32 EVENT REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 11/24 www.petpla.net EVENTreview Fakuma 2024 review The 29th Fakuma international trade fair for plastics processing took place in Friedrichshafen from October 15 to 19, 2024, with 1,639 exhibitors (2023: 1,636 exhibitors) presenting innovations in efficiency, sustainability, and the circular economy across twelve almost fully occupied exhibition halls and foyers. The stability in exhibitor numbers was offset by a slight dip of 7% in the number of visitors (36,675 visitors; 2023: 39,343 visitors). The trade fair has increased its international reach: 47.5% of exhibitors came from outside of Germany (2023: 44.0%). Of the 1,639 exhibitors, 170 companies were from China, 142 from Italy, 81 from Switzerland, 77 from Austria and 51 from Turkey. For manufacturers and users, topics such as increased efficiency, process stability, reproducibility and minimised setup times were at the top of the agenda. Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall is optimistic about the industry’s future. “Although the current situation is challenging and we have to deal with numerous highly complex issues simultaneously, the concentrated innovative power experienced at Fakuma 2024 is a strong indication that we’re tackling the issues with determination and confidence,” says the managing director. The 30th edition of Fakuma will take place in Friedrichshafen from October 13-17, 2026. www.fakuma-messe.de Optimising the properties of PET and rPET Tosaf presented its latest developments in the field of property-enhancing masterbatches for the plastics industry. One focus was on the optimisation of products made from PET and, in particular, rPET. Tosaf offers a wide variety of solutions for PET and rPET that help to optimise quality, efficiency, sustainability and costs during processing and recycling. With regard to the aesthetics and functionality of PET packaging, additives are available that correct the colour and gloss of rPET or prevent water droplets from depositing on the inner walls of packaging. Additives for absorbing and eliminating oxygen from the headspace of packaging, UV protection additives and – especially for milk containers – ultra-lightproof white masterbatch help to extend product shelf life. Acetaldehyde scavengers prevent changes in the flavour of water in rPET bottles. Processing aid additives prevent electrostatic charging or change the surface properties of PET to prevent blocking and reduce the coefficient of friction. Special IR absorbers facilitate thermoforming with uneven wall thicknesses without impairing clarity. Additives are used to improve the properties and quality of rPET by linking shortened PET polymer chains and thus increasing the molecular weight. Compatibilisers enable the recycling of PET-PCR blends that are contaminated with polyolefins or barrier plastics such as PA and EVOH. An NIR-reflective black masterbatch facilitates sorting during recycling. www.tosaf.com
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