable learning opportunities - for more effective training and the best possible qualification of production employees. In order to further expand its commitment to the digitalization of the plastics industry, the Reifenhäuser Group will bundle its digital and learning solutions under the Reifenhäuser NEXT brand in the future. The new business unit will focus on the seamless integration of Industrial AI and will present its new product portfolio for the first time at K.
For the exchange of packaging data across companies, Reifenhäuser is driving forward the open tracing standard R-Cycle. Producers can use it to efficiently digitize their packaging data management in order to meet the growing information requirements of the PPWR. R-Cycle can be used immediately as a software-as-a-service solution and is supported by a community of over 30 globally active companies.
