NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur visits bioplastics and circular economy specialist FKuR in Willich

NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur visited the member company FKuR Kunststoff GmbH and the branch office of the Fraunhofer UMSICHT research institute as part of her industry talks with kunststoffland NRW. The company visit in Willich focused on current challenges such as the sustainable transformation of the plastics industry, the promotion of the circular economy and the system change towards renewable carbon.

NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur visited member company FKuR Kunststoff GmbH and the Fraunhofer UMSICHT research institute’s branch office as part of her industry talks with kunststoffland NRW. “We are delighted,” says kunststoffland Managing Director Ron Brinitzer, “to have the opportunity to show the Minister how diverse and sustainable the world of plastics has become in alongside the political discussions.” The company visit at FKuR in Willich focused on current challenges such as the sustainable transformation of the plastics industry, the promotion of the circular economy and the system change towards renewable carbon.

NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur visited member company FKuR Kunststoff GmbH as part of her industry talks with kunststoffland NRW

The Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), Mona Neubaur, as well as the Member of the State Parliament for the constituency of Viersen I (Schwalmtal, Viersen and Willich), Mr. Guido Görtz MdL and other members of the board of kunststoffland NRW e.V. around Managing Director Dr. Ron Brinitzer took the opportunity to gain a comprehensive impression of the innovative strength of the plastics compounder during a tour through the laboratory, technical centre, production and warehouse of FKuR.

From left: Dr. Ulrich Zilles (Deputy Chairman of kunststoffland NRW e.V.), Carmen Michels (Managing Director of FKuR), Mona Neubaur (Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia), Guido Görtz MdL (Member of the State Parliament for the constituency of Viersen I)

As pioneers in the development and production of bioplastics and recyclates, FKuR and Fraunhofer UMSICHT have set themselves the goal of making the plastics industry more sustainable. The innovative use of both renewable and recycled raw materials plays a central role in this.

Minister Mona Neubaur: “The sustainable transformation of the plastics industry is of crucial importance for protecting our environment and ensuring a future worth living. A system change towards renewable carbon – i.e. recycled, CO2 and bio-based – can and will be the key to a more sustainable use of plastics in the future and ensure the competitiveness of the industry.”

During the tour of the 7,000 m² company premises, Ms. Neubauer not only learned more about the world of bioplastics and recyclates, but was also able to see first-hand the special features and benefits of various products made from bio-based or biodegradable plastics.

The visit also included a presentation of various projects that the company has carried out in collaboration with research institutes and partners from industry.

Using resources sustainably and reducing the ecological footprint

NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur in conversation with Carmen Michels (FKuR) in the production halls of FKuR Kunststoff GmbH

Carmen Michels, Member of the Management Board at FKuR, explained: “We are proud that we as a company can make a contribution to the sustainable transformation of the plastics industry. By sustainably managing CO2 in the cycle, we can not only reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and promote the decarbonization of the plastics industry, but also reduce dependence on fossil resources.”

“On the way to a functioning circular economy and a climate-neutral future, bio-based and biodegradable plastics are an indispensable building block alongside recyclates. After all, recyclability and reusability alone are not enough to achieve the EU’s goals of climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce dependence on fossil resources,” adds Patrick Zimmermann, also a member of the FKuR Management Board.

Minister Neubaur continued: “The state government is striving to create the necessary framework conditions to promote sustainable projects and drive forward the transformation of the plastics industry. FKuR shows that sustainable economic efficiency and environmental protection can go hand in hand.”