Trends in plastics processing at the TecPart symposium

This year, i-canvas, the process optimization and restructuring company within the i-unit group, joined the Association for Technical Plastic Products (Verband für Technische Kunststoff-Produkte e.V.). Attending Trends in Plastics Processing, the association’s symposium, provided an ideal opportunity to examine the current challenges facing the industry from various perspectives. Sven Schmidtmann, partner at the i-unit group, Michael Schmidtmann, principal at i-canvas, and Sönke Kohlmeyer, associate at i-canvas, took part in the event.

The exchange with Michael Weigelt, Managing Director of the TecPart Association, and his team was particularly interesting. Weigelt emphasized that the industry will be confronted with numerous regulatory issues in the future. In particular, it became clear that some EU regulations, especially the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, pose major challenges for automobile manufacturers, who are an important clientele for the industry. This underscores the importance of dialogue with those who set the regulations. He emphasized that it is not enough to focus exclusively on one’s own company, but that it is also very important to get involved in society and influence legislation and political work. Only through dialogue can better solutions be found.

Michael Schmidtmann, Principal at i-canvas and expert in process and structural optimization, emphasized that the industry is already facing challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers and rising energy costs. However, the focus on the circular economy, sustainability efforts, and changing legislation is having a massive impact on companies’ business models. This requires considerable financial resources and an increase in profitability, especially in view of rising interest rates. Financial strength is in demand! This means that we must both increase our earning power in the short term and develop sustainable financing structures for the long term that will be effective over a period of five to ten years. This task is exciting, and we are determined to tackle these challenges and implement them.

Sven Schmidtmann highlighted the exciting presentations and high-caliber speakers, covering topics such as sustainability and innovation. The conference emphasized how products can be adapted in light of regulatory requirements. It offered excellent opportunities for networking and hearing different perspectives. Overall, it became clear that implementation is the key to success. This is in line with our consulting philosophy, which emphasizes that while it is important to have good concepts, it is ultimately the actual implementation that makes the difference. This was impressively confirmed in the discussions.

Attending the TecPart symposium was an insightful experience overall and offered valuable insights into the regulatory challenges and opportunities facing the industry. To this end, i-canvas and i-strategy act as strong partners to the i-unit group in the areas of process optimization, reorganization, and restructuring, as well as strategy and financing. Working together, the two companies of the i-unit group are strong partners offering a wide range of services for the restructuring and strategic realignment of companies, even in difficult times.

Contact person