PLANETS @ Foam Technology Days 2025
The 2nd edition of the Foam Technology Days took place from 21 to 22 May 2025 in Pfinztal, Germany, focusing on particle and extrusion foam technologies with a special emphasis on recycling. Organised by our colleagues from Fraunhofer ICT, the event gathered around 60 participants from across the international foam industry — including material producers, machine manufacturers, processors, and end users — as well as academics.
Experts from Borealis, KraussMaffei Extrusion, BEWI, Ruch Novaplast, Steinbacher Dämmstoff, Fraunhofer ICT and other companies reported on their professional practice and shared their experiences in the industrial application of foam technology. Their contributions highlighted the sector’s shift towards sustainability and circularity.
Participants also had the opportunity to explore the Fraunhofer ICT labs and pilot plants during an on-site tour, getting insight into their ongoing research, including efforts to map the entire recycling chain from rePS (recycled polystyrene) to rEPS (recycled expanded polystyrene) and rXPS (recycled extruded polystyrene).
PLANETS was also present at the event, with an oral presentation by Herbert Scharnagl from Steinbacher Dämmstoff GmbH, titled “From Waste to Value: The Path to Greener LDPE Insulation”, presenting among others the project and their involvement in the flame retardants case study.
The Foam Technology Days once again proved to be an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing innovations that are shaping a more sustainable future for foam materials.