Page 43 - Plastics News February 2024

FEATURE

scalability. This untenable equation As these technologies proliferate future plastics value chain toward one
demands ongoing technology innova- across markets worldwide, they bring thriving on its own plastic waste. In
tion that redefines recycling process- the industry closer to the principles the end, technology breakthroughs
es, economics and end markets. of a circular economy by extracting that heighten plastic circularity today
maximum value from used plastic. create the foundation for a vibrant
The latest advancements reviewed
here promise to exponentially in- In turn, recycled resins can displace and viable recycled plastics market
crease global recycling capacity while larger shares of virgin plastic annually tomorrow and beyond. Those leading
drastically improving repeatability, across packaging, building supplies, the charge understand that persistent
traceability and reliability in producing textiles, automotive components and technology innovation is imperative to
recycled plastic suitable for nearly any other manufacturing verticals. fully transform recycling economics,
application. The widespread adoption of these supply dynamics and end markets at
recycling innovations will reshape the meaningful scale.

Evosys Laser named Top 100 Innovator for 2024

factures laser welding systems for
processing plastics. Laser welding of
plastics is an established and widely
used manufacturing process that is
valued for its reliability, cleanliness and
cost-effectiveness.

The annual TOP 100 innovation com-
petition examines whether and how
innovations and product improve-
ments have been able to establish
themselves on the market. It assesses
how innovation processes are struc-
Evosys Laser from Erlangen has been named Innovation Champion and tured in companies and what meas-
receives the TOP 100 seal 2024. ures are taken in terms of flexibility

nly particularly innovative me- top management", all measures with and agility.
Odium-sized companies receive which the company management sup- "We encourage our employees to try
this award, which is presented annu- ports and promotes the development out new ideas of their own. Our ex-
ally by the Vienna University of Eco- of ideas and their implementation are perience with this has been consist-
nomics and Business. evaluated. How far-sighted and for- ently positive, as it not only increases
ward-looking the corporate strategy employee motivation and commit-
EVOSYS also impressed in this year's
TOP 100 innovation competition and is also plays a role: what opportunities ment. New insights and valuable de-
has once again been one of Germa- are there to participate in innovation velopments also enable us to better
ny's top innovators since 1st Febru- projects, how sustainable are they, support our customers in technologi-
ary. Innovation researcher Prof. Dr. are company-relevant aspects of digi- cal change, for example." This is how
Nikolaus Franke from the Vienna talisation taken into account and what the two EVOSYS managing directors
University of Economics and Business is the overall climate for innovation? Frank Brunnecker and Holger Alde-
examined the company on the basis of EVOSYS ranks among the top innova- bert describe their recipe for success.
numerous criteria. tors for the third time. The Erlangen-

In the category "Innovation-promoting based company develops and manu-

PLASTICS NEWS 45
February 2024