Extrusion International 3-2026

14 Extrusion International 3/2026 INDUSTRY NEWS With the update to regulatory re- quirements under the Omnibus Regu- lation, larger companies will in future only be permitted to request sustain- ability information from their suppli- ers that is also included in the VSME sustainability report. For small and medium-sized enterprises, this repre- sents a signi cant ef ciency gain: in - stead of responding to extensive indi- vidual requests from their customers, they can simply refer to their VSME report, which bundles all relevant in- formation. SMEs that have already es- tablished internal structures for data collection and systematically docu- mented their key performance indica- tors in the VSME format are thus well prepared. The VSME standard is divided into modules covering the areas of “Gen- eral,” “Environment,” “Social,” and “Corporate Governance.” In addition to eleven basic modules, nine compre- hensive modules are available. In to- tal, the standard comprises around 40 data points in the basic modules and 33 in the comprehensive modules. In contrast to the complex double ma- teriality analysis required for CSRD reporting, the VSME takes a signi - cantly simpler approach: for individ- ual indicators, only an “if applicable” principle applies. The Regional Competence Center KARE prepares VSME sustainability reports for plastics processing and re- cycling companies. Experience to date shows that the data required for the approximately 20 modules can be ef- ciently collected – for example, from existing ISO certi cations. The SKZ provides comprehensive support to companies in this process: from ana- lyzing relevant key performance indi- cators and structuring the content to producing the nal documentation in accordance with the VSME standard. “Especially for small and medium- sized enterprises, having their own sustainability report offers the op- portunity to position themselves pro- fessionally both organizationally and communicatively, to highlight their own achievements, and at the same time to signi cantly reduce the ef - fort involved in responding to cus- tomer inquiries,” explains Jonathan Lambers, Group Leader for Transfor- mation of the Plastics Industry at the SKZ. Those interested in support ser- vices are asked to contact Jonathan Lambers directly. The SKZ Plastics Center Jonathan Lambers Group Manager | Transformation of the plastics industry j.lambers@skz.de Global Management Team Strengthened Lindner Washtech is one of the world’s leading manufac- turers of washing systems for the plastics processing indus- try. With more than 250 projects implemented worldwide, extensive process expertise, and a technology partnership with EREMA, the company is increasing its focus on innova- tive end-to-end solutions, from waste plastic collection to the nished recyclate. Marcel Willberg, part of the Lindner Washtech team for a good ten years, has been appointed as Managing Director alongside Georg Krenn and will in future be primarily responsible for global sales. Willberg’s appointment reects a clear commitment over the lon - ger term to developing top management from within the ranks of the organisation. Marcel Willberg has been an integral part oft he Lindner Washtech team for the best part of a decade. He has ex- tensive knowledge of plastics recycling, from sorting, pre- shredding, cold and hot washing, ghrough to drying and quality assurance. Previously, working as Head of Sales, he and his team have been supporting customers in Europe, the USA, Asia, and the Middle East, successfuly implement- ing projects of varying siuzes and complexity. These range from large-scale systems for municipal waste management companies to custom-built systems for international plas- tics processors and petrochemical corporations. Part of his recipe for success is his keen awareness of customer needs and market trends. „Marcel Willberg’s skillset goes far beyond the technical speci cations. He un - derstands his client’ business scenarios and devises tailor- made solutions together with them and his team,“ says Matthias Egarter, CEO of Linder. „I am proud that we have been able to develop leadership personalities like him from within our ranks.“ Marcel Willberg enters his new job alongside Georg Krenn, who, as Managing Director, has shaped Lindner Washtech and established its position on the internation- al market since the company was founded. The manage- ment duo combines Krenn’s many years of experience in strategic operations and technical expertise withWillberg’s strength in global sales; a combination that puts the com- pany in a perfect position for its next phase of growth. Lindner Washtech www.lindner.com Marcel Willberg (right) and Georg Krenn (left) now jointly manage Lindner Washtech. The management duo combines Krenn’s many years of experience in strategic operations and technical expertise with Willberg’s strength in global sales (Copyright © Linder-Recyclingtech)