An Exclusive Interview at K 2025 : Dr. Friedrich Kastner, CEO Of Britas-Recycling Anlagen Gmbh, on the Future of Plastics and Recycling

Dr. Kastner, what role does plastic currently play as a material?

Plastic has become an indispensable material; it has proven itself in all areas of life. Take the field of medical technology for example: nobody wants to receive an injection from a doctor with a multiple syringe made of glass because there is a risk that it has been poorly sterilized. Everyone is happy to receive an injection with a disposable plastic syringe. Today, plastic plays a prominent role in most industries, especially those that are indispensable for the energy transition, for example in the wind power and photovoltaic sectors. Many people think of plastic only in terms of plastic bags or straws, which is far too short-sighted. Plastic has permeated our society. So why is that the case? It’s because its properties such as durability, lightness and serializability are unsurpassed. Alongside aluminium and steel, plastic is one of the materials that has made progress in our civilization possible in the first place.

Does that mean there will be more rather than less plastic in the future?

Yes, I think so. Of course, it is important to use plastic responsibly, which starts with the development of a product. Even at this point, it is necessary to think about the end-of-life cycle. The subsequent recycling process must be considered right from the start. The trend here is towards more pure varieties and fewer mixed materials – there are already many good approaches to this topic in Europe. If you take all these points into account, I am convinced that plastic will be used more and more widely, as there are simply no alternatives. Although there are a number of areas such as the packaging sector where the use of plastics is declining, on the whole the use of plastic will increase.

What are the latest developments in recycling?

At K 2016, we could already see garden benches and flower boxes produced from collected waste plastic. The aim was to show that in principle it is working – however, it does notmake sense to turn the high-quality material in an original product into a low-quality recycled product. Since then, mechanical recycling has undergone further technological development, which now makes it possible to produce a material of equal value after the raw materials have been recovered. Chemical recycling has also become increasingly important in recent years. All this always goes hand in hand with the competitiveness of these materials. The key questions are: what are the costs to process, clean and filter plastic, and what energy and raw materials are required. These costs are then weighed up against the price of virgin material. If virgin material is cheaper, the market will buy it as long as the legal framework does not prevent it.

What would the framework conditions have to look like?

We have to ensure that we do not lose our competitive edge. In Europe, we have high production costs and a great deal of overregulation; that is why we see production moving to Asia and probably increasingly to the USA in the future. This is where we have to take countermeasures. The legislator must also create incentives to encourage consumers to collect plastic waste on a larger scale and to recycle more. Recycling requires energy, and energy costs should be controlled in such a way that reprocessing also makes economic sense. With energy costs as high as they are at present, returning materials to the cycle is difficult.

What new technologies are available in plastics processing?

I think that many technologies are either already established or are waiting in the wings. Currently, more attention is paid to the need for less material and at the same time to achieve a higher integration of properties. Regarding packaging, for example, the aim is to make it thinner and more durable, and to provide it with more functions. In the field of machine technology on the other hand, everything is geared towards reducing weight in order to save energy costs, thereby increasing efficiency. At BritAS, we have noticed that recycled quantities are rising. This means that the recycling plants are also continually expanding. Another trend is forward integration in recycling plants – instead of granulating material after melting and then subsequently melting the granulate again to turn it into a recycled product, the trend is increasingly to omit the granulation stage. The molten material is used directly to manufacture a product, such as preforms for PET bottles. This saves enormous amounts of energy, and also results in higher quality, since the intermediate processing steps are eliminated.

BritAS is part of the NGA Group. All companies of the group deal with plastic. How are the companies related?

In the NGA Group, we cover the entire life cycle of the plastics industry. We start with simulations and tests at NGA, at COLLIN we develop and manufacture extrusion lines for the production of plastic products and plants for the quality control of plastics. COMELT manufactures tools for injection moulding and extrusion nozzles for production processes, and finally at BritAS, we handle the recycling process.

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An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Seejo Ponnore, Director and CEO, Aqua Star with Modern Plastics India (MPI) Magazine a Part of Modern Plastics Global Network

Aqua Star has a strong foundation in PVC pipes and fittings with over 30 years of expertise. How has your legacy influenced the innovation and quality standards in your product range today?

Aqua Star’s firm foundation has been built over 30 years of expertise in ISI PVC pipes and fittings and has played a significant role in shaping our approach to innovation and quality. This legacy has given us an in-depth understanding of customer needs, material science, and manufacturing processes. We launched India’s first uPVC rain gutters from this knowledge base and have been driving the market with durability, versatility, and sustainable solutions. Over decades, the quality standards we set guarantee that every product we create surpasses the highest performance and reliability standards, making it stand out in the market today.

With such a diverse product range, how does Aqua Star ensure that its offerings meet the specific requirements of different industries and customer segments across India?

At Aqua Star, we take a keen interest in understanding the peculiar needs of each industry and every customer segment we cater to. Our versatile product range is designed with flexibility and accuracy to meet the diverse requirements of different applications. Through vigorous market research and feedback loops, we are constantly tailoring our offerings to meet the specific needs of residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and stringent quality control processes ensure that every product meets the highest performance and durability standards. This customer-centric approach, combined with our technical expertise, enables us to cater effectively to the diverse demands across India.

Given the increasing importance of sustainable water management, how do Aqua Star’s rain harvesting solutions contribute to promoting eco-friendly practices among communities and industries?

Sustainability is at the core of the vision of Aqua Star, with our rain harvesting solutions designed to promote eco-friendly water management across communities and industries. Our rain gutters and rainwater harvesting systems ensure efficient rainwater collection, channeling, and storage through advanced uPVC technology, which minimizes wastage of water and dependence on other sources of traditional water. Durable, low-maintenance, and easy to install, our systems are applicable for residential and industrial use. Through partnerships, awareness campaigns and our Green Warrior initiatives, we are inspiring communities and industries to embrace green practices that could otherwise conserve water into a greener future.

Aqua Star’s foray into vertical gardening and husbandry is unique. Can you describe the products and solutions you provide in this segment and how they align with modern urban and agricultural needs?

Aqua Star ventures into vertical gardening and husbandry that reflects innovation and sustainable living. In this category, we have advanced uPVC-based modular systems that suit vertical gardening, particularly for spaces where land availability is limited in an urban setting. Vertical gardens offer a practical solution for growing plants on walls or other vertical surfaces in densely populated urban environments with limited traditional gardening space. They are light, durable, and customizable, offering a chance to grow different varieties of plants in small settings to accommodate residential, commercial, or industrial applications. Aqua Star’s efficient gutters are ideal for maintaining healthy plants by ensuring even and effective water distribution Additionally, Aqua Star’s products have proven valuable in animal husbandry. Livestock farms require a consistent and clean water supply to maintain the health and hygiene of animals. Aqua Star’s rainwater collection systems, adapted for this purpose, provide a reliable source of water for farm operations. By installing Aqua Star gutters on barns and other farm structures, farmers can ensure a continuous supply of fresh water,

How does Aqua Star integrate quality assurance at every stage of manufacturing, from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to customers?

At Aqua Star, quality assurance is integrated into each manufacturing process step so that our final products are always above standard. It all starts with carefully selecting top-grade raw materials from reliable sources tested for durability and performance.

We use advanced machinery and technology in production to ensure precision and consistency while adhering to strict quality protocols. Each product is tested in our lab for strength, weather resistance, and longevity to perform optimally under varied conditions. The company is ISO 9001:2015 accredited.

Our commitment does not end at production. We are as concerned with secure packaging, efficient logistics, and on-time delivery to maintain product integrity until it reaches our customers. This end-to-end quality control framework is a cornerstone of Aqua Star’s reputation for reliability and excellence.

Aqua Star has established itself as a trusted brand in the industry. Can you share your mission and how it drives the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term goals?

Aqua Star aims to revolutionize rainwater management by providing high-quality, durable, and innovative uPVC rain gutters. We are committed to sustainability, customer satisfaction, and excellence in design, ensuring efficient water conservation and protection for homes and businesses.

Our vision is to be the most trusted and preferred brand for rainwater management solutions, setting industry benchmarks with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly products. We constantly innovate products, inherently raise our quality standards, and bring the most suitable products for commercial and industrial needs.

https://aquarain.in/

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