Plastics are the material of the 21st century that has made many innovations possible and contributed to improving the standards of living. Today, many industries face new challenges raising the question what the contribution of plastics – and in particular styrenics – will be in the future.
A few examples illustrate the topics that are high on today’s agenda:
- The healthcare industry is facing an aging society that requires healthcare solution providers to deliver new services.
- In the automotive industry, the demand for greater fuel efficiency and alternative power train developments are leading the discussion.
- At the same time, the demand for sustainable solutions increases and regulations are under discussion to manage the use of plastics and to limit plastics littering. The EU, for example, drives the discussion of a concept to introduce a circular economy.
Hosted by INEOS Styrolution, the global leader in styrenics, experts met at the K Fair in Düsseldorf to discuss the contribution of plastics to societal wellbeing and the future role of styrenics.
Watch selected highlights of the panel discussion
| Dr. Vangheluwe on EU roadmap on plastics and on the circular economy  |
Dr. Vangheluwe on two main challenges, landfill and litter  |
| Dr. Vangheluwe on expected timing of the EU roadmap on plastics  |
Dr. Roth on healthcare challenges |
| Dr. Niessner on various INEOS Styrolution solution examples  |
Dr. Niessner on INEOS Styrolution solution examples for the healthcare industry  |
| Prof. Schmidt on INEOS Styroluion solution example: StyLight*  |
Prof. Schmidt on the role of academia and R&D collaboration  |
| Dr. Niessner and Prof. Schmidt on a new approach to depolymerization  |
Meet the panelists
 Dr. Norbert Niessner, INEOS Styrolution Biography | High resolution photo |
 Dr. Patricia Vangheluwe, PlasticsEurope Biography | High resolution photo |
 Prof. Dr. Hans-Werner Schmidt, Universität Bayreuth Biography | Photo |
 Dr. Stefan Roth, B. Braun Biography | Photo |
 Prof. Robert Matthews, Writer & Researcher (Moderator) Biography | High resolution photo |
*Trademark application pending