Twelve ideas for the defossilisation of the plastics industry
“Start-ups provide crucial impulses for the future of our industry”
plastics Europe Germany, the association of plastics producers, has announced the finalists of the start-up competition “Towards Zero”. On October 13, twelve start-ups will present their solutions at K 2025 – the world’s leading plastics trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, and showcasing innovations to reduce the industry’s dependence on oil and gas. The competition sought ideas that close plastic loops, reduce emissions, and replace fossil resources in production processes.
“Start-ups provide crucial impulses for the future of our industry,” says Dr. Christine Bunte, Managing Director of Plastics Europe Germany. “The finalists show how the plastics sector can operate with fewer fossil resources and what kinds of solutions are needed to transform production processes.”
The start-ups compete against each other in two categories. In the morning, young start-ups will present their ideas on the Newcomer Stage.
- AES develops modular, scalable chemical recycling units that convert plastic waste into reusable oil right where it’s generated, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation.
- coiss produces smart plug-and-play sensors to digitally retrofit existing machinery, helping to reduce downtime and cut energy consumption.
- Moldsonics offers ultrasonic sensors that make plastic machines more precise while reducing waste, energy, and material consumption.
- Osphim develops AI-powered software for plastics converters, helping manufacturers integrate more recyclates and lower energy consumption, even in complex applications.
- Radicaldot enables energy-efficient chemical recycling to produce basic chemicals from plastic waste that partially replace fossil raw materials in plastics production.
- s1seven offers solutions for digital material passports that provide transparency on the origin, composition, and carbon footprint of plastics, enabling high-quality recycling.
In the afternoon, the stage belongs to the ‚Big Fish‘, start-ups that have already brought their ideas to market.
- Carbon Minds provides data-driven insights into emissions from plastic production, helping companies reduce their environmental footprint.
- ECO2GROW enables small and medium-sized enterprises to purchase affordable green electricity at fixed rates, directly from producers, just like major customers.
- MacroCycle operates energy-efficient chemical recycling facilities that enable infinite PET recycling without any degradation in quality.
- Paques Biomaterials produces biodegradable plastics from various organic waste streams to replace fossil raw materials.
- Polymerize uses an AI-powered platform to speed up research and development in materials science and improves outcomes in plastic product design and performance.
- sykell develops ERP software to supports circular business models by enabling the efficient return and reuse of packaging and materials.
“The finalists of the start-up competition represent every stage of the value chain, from plastics production, converting to machinery and recycling,” explains Thomas Franken, Director of the K Trade Fair and co-organizer of the pitch. “And that’s exactly what we need. The defossilization of the plastics industry can only succeed if all parts of the value chain work together.”
The competition will be moderated by Martin Bellof, Lead Ventures & Partnering of the start-up platform chemstars. chemstars is an open platform initiated by top-tier companies in the chemical industry and the Association of the Chemical Industry of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
Other news from the department business & finance
These products might interest you
OMNIS-Software by Metrohm
Efficient Lab Workflows Through Intelligent Data Management
Central Data Management with an Intuitive User Interface for the Highest Compliance Standards
Limsophy by AAC Infotray
Optimise your laboratory processes with Limsophy LIMS
Seamless integration and process optimisation in laboratory data management
LAUDA.LIVE by LAUDA
LAUDA.LIVE - The digital platform for your device management
Comprehensive fleet management options for every LAUDA device - with and without IoT connectivity
ERP-Software GUS-OS Suite by GUS
Holistic ERP solution for companies in the process industry
Integrate all departments for seamless collaboration
Most read news
More news from our other portals
Something is happening in the chemical industry ...
This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic world Sensor technology
Sensor technology has revolutionized the chemical industry by providing accurate, timely and reliable data across a wide range of processes. From monitoring critical parameters in production lines to early detection of potential malfunctions or hazards, sensors are the silent sentinels that ensure quality, efficiency and safety.
Topic world Sensor technology
Sensor technology has revolutionized the chemical industry by providing accurate, timely and reliable data across a wide range of processes. From monitoring critical parameters in production lines to early detection of potential malfunctions or hazards, sensors are the silent sentinels that ensure quality, efficiency and safety.
Last viewed contents
Enhancing the Sustainability of Plastics Using Sulphur Waste
AI: A Game Changer for Plastic Packaging - Circular economy for packaging
Shipping of the future: biodegradable antifouling coatings for clean seas - Interdisciplinarity as the key to sustainable material innovation
CO₂ removal and storage: Which options are feasible and desirable? - A new framework helps to evaluate the feasibility of ocean-based CO2 removal processes and assesses their impact on humans and nature
Sustainable plastics containing flame retardants for use in closed-loop applications - New ways for recycling quotas
H.C. Starck Tungsten receives millions in funding for battery recycling - Over 60 million euros for the recycling of battery black mass
Swiss start-up gives yesterday's plastics a new purpose - DePoly to launch 500-tonne-per-year showcase plant, as it secures $23M
Sensor-Based Waste Sorting Reduces Number of Battery Fires in Recycling Plants
World Leading E-Waste, Battery, Metal, ITAD & Circular Electronics Conference Reveals 2025 Agenda
Critical raw materials from electrolysers back into the cycle - Researchers succeed in recycling functional materials for hydrogen production
Less than a month to go: E-Waste World, Battery Recycling, Metal Recycling, ITAD & Circular Electronics Conference & Expos 2025 enter final phase
