Innovative plastic solutions at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2025: Focus on efficiency and sustainability

POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2025 presented innovative plastic solutions: Efficient processing, sustainable recycling, and smart conveyor technology support companies in optimizing their processes and strengthening their competitiveness.

Written by Marius Schaub

Trade fair action at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM: Bright yellow plastic pellets are conveyed via a feeding system. — Plastics remain indispensable materials. Innovative solutions are needed to produce them safely, efficiently, and in a resource-saving manner, especially in order to meet the growing demand for secondary materials.

Whether material handling, recycling, or plastics processing – POWTECH TECHNOPHARM is the leading platform for process engineering. International manufacturers showcased the latest machines, systems, and technologies for operators in the plastics industry that meet the increasing demands for efficiency, resource optimization, and sustainability. From flexible laboratory equipment to energy-efficient production facilities and digital monitoring solutions, the trade fair offered plastics experts a wide range of approaches for optimizing their processes.

A grinding system for laboratory work, consisting of two devices, with a grinding chamber and a display. — Efficient grinding in the laboratory: Picoline consists of functional modules, allowing different steps to be flexibly combined.

Flexible laboratory and production mills for innovative plastic grinding

Hosokawa Alpine presented the modular Picoline laboratory grinding system, which consists of eleven functional modules. This allows researchers and developers to flexibly combine grinding, classification, mixing, and other steps – specifically tailored to powders and bulk materials such as plastic granules. The product range is complemented by a new production mill that crushes plastic granulates and recycled materials in an energy-efficient manner. The Isaguard software solution uses sensor technology for predictive maintenance and minimizes downtime, thereby increasing the efficiency of the systems.

Pneumatic conveying and dosing system for plastic granulates

Barl Maschinenbau presented a new system at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM specifically designed for the pneumatic conveying and dosing of plastic granulates and recycled materials. It enables the gentle and energy-efficient conveying of sensitive plastic materials. Innovative control prevents blockages and reduces material losses. Suitable for new and recycled plastics, the solution offers flexible integration and high process reliability. The system is supplemented with individual components from the manufacturer for loosening, moistening, crushing, blocking, heating, and cooling bulk materials.

Sustainable and digital conveyor technology for plastic pellets

Segler presented efficient conveyor and handling solutions for plastic pellets incorporating digital technologies. The systems are characterized by sustainable concepts that make material flow safer and more resource-efficient. Smart control and monitoring systems optimize the production process, which is beneficial for both plastics manufacturers and recyclers. The modular design allows for easy integration into existing systems and flexible adaptation to changing process conditions.

New nozzle technology – process reliability and cleanliness in plastics processing

Lechler brought its pop-up nozzle portfolio to POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2025, which is tailored to the specific requirements of plastics processing. The nozzles ensure effective cleaning even in hard-to-reach areas, thereby increasing process reliability. Targeted cleaning cycles minimize operational interruptions and reduce costs. These solutions are particularly suitable for the plastics industry, where high standards of cleanliness and continuous availability play a key role.

Modular vibration systems for precise conveying and dosing of plastic pellets

Netter Vibration showcased modular vibration systems that are particularly suitable for conveying and precisely dosing plastic pellets. The systems combine proven technology with innovative mounting solutions and a high degree of flexibility. This allows production lines to be customized and operated more efficiently. The technology helps manufacturers produce products of consistent quality with low material loss and optimize production processes.

A large steel mixer with an open mixing chamber, in which the plowshare-shaped tools can be seen. — Lödige exhibited its plow blade mixer at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM in combination with a twin-screw extruder.

Complete solutions for mixing and handling plastic materials

Lödige Maschinenbau presented complete solutions for industrial mixing and material handling that are also particularly well suited for plastics. With the help of plowshare mixers and laboratory mixers in combination with twin-screw extruders, materials can be processed precisely to increase homogeneity and product quality. The modular systems enable flexible adaptation to different batch sizes and requirements in plastics production and recycling. The focus is on optimizing the process steps for sustainable and efficient manufacturing.

Cross-industry benefits and future prospects

POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2025 specifically addressed the challenges facing the plastics industry, which are growing particularly in the areas of resource efficiency, energy saving, and recycling. The technologies presented enable companies to make their production processes not only more economical but also more environmentally friendly. Digital forecasting systems such as Hosokawa's Isaguard or Coperion's Condition Monitoring are just two examples of how smart systems reduce downtime and increase overall equipment effectiveness.

In addition, the trade fair promotes cross-industry knowledge exchange thanks to its broad range of exhibitors. Plastics manufacturers benefit from innovations in related sectors such as the food and pharmaceutical industries. The close interlinking of different processes offers opportunities for new materials, sustainable uses, and innovative processes.

For visitors, the trade fair is therefore not only an opportunity to learn about the latest product innovations, but also to optimize their working methods in the long term. The same applies to the exhibiting companies, which were able to gain important impetus for their product development and establish new business contacts in Nuremberg. POWTECH TECHNOPHARM is therefore indispensable for anyone who wants to remain successful in the field of plastics and process engineering.

Author

Marius Schaub