Aachen, June 8, 2026 – The third networking meeting of the KI4KI project (Artificial Intelligence for Plastics Processing) focused on the structured processing of internal knowledge bases for use in AI applications. Using a local, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)-based system, the study demonstrated how existing domain knowledge can be efficiently harnessed and made available for various use cases.

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Key topics included current developments in the field of artificial intelligence, such as agent-based AI, multimodal models, hybrid architectures, and local AI systems. In addition, the “Knowledge Management” AI demonstrator was presented, which is specifically designed for applications in the areas of maintenance and fault analysis.

Another focus was on the technical implementation of modern knowledge management systems. Participants gained insights into techniques such as chunking, embeddings, vector databases, and the local management of AI models. Specific applications were demonstrated using structured experimental data and expert knowledge.

The discussion also covered requirements for data quality, data availability, system integration, and traceability—key prerequisites for the successful use of AI in an industrial setting. It became clear that powerful models alone are not enough: What matters most is a robust data foundation and the effective integration of the systems into existing processes.

The program was completed by expert talks on the topics of requirements management and AI-driven product development. At that point, the next focus of the project was already taking shape: applying the insights gained to future applications in product development.

IKV would like to thank everyone involved for the constructive dialogue and looks forward to continuing to work together within the network.

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The volume summarises the current state of knowledge on developments and applications in circular value creation. Across six chapters, it provides a concise overview of key aspects such as core concepts, societal framework conditions, business models, circular technologies and management, as well as networking and collaboration. Practical examples illustrate application potentials and critical success factors for a change towards circular value creation. In two chapters, authors from IKV describe current approaches and solutions for a circular plastics economy.

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Christian Hopmann, Rainer Dahlmann, Martin Facklam and Christine Rüdiger provide an overview of recycling strategies and technologies for plastics in “Technologies for a circular economy of plastics”. The chapter opens with a compilation of current facts and figures on plastics production and recycling, alongside a discussion of the significance of plastics as packaging materials. It further describes the state of the art in sorting and recycling strategies, examines design for recycling in detail, and concludes with practical examples from the field of plastic packaging.

In “Digital methods as enablers of circular value creation for plastics”, Rainer Dahlmann, Christian Hopmann, Mauritius Schmitz and Christine Rüdiger outline opportunities for digital methods along the lifecycle of plastic packaging, from material selection through product and process design to production and use. Using the example of a stand-up pouch, the chapter describes solutions for digitally linking materials and their properties, as well as approaches to establishing the required data infrastructure.

The book offers students and researchers a comprehensive introduction to the current state of circular value creation and to future-oriented research fields. At the same time, with practical examples and concrete recommendations for action, it addresses entrepreneurs, managers, product developers and HR professionals.

The handbook has been published as an Open Access title and is available online free of charge: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-46549-0

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At 11 o’clock sharp, Dean Prof. Dr Wolfgang Schröder opened the event on the forecourt of the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) at Seffenter Weg 201. Families, students, and prospective students came together to explore the diverse world of mechanical engineering—with exciting presentations, fascinating experiments, and hands-on activities for all age groups.

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Highlights of the Day

The program offered insights into the full range of engineering disciplines:

• The Heat Pump Hot Dog Experiment – Thermodynamics That Will Amaze and Make You Smile
• Lecture “How Cool Is Mechanical Engineering?” – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Hopmann and Dean Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Schröder entertained the audience with facts about the mechanical engineering program
• Ecurie Aix’s race cars – the student initiative showcased the latest generation of racing
• BEE Trucks – A Look at Current IKA Research Projects: Integration of Overhead Line Technologies into Battery-Electric Trucks
• Multibody simulations of bicycles at the IGMR
• Manufacturing drinking cups using injection molding at the IKV
• Flight Simulator for All Tech Fans
• Robot Programming: Try It Yourself
• SpaceTeam – a student initiative with impressive aviation exhibits
• Medical Technology – Insights into Pioneering Applications
• Ice Show Experiment – Experience Ice-Cold Experiments Live and Taste Them for Yourself
• Information Desk of the Dean’s Office, the Central Student Advising Office, and the Student Council

Technology That Inspires

Anyone who had a question simply asked it—and received an honest answer. It is precisely these kinds of encounters that bring to life what sets engineering apart: creativity, innovation, and the joy of solving challenges.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this day a success with their energy, patience, and genuine enthusiasm for technology—faculty, researchers, student initiatives, and the entire faculty team. Mechanical Engineering Day has once again impressively demonstrated why technology is so fascinating—and why it has a bright future.

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The session structure of the practice-oriented lecture program reflected the most important user industries: automotive and extended reality (XR) on the first day, and consumer electronics and bio and medtech on the second day. Tours of the facilities and laboratories at the three institutes provided a glimpse into the current state of research. In addition, on the first day, the participants had the opportunity to visit innolite GmbH.

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The program clearly demonstrated that the performance of modern optical systems depends largely on mastery of plastic processing. The focus was therefore on plastics engineering issues related to the manufacture of high-precision optical components. Nineteen speakers covered the entire spectrum: from material-specific design of optical plastics to high-precision injection molding and replication processes, and on to mold technology and metrological quality assessment—always with the goal of achieving the surface qualities that make optical systems possible in the first place.

Among the speakers and participants alike were representatives from large, long-established companies as well as from deep-tech startups. During the breaks, lively discussions took place as participants exchanged ideas about processes, procedures, materials, technologies, and applications, and many new contacts were made or existing ones renewed. The first day ended with a group dinner at “Liebigs”—and the conversations that began there continued seamlessly the next morning.

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The association has been the central network of IKV for decades and connects companies in the plastics industry with research and teaching at RWTH Aachen University. It supports the transfer of knowledge between science and industrial practice and actively accompanies the technological development of plastics technology.

The events on April 17, 2026 began with the General Assembly and the Board of Trustees meeting in the Walter-Michaeli-Saal of the IKV. Prior to the meeting, the Executive Board had already discussed current developments within the Association and the Institute’s key activities.

New committee members from 2027

As part of the regular committee meetings, changes were also made to the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees of the Fördervereinigung. The newly elected or confirmed members will take up their duties on January 1, 2027.

Herbert Müller (Ewald Dörken AG) and Dr. Joachim Simon (formerly Covestro AG) are stepping down from the Executive Board. Thorsten Ratzmann, Managing Director of Egeplast International GmbH, was newly elected to the Executive Board. In addition, Dr. Jochen Hauck, COO of Simona AG, will take over as Chairman of the Executive Board in future.

The Association’s Board of Trustees will also be strengthened by new members from various areas of the plastics industry from 2027. Tim Arping (Envalior Deutschland GmbH), Dr.-Ing. Torben Fischer (Windmöller & Hölscher SE & Co. KG), Dr. Christian Karg (Soplar SA, Altstätten, Switzerland), Dr.-Ing. Thorsten Thümen (Maag Deutschland GmbH), Dipl.-Ing. Martin Pütz (Sumitomo Demag), Dr.-Ing.Ing. Holger Niemeier (Lindauer Dornier GmbH), Dr.-Ing. Christina Härter (Netstal AG, Näfels, Switzerland), Dr.-Ing. Tobias Hallmann (Egeplast International GmbH), Dr. Thomas Bachon (Dörken GmbH & Co. KG) and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hubert Ehbing (Covestro Deutschland AG).

Dr. Matthew Beaumont (Integris, formerly Siemens), Dr. Lars Herbeck (Woco Group), Dr. Christof Herschbach (Windmöller & Hölscher SE & Co. KG), Dr. Peter Höck (Covestro AG), Jürgen Knaup (Envalior, formerly LANXESS), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Limper, Dr.-Ing. Heinz Neubert (formerly Siemens AG) and Dr. Jan Schrijver (IntelliPlast) were dismissed from the Board of Trustees.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Hopmann thanked the departing members of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees on behalf of IKV and the Sponsors’ Association for their many years of support and their personal commitment to the work of the Institute.

Focus on sustainability and the circular economy

In terms of content, the focus was particularly on the topics of sustainability and the circular economy. Institute Director Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Hopmann presented the institute’s current impetus and activities in this area. In the subsequent mini-symposium “Research for practice: impulses from IKV for sustainability and the circular economy”, the successful cooperation between industry and science was presented:

• Karl E. Dörken (Ewald Dörken AG) explained the establishment of a sustainability strategy within the company.
• Dr.-Ing. Lukas Seifert (IKV) presented the sustainability assessment of product lines in terms of plastics technology in a keynote speech.
• This was followed by a test stand presentation at the IKV-Technika for the production, processing and analysis of high-quality recyclates.

Farewell to Dipl.-Ing. Rainer Holzmann

A special moment of the event was the farewell to Dipl.-Ing. Rainer Holzmann from the Board of Trustees of the Association. Holzmann was closely associated with IKV for many decades and had a special influence on the cooperation between industry and science.

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Holzmann worked for IKV network partner Kautex Textron in Bonn for many years, most recently as a member of the company’s management board. He also co-authored the textbook “Automation in Plastics Processing” with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Menges back in the 1980s.

His connection to the IKV goes back over 60 years: he was initially an elected trustee of the Friends’ Association for 30 years before supporting the Friends’ Association as an honorary member for a further 30 years. He took his leave during the committee meetings on April 17, 2026. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Institute’s management and the entire Sponsors’ Association, the Chairman paid tribute to Mr. Holzmann’s ever-present interest in plastics technology and IKV and thanked him for his extraordinary commitment.

The meetings once again highlighted the close connection between IKV and the plastics industry. The intensive exchange within the association shows that the interlinking of industry and research goes far beyond current key topics and forms the foundation of IKV’s work.

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The seminar series “RheoExperts on the Road” by Thermo Fisher Scientific, twill stop in Aachen on June 17, 2026. IKV and Thermo Fisher Science invite you to the user seminar “Compact knowledge of applied rheology” at the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH Aachen University. The one-day seminar offers specialists and managers from the plastics industry a compact and practical introduction to the world of rheology.

The focus is on the fundamentals of rheological relationships and their targeted application for characterising materials and optimizing processes. Participants receive an understandable overview of central rheological concepts and learn how to carry out measurements safely and how to evaluate and interpret results correctly. A special highlight will be live demonstrations on various rheometers, including the Thermo Scientific^TM HAAKE^TM MARS^TM 40 Rheometer, which will provide a direct link to industrial practice. The seminar is rounded off by a professional exchange with experts in an open and practice-oriented learning atmosphere.

Venue: IKV Aachen
Date: June 17, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Language: German

Interested parties can book their participation directly online
>> Booking

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Focus on precise plastics processing for optical applications

The event will focus in particular on issues relating to plastics technology in the manufacture of high-precision optical components. These include, among others:

• the material-specific design of optical plastics
• High-precision injection molding and replication processes
• Process control and tool technology for the highest surface quality
• Quality assurance and metrological evaluation of optical properties

The program clearly shows that the performance of modern optical systems is largely dependent on the mastery of plastics processing.

Key applications of plastic optics

The conference program is structured along key fields of application for plastic optics and highlights current developments in the automotive, XR (extended reality), consumer electronics, biotechnology and medical technology sectors.

The central role that plastics technology plays in the realization of modern optical systems becomes clear in all subject areas: from the precise design of suitable materials and the reliable replication of optical structures to economical series production.

The contributions show both industry-specific requirements and overarching challenges – for example with regard to surface quality, dimensional accuracy and process stability – and make it clear how closely material, mold and process control are interlinked in plastic optics.

IKV presents solutions along the entire process chain

As a partner institute of APOD 2026, IKV is contributing its extensive expertise in plastics processing to the conference. In particular, the focus is on the design and optimization of injection moulding processes for optical applications and the control of surface and component quality in terms of materials and processes.

As part of the accompanying institute tours, participants will gain exclusive insights into IKV’s research infrastructure – from mold and process technology to the quality assurance of optical components.

Platform for exchange between research and industry

In addition to the specialist presentations, the event offers numerous opportunities for networking and discussing current challenges. The close integration of scientific findings and industrial requirements makes the Aachen Polymer Optics Days an important platform for technology transfer in polymer optics.

Register now

Registration for the conference is already open. Interested parties have the opportunity to secure a place early and benefit from discounted conditions until April 21, 2026.

Registration

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Award for outstanding research

A special highlight of this year’s participation in Pittsburgh (March 9-12, 2026) was the awarding of the “Best Technical Paper Award 2026” in the field of extrusion to an IKV contribution.

The winning entry is entitled:
“AI-Based Soft Sensor for Inline Viscosity Characterization During Twin-Screw Extrusion of Polypropylene Compounds”

The paper was written by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Hopmann, Dr.-Ing. Lukas Seifert and Katharina Baum. The award confirms the success of IKV research in combining plastics processing and artificial intelligence.

Exchange with international industry partners

Following the conference, the IKV travel group continued its traditional networking tour of the USA. The aim is to maintain a close professional exchange with partner companies, many of which also operate sites in North America.

The first stop was SIMONA Group and its subsidiary Simona Boltaron. On site, Angel Nikolov welcomed the group, gave them a tour of the plant and facilitated an intensive exchange of ideas in the context of specialist presentations.

Other stops on the trip were:

• Covestro in Pittsburgh (Host: Jessee McCanna)
• Farrel Pomini (organized by Peng Ye)
• BASF (organized by Stephen Hanley)
• B. Braun (organized by John Grimm)

Between the company visits, the group also took the opportunity to make a stopover in New York City, which strengthened team cohesion as well as cultural impressions.

International networking as a success factor

The ANTEC trip impressively demonstrates how closely research, teaching and industry are interlinked at IKV. The combination of scientific excellence, international visibility and personal exchange with industrial partners creates ideal conditions for innovations in plastics technology. At the same time, the scientific staff gain valuable insights into industrial applications and global markets – a central component for the sustainable exchange and transfer of knowledge that characterizes the institute.

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The 33ʳᵈ Colloquium marked a particularly important milestone in the history of the IKV, as the very first Colloquium in 1950 signified the formal founding of the Institute – a joint commitment by a then still young industry and a university to long-term collaboration, innovation and technological progress that is still being actively pursued 75 years on. At the official opening of the 33rd Colloquium, the Chairman of the IKV Association of Sponsors, Dr‑Ing Herbert Müller, described the founding of the Institute 75 years ago as a shared strategic decision for the future by industry and the research community.

Plenary talks on current developments

Recycled materials and circular value chains in the automotive industry, new approaches to linking plastics processing with mechanical recycling, artificial intelligence for the plastics sector, and an economic outlook on long-term trends: five plenary talks formed the thematic framework of the 33rd International Colloquium Plastics Technology. To this end, the IKV had secured a high-calibre line-up of speakers: Dr‑Ing Werner Tietz (Member of the Extended Group Board of Management and Head of Group Research and Development at Volkswagen AG), Dr rer nat Patrick Gloeckner (Head Next Markets Programme and Head Global Circular Economy Programme at Evonik Operations GmbH), Prof Dr‑Ing Achim Grefenstein (Scientific Director at IKV and Senior Vice President Group R&D at Constantia Flexibles Germany GmbH), Dipl‑Ing Mauritius Schmitz (Scientific Director at IKV and Co‑Founder of OSPHIM GmbH) and Dr Arne Holzhausen (Insurance, Wealth and ESG in the Allianz Research unit at Allianz SE). They offered the audience fascinating insights and opened up new perspectives.

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Practice driven: the scope of IKV research

With forty‑eight specialist talks across sixteen sessions, the Colloquium offered a wide‑ranging snapshot of IKV’s current research activities. Each session began with a presentation from industrial practice and was chaired by representatives from industry, ensuring that the topics were clearly framed and firmly rooted in real‑world applications. To do justice to the full scope of IKV’s work, the lecture programme was, for the first time, spread across four parallel tracks. A strong emphasis

was placed on sustainability: topics ranged from circular value chains, recycling and the processing of recyclates through robust process design to AI‑supported development and production strategies. From a materials perspective, the spectrum extended from conventional thermoplastics and fibre‑reinforced plastics to rubber and polyurethanes, as well as processing routes for the relatively new class of vitrimers.

One of IKV’s key research approaches is to advance established technologies and adapt them to the production of sustainable components. This was reflected in several sessions that focused, among other things, on foam injection moulding, additive manufacturing, the production of hybrid structures and the use of plastics in hydrogen energy systems. The programme also featured research aimed at building a sound understanding of materials and processes – an important prerequisite for robust processing, especially when dealing with demanding materials. In addition, work is being carried out on simulations and modelling to provide a solid data basis for digitalisation and AI tools.

Open technology centres: IKV 360°

Beyond the lecture halls, IKV researchers also opened up their laboratories and technical centres to show how current research is being translated into industrial practice. On the afternoon of the first conference day, visitors were invited to the IKV facilities on the Melaten campus, where more than sixty stations offered opportunities to discuss new developments and ask questions. Live demonstrations of machines and processes on topics such as additive manufacturing, analysis and testing, digitalisation, extrusion, fibre‑reinforced plastics, rubber technology, circular economy, plasma technology, polyurethane technology, injection moulding, structural analysis, hydrogen technologies and materials engineering vividly illustrated both the scope and the practical relevance of IKV’s research.

Awards

As is tradition, the IKV Colloquium saw the presentation of the Georg Menges Prize for outstanding commitment to transferring scientific knowledge into industrial practice, as well as the Reifenhäuser Sponsorship Award for exceptional research achievements by early‑career scientists. The IKV also honoured four members of its Association of Sponsors – Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG and Robert Bosch GmbH – for more than fifty years of membership.

The 2026 Georg Menges Prize was awarded to Markus Lüling, editor‑in‑chief of the specialist magazine K‑PROFI. The jury chose to honour a journalist whose work bridges both sector and company boundaries. Through his transparent reporting, Lüling provides orientation in an environment characterised by increasing specialisation and high dynamism. Especially in this setting, clear and trustworthy specialist journalism is of particular value.

Jan Kleinsorge received the 2026 Reifenhäuser Sponsorship Award for his master’s thesis in the field of injection moulding at IKV, entitled: “Inverse thermal injection mould design: Develepoment and validation of a thermomechnical optimisation of the heat balance for complex three-dimensional moulded parts”. The award was presented by Dr‑Ing Christoph Lettowsky on behalf of the sponsoring company Reifenhäuser Blown Film GmbH & Co. KG.

Appealing to young talent: recruiting speed‑dating

By hosting the Colloquium, IKV not only provides companies from the plastics industry with a forum to discuss scientific topics, but also creates a space for direct interaction with the next generation of specialists. The recruiting speed‑dating format, where students and graduates meet potential employers and explore their career prospects, has become a firmly established feature of the programme.

Six companies took the opportunity to present themselves as employers, meet (future) applicants and identify suitable candidates for internships, thesis projects and entry‑level positions in the plastics industry. Both the twenty‑five candidates – all students of plastics engineering at RWTH – and the participating companies were highly satisfied with the quality of the conversations.

Living room of the Colloquium: industry trade show

A central hub for networking and for exchanging ideas with experts, decision‑makers and business partners throughout the event was the 400‑square‑metre industry exhibition in the foyer of Eurogress Aachen. Many attendees had already gathered there on the eve of the Colloquium for the opening, using the relaxed setting with sandwiches, currywurst and cold drinks to make new contacts and reconnect with familiar faces. Over the next two days, the breaks between the presentations offered plenty of opportunity to gather information and exchange ideas.

Over the following two days, the breaks between the lectures offered plenty of opportunity to gather information and engage in in‑depth discussions. More than twenty exhibitors represented the entire value chain of the plastics industry, ranging from machinery and equipment manufacturers to processors and raw material suppliers, as well as providers of analysis and testing technology and consulting firms. Many of them have been attending the Colloquium for years and, like the institute’s young researchers, were keen to make the most of the opportunity to engage in conversation.

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The award ceremony took place on 5 March 2026 at Eurogress Aachen as part of the 33rd International Colloquium Plastics Technology. The award was presented by Professor Christian Hopmann, Director of the IKV, and Dr Christoph Lettowsky, Senior Technical Sales Manager at Reifenhäuser Blown Film.

In his work, Kleinsorge focused on the targeted optimization of mould temperature control in order to reduce distortion in injection-moulded parts. He developed an approach to thermomechanical mould optimization that takes into account not only thermal but also mechanical influences between the mould and the moulded part. The method makes it possible to specifically influence residual stress symmetries and thus reduce mold deviations – an important contribution to improving dimensional accuracy, cycle time and energy efficiency in the injection molding process.

“We want to motivate students to work on current topics with commitment and curiosity and to perform exceptionally well.”

In his speech at the award ceremony, Dr. Christoph Lettowsky said: “In my work, I experience IKV and the collaboration on its research projects as an incubator for ideas and impulses for the future. There are always opportunities to attract young talent here. With the Reifenhäuser Sponsorship Award, we want to motivate students to work on current topics with commitment and curiosity and to achieve exceptional results.”

The Reifenhäuser Sponsorship Award, endowed with 3,000 euros, was created in 2020 to recognize outstanding work in the field of plastics technology and to promote young talent.

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