People

Whether it’s young talent, experienced professionals or women in leadership roles – the plastics industry offers scope for diversity and development. Through personal stories, profiles of apprenticeships and insights into CSR initiatives, we showcase the people behind the industry and highlight their inspiring contributions.

Drei junge Leute brainstormen lächelnd an einer Glaswand mit Notizen in einem modernen Büro.

Results (37)

  • Young plastics researchers are on the trail of proper recycling

    Interview with Julia Uptmoor, Head of Marketing Communications & Head of Cooperation Project, Pöppelmann GmbH & Co. KG Plastics Plant Toolmaking Exclusively for K-MAG Plastics production on site: At the historic injection molding machines in the Industrial Museum, Pöppelmann trainee Chantal showed how new products are created from recyclate. Photo: Honkomp 07.01.2022 We can only achieve a true circular economy if everyone pulls together. The correct disposal of waste, but also the understanding of recycling are important steps so that the goal of a circular economy can be achieved. Julia Uptmoor. Photo: Pöppelmann GmbH & Co. KG Kunststoffwerk-Werkzeugbau Therefore, from 8 to 14 November 2021, the Pöppelmann Researchers' Week on the topic of "Plastics and Recycling" took place at the Lohne Industrial Museum. The aim was to educate young people about plastics and recycling. Your company hosted a Research Week at the Industrial Museum Lohne. What was the event’s background? Julia Uptmoor: At Pöppelmann, we believe a true circular economy is the economic model of the future. To drive progress and achieve milestones in the practice area of work, we developed the PÖPPELMANN blue® initiative where we bundle all company activities to create a completely closed raw material cycle. Today we have several projects that implement the circular economy in our business successfully: this includes plant pots created in a closed material loop and high-precision technical series components made from recycled household waste materials. Our Research Week aimed to highlight the practical application of true circular economy methods. We also wanted to emphasize that a circular economy can only be achieved if everyone – including children – makes a crucial contribution. This entails knowledge about the history and basics of recycling, starting with the proper handling of waste. It is the key requirement to ensure continued reuse of materials, thus conserving valuable raw material to close the material loop. This provided the context for our Research Week event, where we invited plastics scientists aged eight and over to gain first-hand experience in plastics and sustainability at various child-friendly hands-on interactive learning displays. Pöppelmann apprentices were excited to take charge of the activity stations. Preserving plastic waste through recycling: Pöppelmann trainee Nick explained why it is important to separate different packaging materials before disposing of them in the yellow garbage can. Photo: Honkomp What were the little plastics scientists able to discover and try out in the Industrial Museum? Uptmoor: After a short film in the Pöppelmann cinema, the workshop participants started their expedition. Experiments explained the properties of plastic material. Onsite, machines vividly illustrated manufacturing processes such as injection molding, thermoforming, and 3D printing. The participants learned about the various stations that make up a closed material loop. This also included recycling machines made by the "Auszubildendeninitiative Kunststoffmobil" (English: Mobile Plastic Trainee Initiative). The children were able to use the trainees’ shredder to crush products; at the extruder, they witnessed how to create new material by melting the ground substance. The kids were especially excited about the sealer machine for food packaging: they used it to seal a cup filled with candy – to take home with them. The waste management service in Vechta, Germany ("Abfallwirtschaftsgesellschaft Vechta") provided a sorting station for the Research Week that also gave many adults a eureka moment. The so-called "Kreis-Lauf" (closed loop), which was developed and designed by a Pöppelmann project team as a new exhibit for the permanent exhibition on plastics, delivers background information pertaining to a circular economy and plastics recycling in the region. Participants were given a routing slip at the start of their exploration containing questions about specific stations. If they came up with the correct answer, they received small prizes and a certificate. What feedback did you receive from the participants? Are you happy with the outcome? Uptmoor: The COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to host a large event like our Research Sunday three years ago. This time around, we created small group workshops instead, spread over one week. During the week, almost 460 students took part in one of the 23 workshops structured into 1.5-hour increments to complement their school curriculum. Over the weekend, an additional 250 young and old plastic scientists visited the event, joining one of the 4 daily workshops. The new format proved successful. It gave participants more time to explore the individual stations in a quieter setting, to ask questions, look around and be amazed. We also received great feedback from the accompanying teachers, who complimented us on our child-friendly and practice-oriented approach to teaching recycling. Ulrike Hagemeier and Benno Dräger, the managers of the museum, were likewise delighted about our renewed and successful collaboration. The self-built extruder of the trainee initiative Kunststoffmobil made clear how granules are produced from filament. Those who correctly answered all the questions at the individual stations received a certificate and small surprises. Photo: Honkomp Why do you think it is important to teach children about plastics from a young age? Uptmoor: Collective responsibility for our planet and future generations has spurred action and new economic development strategies in the 21st century: circular economy is the future. Especially for the younger generation, environmental protection and confronting climate change are two of the most important issues facing the world. They will live in a world we are now creating. We want to show that there are well-tried ways to address these issues by using recycled plastics. Every one of us can take action to foster a circular economy: As consumers, we support the production of high-quality products containing closed-loop recycling material by correctly disposing and separating waste. Even the youngest among us can participate - and learn to make a big difference through the responsible use of products and packaging from an early age. Our aim is to raise awareness of issues relating to recycling and the circular economy - and thereby also understand and shape our own consumer behavior in the process. We also want to look to the future when we need good people who have the courage and ideas to help our industry transition to a circular economy. Homemade recycling: The Kunststoffmobil trainee initiative was also represented at the Researchers' Week with its homemade machines. Here, the young plastics researchers were able to produce regrind themselves. Photo: Honkomp Are you planning other campaigns and activities to help young people deepen their knowledge and management of plastics? Uptmoor: We are considering giving the Research Week a permanent format that takes place every two years. But we also ponder other formats. To make the subject more accessible to the younger generation, we launched the "Kunststoffmobil" (Mobile Plastic) corporate initiative, which features dedicated trainees from different cohorts and different vocations. Their goal is to "mobilize" plastics and recycling and make them more accessible by engaging the public through dialogue on the future of plastics processing, by publicizing the closed material loop of plastics and by using their self-made machines to visually illustrate the issue. The trainees build their own machines to recycle plastics - and are happy to talk about their work and goals in schools and at events via a "mobile workshop". Elena Blume (Editorial team K-MAG) More Young Talents

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  • School meets business: getting young people excited about the plastics industry

    Interview with Melanie Zurmöhle, Market Development Manager, Wentus GmbH Exclusively for K-MAG In a cooperation with a local school, Wentus GmbH approaches pupils at an early stage to get them interested in the plastics industry. Copyright: monkeybusiness 19.04.2022 At 16, did you already know where you wanted to go on your professional journey? With the range of choices available to young people today, it can be difficult to make a decision at first glance. That's why it's beneficial to be taken by the hand and introduced to different professions. Wentus GmbH from Höxter sets a good example: the medium-sized company has entered into a cooperation with a local secondary school to get young people interested in plastics production while they are still at school. It doesn't always have to be just the offer of an internship: In this interview with K-MAG, Melanie Zurmöhle explains what other activities the company offers. What goal are you pursuing with the cooperation? Melanie Zurmöhle: The cooperation should make it easier for us to find apprentices and make our apprenticeships known and interesting. We want to be perceived more clearly as a training company. The schools pursue the goal of making internships possible. The students should get an orientation as early as possible and, at best, have the opportunity of an apprenticeship directly after graduation. What does the implementation look like on site, how do the pupils get an insight into the industry? Zurmöhle: We have a wide range of activities and can offer the students a lot. On the one hand, we offer them activities in our company: Internships are a good way for pupils to get a first insight into working life. Wentus GmbH also offers other campaigns. Copyright: seventyfourimages For example, they can complete two-week internships with us. In addition, we offer a Girls' Day, where the pupils get an insight into the company for one day. On an open house day, we welcome the pupils and their parents to our company. The parents are also invited along for later interviews, so that they get a secure feeling of where their children will be doing their training and who their contact persons are. That goes down very well. However, we also approach the schools. For example, we have a cooperation with the teaching staff for STEM professions: The teaching staff comes to our company and looks at the opportunities on site so that they can then prepare the students for the internship and the required STEM topics in the best possible way. In addition, our human resources department goes directly to the schools together with young trainees and introduces itself. The trainees are on an equal footing with the pupils: since they "speak the same language", so to speak, the pupils benefit particularly from this conversation. What advantages do the students have from the cooperation? Zurmöhle: The transition from school to in-company training is difficult for some young people, because the "bubble" of school suddenly stops. If they have done an internship before, the transition is easier because they have already seen one or the other face and know the working atmosphere. Another plus point is the involvement of parents: If they have already had a look at the company, the trainees can talk to them about it better at home if problems arise. How do you think your company can continue to attract motivated skilled workers in the future? Zurmöhle: We want to and have to be an attractive employer, offer benefits such as a job bike or similar and create a work-life balance. Our union affiliation is an advantage. We will strengthen and further expand our regional presence in order to be recognized as a good employer. We will also offer interesting working time models and, above all, live sustainability. Kyra Molinari (Editorial team K-MAG) More Young Talents

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  • Training in the plastics industry: technical college and companies get trainees fit for the job

    Interview with Silke Bergmoser, Director, Euregio HTBLVA Ferlach - Höhere Technische Bundeslehr- & Versuchsanstalt (Higher Technical College) Exclusively for K-MAG In Ferlach, students learn a lot about plastics even before they start their practical training in the company, so that they are well prepared for work in the plastics industry. Copyright: HTL Ferlach 06.05.2022 Helping to shape the training of students before they even enter the company is probably the best solution for companies to train and pre-train future skilled personnel in the best possible way. In the Austrian province of Carinthia, this is possible: Here, the TH Ferlach works closely with the plastics industry to provide the companies with qualified junior staff. In this interview with K-MAG, Silke Bergmoser talks about how the cooperation between the technical college and the plastics industry looks and what kind of response the new type of training gets from students and the companies that train them. Silke Bergmoser. Copyright: HTL Ferlach What is your training concept and what makes it so special? Silke Bergmoser: The new concept of the Technical College for Plastics and Recycling Technology is new and unique in Austria. We work very closely with industry. Our taught contents are of course based on the curriculum. However, we still coordinate them very closely with the needs and requirements of our industry partners so that they can take on qualified skilled workers in their companies after completing the four-year training. What does your cooperation with the industry partners look like? Bergmoser : In the course of the four-year training, the students have to complete various holiday internships and, at the beginning of the fourth year, a continuous ten-week internship in relevant companies. Here we can place our students directly with our industrial partners, so that they can get to know the companies, work with them and familiarise themselves with them already during their training. In the ideal case, nothing stands in the way of a direct employment contract after graduation from the technical college for plastics and recycling technology. In addition, every student must complete a final project in the last year of training. The topic is set by our partner companies, so that here too there is close cooperation and coordination between the companies and our students. An optimal education includes not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical knowledge. At HTL Ferlach, students are prepared for their education in the best possible way. Copyright: HTL Ferlach What kind of response do you get to the new offer, both from the trainees and from the participating companies? Bergmoser: The response is very positive and promising. We receive feedback from all over Austria, and even from Germany we have already been offered cooperation by renowned companies and experts. The important thing now is to convince our future students that with this training they not only have a fixed and secure job in prospect, but that they are also making their personal contribution to climate change in this way. With this new training in the field of circular economy, we are definitely talking about an important "climate profession of the future"! To what extent does your concept strengthen the future of the plastics industry? Bergmoser: The plastics industry needs qualified employees. We train them. If the industry and we as HTL Ferlach work well and closely together here, then this is an important and valuable contribution for the future, in order to push and strengthen the topic of recycling, climate protection and sustainability here. We cordially invite all interested parties and parents to come and see our training concept for themselves. Interested parties can find more information on our website . We look forward to being contacted and are always available for further information. Kyra Molinari (Editorial team K-MAG) More Young Talents

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  • Plastics Engineering Studies at JKU Linz

    Training the young talents of tomorrow at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz Exclusively for K-Mag The new study program at the JKU Linz prepares future plastics engineers for the challenges of the circular economy and plastics recycling – with a focus on practical training and sustainable technologies. Copyright: JKU 01.03.2023 Updated on 18/10/2024: We have revised this article to include the latest developments and provide the most up-to-date information. Plastics must be newly thought and designed - that is the credo at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz. From autumn 2023, courses on plastics technology will be offered here. Plastics don't just play a supporting role there, they are the star of the show. Because they are a key factor for both the present and the future. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Steinbichler, Director of the Institute for Polymer Injection Molding Technology and Process Automation (IPIM), Johannes Kepler University Linz. Copyright: JKU Professor Georg Steinbichler explains in an interview why there is a need for degrees specifically in plastics engineering, what distinguishes them and how industry is already involved in the training of young plastics engineers. Prof. Steinbichler, what are the current challenges your new degree programs aim to address? Prof. Georg Steinbichler: The world is changing, prompting a mindset shift. Climate activists are no longer the only ones who are deeply concerned about the impacts of unrestrained energy and resource consumption. To address the challenges of using fewer resources and encouraging sustainable practices and strategies, we must apply our existing and future knowledge intelligently. This also applies to polymer technologies . Used correctly, plastics already make a significant contribution to today's ecological and economic solutions. Plastics are also a key material for future technologies such as electric mobility and renewable energy technologies. However, it is troubling that aspects of sustainability and carbon footprints usually only play a secondary role when it comes to new product and technology evaluations and designs. We need transparent reusable systems and production and recovery chains that are optimized for recycling . The Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz has completely revised and revamped its current plastics technology degree programs to overcome these multifaceted challenges. Training as a plastics engineer: practical and future-oriented Production of recyclable lightweight components from UD tapes and organic sheets with injection moulding technologies. Copyright: JKU What is the content of the three new courses? How are they structured? Steinbichler: A new bachelor’s degree program and two master's degree programs are waiting in the wings and will teach prospective engineers to critically evaluate and develop future-oriented solutions for the sustainable and environmentally friendly use of plastics and respond to the energy and climate crises. Unlike other university study programs that offer optional specializations in plastics technology as part of a mechanical engineering degree, for example, the JKU program is a continuous degree in plastics technology starting with the first semester. The Bachelor's degree program in "Sustainable Plastics Technology & a Circular Economy" starts in the fall of 2023 and highlights the entire value chain of plastics ranging from their foundations in science, design and processing to recycling and a circular economy. The program also focuses on new scientific approaches (such as polymers to support medicine, nutrition, water, energy, and the climate) as well as life-cycle impact assessments and digitalization with modeling and machine learning as a superordinate concept for "artificial" intelligence generation. Topics include: Materials and Process Technology: (Hands-on lab tasks focusing on injection molding and extrusion) Design: Design and simulate plastic components Testing Materials: Learn how to characterize materials in terms of mechanical, thermal, and optical features. Plastics Recycling and Material Cycles: sustainable utilization of plastic waste Natural Sciences: Advanced mathematics and programming as well as a focus on the chemical-molecular structure of plastics and synthesis Mechanical Engineering & Mechatronics: Fundamentals in lightweight construction, electrical engineering, and mechanics Life-cycle impact analyses and social relations Bachelor's Thesis: Specialize in an area you are most interested in, also in collaboration with leading partners in industry and business. What is the difference between the two master's programs? Steinbichler: The two English-taught master's degree programs will start in the fall of 2024. While the students in the Plastics Management & Sustainability master's degree program learn to address social challenges using (plastics) engineering approaches, the focus of the Polymer Engineering & Science master's degree program is on deepening technical and scientific aspects for industry and science. Find out more about degree courses and training opportunities in the plastics industry in our article! Circular economy and plastics recycling anchored in degree program Plastic Challenge: new learning methods for independent acquisition and consolidation of knowledge with professors and other students. Copyright: JKU What skills do the students develop and why are they important in the future? Steinbichler: The new degree programs feature the latest didactic and educational methods. Students learn problem-solving skills combined with a high degree of independence to address concrete content. In addition to specialist knowledge in the field of plastics technology , the plastics engineering course also prepares students for 'future skills'. Students will develop the expertise necessary to successfully act and interact for the good of the environment, humanity, society, business, and technology. What industry feedback are you getting? Steinbichler: The aforementioned academic degree programs and a doctorate degree in plastics technology are primarily supported by the four Plastics Engineering Institutes. The generous support and collaboration of 25 companies, mainly from Austria and Germany, made it possible to create a networked factory for education, training, and research (LIT Factory at the Linz Institute of Technology) in plastics technology in 2021. Research focuses on the development of new process technologies and advanced solutions for plastics recycling and the production of recyclable lightweight components based on models found in nature, the re- and up-cycling of plastics and the creation of benefits through digital transformation along the value chain for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy. The idea is to pursue a visionary and holistic technology approach with a focus on responsible technology. Several corporate partners are also actively supporting the transformation of the plastics technology degree programs. Young talents for the future of the plastics industry How will the academic degree programs affect the future of the plastics industry? Steinbichler: The introduction of the new degree courses is designed to get young people excited and motivate them to develop sustainable solutions for society. It's about defending the technology leadership position of Europe and our national economies, also as it pertains to the development and implementation of sustainable solutions to support a circular plastics economy . The new courses cover the educational requirements and job profiles of future professional fields in the 21st century. The acquired skills are relevant in a broad array of applications and are already in high demand by many of today's employers. For more information on the newly reconceptualized academic degree programs in plastics technology, click here: Johannes Kepler Universität - Re-Thinking Plastic! Kyra Molinari (Editorial team K-Mag) More Young Talents

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  • Educate, empower, inspire: Zukunftsmobil imparts plastics knowledge to young people

    Interview with Nick Link, Trainee Business Administrator for Digitalisation Management & Head of the Zukunftsmobil, Pöppelmann GmbH & Co. KG Kunststoffwerk-Werkzeugbau Exclusively for K-Mag The Zukunftsmobil makes a stop at the Lohne Industrial Museum: Here, the trainees explain how a mould works, which can be used directly with the hand-operated injection moulding machine. Copyright: Pöppelmann 29.11.2023 Plastics are a valuable resource that can contribute to climate protection. Pöppelmann's Zukunftsmobil ("Future Mobile") educates schools, for example, about precisely this. With interactive workshops, it combines knowledge transfer about plastics with practical learning and shows children and young people the diverse possibilities and potential of plastics recycling and the Circular Economy. Nick Link. Copyright: Pöppelmann In an interview with K-Mag, Nick Link talks about what set the ball rolling for the development of the Zukunftsmobil, how it has developed into a mobile educational project and why it is so important to get young people interested in the sustainable use of plastics. Mr Link, with the Zukunftsmobil (formerly the Kunststoffmobil), you want to bring young people closer to the topic of plastics. How did the idea come about? Nick Link: One of our managing directors came up with the idea of using this plastic recycling project for public relations work with the support of our trainees via the "Precious Plastic" approach by industrial designer Dave Hakkens. Together with members of our company's youth and apprentice representatives, the technical training management then developed a concept for the Kunststoffmobil initiative, which has since been renamed "Zukunftsmobil". Two aspects took centre stage: firstly, the trainees were to act as ambassadors for their industry and disseminate information about plastics, recycling and the Circular Economy to the public. Secondly, in connection with their special commitment, they were to be given the opportunity to expand their expertise beyond their actual field of work. This is because the initiative brings them into contact with business processes and project management working methods. The concept convinced the Pöppelmann advisory board and management and so the Kunststoffmobil initiative was launched in spring 2018. Implementation began with the construction of a hand-operated shredder by an interdisciplinary team of trainees. It became a visitor magnet during its first public "appearance" at the 2018 Researchers' Day at the local industrial museum. The children and their families were able to make their own regrind from used plastic cups. The construction of an extruder followed. Since 2021, the initiative has also been able to use a suitable company vehicle to transport the recycling machines. Since then, the Zukunftsmobil has actually been "mobile", travelling to schools, trade fairs and events. Of course, the young plastics researchers are allowed to take their self-made product – for example a small spinning top – home with them. Copyright: Pöppelmann Who is the offer aimed at? Link: Our workshop is suitable for all ages. The content is then adapted to the respective age. Above all, we want to support teachers at schools in Lohne and the surrounding area in providing their pupils with professional information on the topic of sustainability and teaching them how to dispose of plastic products correctly. We want to show how this recyclable material can be preserved for further product lives in the interests of the Circular Economy and resource conservation. The self-designed shredder in use. Copyright: Pöppelmann What can schoolchildren expect from a visit to the Zukunftsmobil? Link: We offer an interactive workshop with self-built exhibits on the topic of plastic and how to recycle it - the keyword here is "Circular Economy". We will start by explaining the correct way to separate waste into the usual blue bin, yellow bin and black bin. In the next step, we demonstrate mechanical shredding in our shredder before moving on to the production of ready-to-use PCR granulate in the extruder. In the final section of our workshop, we then use the granulate to produce small items for the pupils. This always goes down particularly well with the younger ones. You say that plastic is not the cause of the problem, but part of the solution. How do you communicate this to the pupils? Link: In many cases, plastic is the best and often the only way to develop sustainable product solutions. We explain that plastic products contribute to climate protection. The rotor blades of wind turbines are made of plastic, as are parts of solar cells and systems. Cars save a lot of weight thanks to lightweight plastic components. This in turn reduces paraffin and petrol consumption. Packaging extends the shelf life of fresh food. This is important because a lot of greenhouse gas emissions are generated during the production of food - much more than during the production of the packaging. At one station, we use examples to show how harmful it is to use composite packaging to suggest on the outside that it is supposedly environmentally friendly paper packaging, but which is coated with plastic on the inside - because of the requirements for shelf life and hygiene. Such packaging is no longer recyclable, in contrast to pure plastic packaging made from mono-materials. Practical teaching material: With the self-built extruder, the trainees provide a clear insight into the production of granulate. Copyright: Pöppelmann What feedback have you received from the participants so far? Link: So far, we have received consistently positive feedback on our initiative, with some exciting suggestions on how we can improve our workshop. Keyword "improve": What are your future plans for the Zukunftsmobil? Link: In future, we would like to visit schools even more regularly or enrich campaign days in order to educate as many people as possible about the correct use of plastic and also to raise awareness of the benefits of this material. We are also planning downloadable teaching units in preparation for our visit to the classroom, so that the pupils can be informed by the teacher alone, even without our presence. Why do you think it is important to teach children about plastics at an early age? Link: As children are also exposed to an enormous flood of information from a very early age, we want to create a well-founded basis for them to form their own opinions at an early stage. This is also important in the long term in order to arouse interest in starting a career in our industry. We want to create a knowledge base and use our expertise to engage in critical dialogue on the topic of plastics. After all, we can only achieve our goal of promoting sustainable plastics processing for the Circular Economy if everyone involved, from consumers to manufacturers, joins in. Elena Blume (Editorial team K-Mag) More Young Talents

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  • Working in the plastics industry

    Formative, fascinating, sustainable Exclusively for K-Mag There is a wide range of apprenticeship and study opportunities in the plastics industry. 19.12.2023 This article was revised for you on 01.08.2024 to make it easier to read! Plastic is considered the material of the 21st century. New fields of application are emerging almost daily, ranging from medicine, the automotive industry and aerospace to agriculture. However, the shortage of skilled workers is also becoming noticeable here. Companies are searching for qualified employees and trainees. The plastics industry offers a wide range of career opportunities in various disciplines. Each has its own focus and offers many possibilities for working in this exciting field. Career opportunities in the world of plastics The plastics industry covers many different areas of application. Due to its great importance, the plastics industry remains a growth sector. A job in the raw materials sector can range from colour chemistry to the hands-on production of raw polymers, helping to provide downstream users with the ingredients and tools for innovation in everyday life. The mechanical engineering sector moulds and shapes raw materials into useful products, for example for packaging products . It also provides key equipment for the raw materials sector and for recycling, helping to close the loop and promote sustainability by reducing plastic waste . A career in this sector can range from the manufacture of machinery to the sale and supply of essential ancillary equipment to support the forming and testing of products. Looking to the future, 3D printing is also likely to play an increasingly important role in this sector. The real "centerpiece" of the plastics industry is the processing sector. This is where raw materials are transformed into the end products we know. Whether it is the case of a computer screen, a steering wheel or specialized aerospace parts, a career in this sector can have a tangible and visible impact on everyday life. The recycling sector is the newest sector of the industry and has made great strides over the years in identifying, separating and increasing volumes. In an effort to close the cycle and increase the overall sustainability of the plastics industry, this sector includes the collection, mechanical recycling / chemical recycling and reuse of plastics that have reached their end of life. This can range from short-life plastics (e.g. food packaging or bottles) to longer-life plastics (e.g. window frames or cars). Studying: From university to the world of plastics You can learn all about the production, processing and application of plastics in the various study programs. Furthermore, there are many different degree programs that provide the necessary knowledge and skills for this field. Graduates of engineering or STEM subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology) are particularly in demand in the plastics industry. Entry is also possible via the following degree courses: Plastics technology courses deal with how plastics are processed, how products are developed and manufactured from them and how machines that manufacture plastic products are built. They are usually a combination of engineering and science. The mechanical engineering course with a specialization in plastics technology complements typical mechanical engineering content such as design, mechanics or materials science with plastics-specific fundamentals such as chemistry and plastics science. Chemical engineering provides basic scientific and practical knowledge in chemistry, mathematics, physics, process technology, process engineering and materials engineering. Future- and practice-oriented: Apprenticeships and further education in the plastics industry An apprenticeship in the plastics industry is a great way to enter the world of work directly and gain valuable experience. Training in the plastics industry can be just as exciting. In addition to forklift drivers, tool mechanics or production employees, who are essential for production, there are numerous training occupations specifically for the plastics industry. Packaging technologists work on innovative packaging: After three years of training, they design and produce packaging that optimally protects the contents and offers space for consumer information alongside an aesthetic design. This knowledge is used in the food industry , for example. Materials testers for plastics technology examine plastics and intermediate plastic products for their structure and material defects and monitor their consistent quality. Process mechanics plan the production of the respective plastic parts based on order data, special customer requirements and technical drawings. They select suitable materials, monitor and optimize production and package, transport and store finished products. Machine and system operators specializing in metal and plastics technology work on machines and systems for the production of components, assemblies and products made of plastic and metal. They prepare the necessary materials for production, maintain the machines and pack the finished products. They also monitor the production processes. Graduates of recognized training occupations can continue their education by acquiring an advanced training. In addition to practical expertise, industrial foreman training focuses increasingly on human resources responsibility, managing and training employees as well as working methods and cost development in the area of responsibility. Industrial foremen can set up or take over a company. State-certified technicians are experts in their field and have an excellent theoretical command of processes and technologies. They are in demand in development, design, research and consulting. Plastics: A workplace of the future In the plastics industry, more and more emphasis is being placed on sustainability and future-oriented work. Working in the plastics industry requires technical understanding, creativity and a spirit of innovation. There are many ways to develop in this field and take advantage of career opportunities. Both nationally and internationally, graduates with a training or a degree in plastics have excellent career prospects. As the plastics industry is seen as the source of many ecological problems, young people tend to be less interested in it. Yet there are many exciting opportunities to contribute to sustainability in the plastics industry. Everyone working in this industry can make an important contribution to the environment and work towards a better future. More articles on this topic in K-Mag! Despite the best conditions, there is also a shortage of skilled labour in the plastics industry. Read here what is being done about it! Getting schoolchildren interested in the plastics industry? Of course! Find out how here. Sarah Dietsche (Editorial team K-Mag) More Young Talents

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  • Training in the Plastics Industry: TikTok is Indispensable Today

    Thomas Deser from KraussMaffei on the skills shortage, the new generation of trainees and the role of social media Copyright: leszekglasner – stock.adobe.com 16.06.2023 Updated on 31/10/2024: We have revised this article to include the latest developments and provide the most up-to-date information. Boundaries are only in your head - with this motto, Thomas Deser took over as Teamlead Apprenticeship at KraussMaffei at the beginning of March. In this interview, the 51-year-old talks about his first successes in his new job, his goals and why TikTok and Instagram have become indispensable in the department of apprenticeships. Responsibility for the future of the plastics industry Thomas Deser, Training manager at KraussMaffei; Copyright: KraussMaffei Before you joined KraussMaffei, you spent 12 years in the German Bundeswehr and 15 years at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Why now the change of profession to Teamlead Apprenticeship? Thomas Deser: The goal of taking up this profession was always in the back of my mind. Even when I was in the Bundeswehr, I was very interested in the field of training . I then graduated from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce as a technical business manager and was subsequently responsible for the exams in the electrotechnical area of the apprentices. In this way, there was a constant connection to companies, apprentices, trainers - and KraussMaffei. When the position of Teamlead Apprenticeship was advertised, my wife convinced me to apply. And now I'm here. What do you like about this job? Deser: The interaction with the young people. It is very exciting to lead almost 200 completely different individuals into a professional life . They're all different, so you have to deal with each of them differently. The experience I've gained from 12 years in the Bundeswehr and 15 years at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce helps me a lot. "By 2025, we want to be the first choice in eastern Munich when it comes to apprenticeships." Promoting young talents: how KraussMaffei supports the next generation What are your goals? Deser: I have a lot of goals! I've known KraussMaffei for a long time. The company offers excellent apprenticeships and a great environment. But with the move, now is the right time to say: We're starting something new. Since we moved to the new location in Parsdorf with the apprentices in January, we have introduced some innovations. For example, I have specifically promoted social media : We've been on TikTok since the beginning of April, and we're also planning a channel on Instagram . This is quite crucial for us to reach our target groups. We can only address potential apprentices via these channels. Thanks to my two sons, I am somewhat in the loop here. That's how I know: If we're not represented on the relevant social media platforms, no one knows us. To the KraussMaffei TikTok channel Those are ambitious goals. Are there any others? Deser: I also want to give the apprentices not only technical but also general knowledge. We have introduced a "News of the World" discussion: Once a week, apprentices in small groups present current events, which we then discuss. We want the young people to open their blinders and find out about things outside of their training . This has been very well received. When a apprentice reaches the end of his or her training - what should he or she have achieved? Deser: I would like to see young people change and grow during this time. The years when apprentices are with us - the age between 15 and 19 - are so crucial. During this time, the personality develops tremendously. We take the young people by the hand and accompany them on this path - into professional life, but also into a new phase of life. One principle that I learned in the Bundeswehr is important to me: Leading by example . Young people must be able to develop freely, but in certain areas they need someone to set an example for them, to show them a direction. When a apprentice says at the end of his or her training: "I've learned a lot" - then I'm proud. That's actually the most important thing to me. Find out more about degree courses and training opportunities in the plastics industry in our article! Skills shortage in the plastics industry: challenges and solutions In mid-April, Thomas Deser congratulated 38 apprentices on successfully completing their apprenticeship. It is particularly important to him that the young people have learned a lot by then and have grown with their tasks. Copyright: KraussMaffei You've already mentioned social media - how do you intend to ensure that in times of a shortage of skilled workers, young people will still decide to start an apprenticeship at KraussMaffei? Deser: We need to be more convincing, for example at the secondary schools. Many graduates want to go to a specialized secondary school like a FOS after graduation without knowing the alternatives. For example, they can also complete a specialized high school diploma after or even during their apprenticeship. We have to do a better job of showing young people these paths. Cooperation with schools is very important here. In Poing and Vaterstetten, for example, we accompany students from the sixth grade onward. We go to the secondary schools and carry out different projects with each year's class. For example, a trainer comes to the school and gives an introduction to metalworking and electrical engineering. In the seventh, eighth and ninth grades, the students then visit us in the apprenticeship workshop and complete internships . We also want to involve the teachers in this. We bring the students from the school desk directly to us in the apprenticeship. "With the site in Parsdorf, we have arrived in the Champions League of apprenticeship." Does the concept of training have to change? Deser: We have to ask ourselves: Do our apprenticeships fit the jobs we need in our company - and do they fit the jobs that apprentices do after they graduate? I've gained a lot of experience in this thanks to my time at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The goal must be that they enjoy their jobs and are neither over- nor under-challenged with their tasks. Only then will they stay with the company. What are you most looking forward to? Deser: I look forward to going to work every day. With the site in Parsdorf, we have arrived in the Champions League of apprenticeship . Now we have to show that, too. By 2025, we want to be the first choice in eastern Munich when it comes to apprenticeship. That is my goal. And we're all working together to achieve it. Source This interview was first published on KraussMaffei's AHEAD blog. More Young Talents

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  • Skills shortage in the plastics industry

    A focus on challenges and solutions Exclusively for K-Mag Copyright: Uuganbayar – stock.adobe.com 24.07.2024 The shortage of skilled labour poses considerable challenges for the plastics industry. In an interview with K-Mag, Sven Weihe, member of the management board of the German Plastics Processing Industry Association (in German: Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie e.V. - GKV) specialising in ‘education policy, vocational training and business administration’, explains the main causes of the shortage of qualified specialists and what measures the association is taking to counteract this. Weihe emphasises the importance of training, further education, and diversity. He makes it clear that creative approaches and increased advertising for technical professions are necessary to secure the future of the plastics industry in the long term. Causes of the skills shortage in the plastics industry Sven Weihe. Copyright: pro-K Mr Weihe, many sectors of industry are complaining about the current shortage of skilled workers. In your opinion, what factors contribute most to the shortage of skilled labour in the plastics industry? Sven Weihe: One of the main causes of the skills shortage is demographic change. The baby boomers of the post-war era are gradually retiring, while significantly fewer young people are joining them. Enthusiasm for scientific and technical professions is also waning in society in general - yet it is precisely on so-called STEM graduates that our industry depends. At the same time, many young people believe that they absolutely have to go to university. But this is not the case. Our dual education system, for which we [in Germany] are admired all over the world, offers many exciting training opportunities for young people. As an industry, we need to promote this even more so that young people want to join us. What measures are you initiating as an association to counteract the shortage of skilled labour? Weihe: The GKV, i.e. the German Plastics Processing Industry Association, and its four supporting associations, including pro-K, are making a major contribution to counteracting the shortage of skilled labour in the industry: Not least by renaming the vocational training for plastics technologists, we have strengthened the job profile and upgraded and modernised it with new content on digitalisation and sustainability aspects. The GKV aims to draw attention to the professional fields in our industry through a wide range of activities. We also do this with activities at the K tradefair or by awarding the Günter Schwank Prize to the ten best trainees in the plastics sector in Germany. Importance of further training and retraining programmes What role do further training and retraining programmes play in combating the shortage of skilled workers? Weihe: The importance of further training, qualification and retraining programmes should not be underestimated in the search for young talent. This can be another important step in attracting people from other professions to the plastics processing industry . They can acquire the necessary qualifications for a career in the plastics industry through targeted retraining programmes. Unfortunately, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find it difficult to access further vocational training. Although the state provides a wide range of subsidies for further training, SMEs that want to provide further training still face a variety of legal, infrastructural and organisational challenges. However, there is often a lack of the necessary resources in the company to fulfil these. This text summarises more about career opportunities in the plastics industry! Diversity in the plastics industry: Different perspectives and backgrounds promote innovation and economic success! Copyright: eakgrungenerd - stock.adobe.com Diversity and inclusion as success factors How important is the topic of diversity and inclusion in the context of the shortage of skilled labour in the plastics industry? Weihe: Diversity is often understood and approached too one-sidedly in companies. It's not just about equal rights for women, but also about differences in culture, origin, age, socio-economic background, professional experience, education, sexual orientation, mental and physical abilities. People with disabilities are often neglected. However, diversity and inclusion can be economic success factors for companies. Companies with a diverse workforce benefit from the varied perspectives, life experiences, knowledge and mindsets of their employees. What long-term strategies do you see as necessary to sustainably combat the shortage of skilled labour in the plastics industry? Weihe: It is not only the plastics processing industry that is affected by the shortage of skilled labour and trainees and competition for trainees is intensifying within the industry. Today, companies must be much more active in recruiting young people so that they can secure the next generation of skilled workers and labour. For many companies, there is no way around training marketing in order to present themselves as an attractive employer. Unusual activities such as applicant casting, speed dating or promotional days in the company attract attention and arouse curiosity. In this way, motivated young people who might not have received an invitation based on their certificates may also make it to the interview. As with product marketing, creativity wins. How important is the K trade fair for dialogue and networking within the plastics industry and what role does it play in finding solutions to the shortage of skilled workers? Weihe: K is the ideal place for direct encounters and personal dialogue between companies and young professionals. As the meeting place for the global plastics and rubber industry, it is THE industry showcase for sophisticated technical solutions and innovations. This is where corporate groups meet medium-sized companies and start-ups as well as trade visitors meet the specialists of tomorrow. That is why the tradefair is an absolute ‘place to be’ for our industry . With the ‘Club of the Best’, to which all winners of the Günter Schwank Prize are admitted, we offer the top young professionals in our industry exclusive insights into premium K-stands as well as a great platform for dialogue and exchange. All articles in K-Mag on the subject of ‘Education & Studies’ can be found here. Simone Ernst (Editorial team K-Mag) More Young Talents

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  • A true all-rounder: with two apprenticeships to become a turnkey expert

    Interview with Oliver Fuss, mechatronics technician and process mechanic at Arburg GmbH + Co KG. Exclusively for K-MAG Copyright: ijeab 27.09.2022 Oliver Fuss has completed not one, but two apprenticeships at Arburg : first an apprenticeship as a mechatronics technician and then as a process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology. Now he works in the turnkey division, where fully automated manufacturing cells are designed and built. In an interview with K-MAG, Oliver Fuss talks about how exciting, future-proof and diverse the plastics industry is, as well as what a stroke of luck the wide range of training offered by Arburg was for him. Mr. Fuss, why did you decide on a technical profession and specifically training as a mechatronics engineer? Oliver Fuss: I generally have a great interest in technology - especially when it comes to electrical things. But mechanical skills are just as important. In this profession, both can be combined: electrical and mechanical skills. Why did you do a second apprenticeship, as a process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology? Fuss: Thanks to the additional training, I can also draw on knowledge of the injection molding process - that benefits me myself, but of course it benefits Arburg just as much. You only have one employee who brings electrical, mechanical and process engineering skills. For me, the turnkey business is an exciting area with future potential, as the topic of automation is becoming increasingly important in general and also at Arburg. Turnkey plants in particular require broad knowledge in both mechatronics and process engineering. Thanks to my background, it is easier for me to understand complex plants and to address any problems that may arise – whether during acceptance in Lossburg or during commissioning at the customer's site. The big plus of my "dual training": I can and am allowed to make changes to the electrical wiring, process special signals on the customer's side, and also optimize processes, since I am trained in all of these areas. As a mechatronics engineer, it is quite easy for me to program a signal exchange, for example between an injection molding machine and a robotic system. Since such complex systems are being ordered more and more frequently by customers and the turnkey business is growing dynamically, training must also be tailored to these increased requirements. Oliver Fuss. Copyright: ARBURG What was your training like at Arburg? What did you like best about it? Fuss: In the total of seven years, I have built up a good network in the company, I am a member of project groups and active in the youth and trainee representation. What I really liked about my apprenticeship was that I was able to take on my own projects, from the initial idea to implementation. And that I was able to work out solutions independently. The fact that our training center is almost better equipped than some companies was very beneficial to my training. We were allowed to work on milling machines, lathes and CNC systems at an early stage. The PLC lab in electrical training with various models for practicing programming procedures or electrical walls for gaining electrical or pneumatic knowledge was also an advantage. Due to the large variety of Allrounder injection molding machines that we have in our customer center, for example, I was able to get to know and operate the most diverse variants and combinations of machines, robotic systems and peripherals - from fully electric machines with all functions and special codes to hydraulic vertical machines. This broad technical spectrum prepared me very well for the turnkey business, as there are no off-the-shelf systems here, but rather something new is always developed and implemented on a customer-specific basis. In this context, it was particularly important that I was able to gain experience on robotic systems during my training. I was allowed to operate the entire range of robots, from the integral picker to the linear Multilift Robot System to the six-axis robot. Today, this knowledge is very important for my work in the turnkey sector in order to grasp the overall context. You work in a company that manufactures injection molding machines for plastics processing - what do you get out of the plastics industry? Fuss: Plastics are used in all important areas of life, which of course brings advantages for us as a machine manufacturer, but also responsibility. Especially in the turnkey sector, we have customers with a wide variety of requirements, which we can address in detail with our technology and our knowledge. More and more is being demanded of machines, programs and programmers in terms of cycle times, quantities or availability of the systems. But sustainability considerations are also coming more and more into play: Where can energy be saved? How can plastic parts be designed more efficiently? Where and how can recycled material be used? Can sprues be fed directly back into the production process via a mill? These are questions that are increasingly coming to the attention of our customers and thus also of us. Developments in the field of biobased plastics are also very interesting – there is a lot of potential here. Your training took quite a long time overall. What is your conclusion now? In your opinion, was the journey worthwhile? Fuss: Thanks to my training path and the correspondingly broad spectrum of training content, there are very many areas of application for me in the company. This confirms that I made the right decision, even though the training itself was demanding and took a long time. Plastics are increasingly in demand and being used. And as a "generalist," you can play a very good role when it comes to saving resources and finding alternative materials and using bio-based plastics, for example. Elena Blume (Editorial team K-MAG) More Young Talents

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  • Digitization, automation, networking: "We have the whole wide bandwidth!"

    Interview with Yannick Herzog, electronics technician for automation technology at Arburg GmbH + Co KG. Exclusively for K-MAG Copyright: nd3000 09.08.2022 Twenty-year-old Yannick Herzog trained as an electronics technician for automation technology at Arburg and now works in the company's printed circuit board production. Since August 2021, he has been responsible for SPI (Solder Paste Inspection) and AOI (Automatic Optical Inspection) for quality control of printed and assembled PCBs, respectively, in a production line. These are used in the control systems of the Arburg machines. In an interview with K-MAG, he explains what an electronics technician for automation technology actually does, what particularly excites him about the job and to what extent it contributes to a sustainable plastics industry. Mr. Herzog, why did you decide on a technical profession and specifically training as an electronics technician? Yannick Herzog: Various projects during my school years awakened my enthusiasm for technology. For example, a project was worked out in technology class in which an LCD display was to be controlled via a controller and a ticker was to be programmed. First, a circuit had to be built to connect the outputs of the controller with the inputs of the LCD display. Then the ticker was programmed using software. The interaction of hardware and software always inspires me. From simple circuits to highly complex interconnected production lines. Through various internships, I was able to get a taste of the apprenticeship as an electronics technician for automation technology. My job is concerned precisely with these components, hardware and software, setting up the circuits/systems and then programming and parameterizing them. Yannik Herzog. Copyright: ARBURG What did your training at Arburg look like? Herzog: My training at Arburg lasted a total of three and a half years. During this time, I was taught important content that prepared me for the intermediate and final exams and my upcoming professional life. The first year of the apprenticeship covered the basics of electrical engineering. From installing simple circuits to the functioning of electrical components (resistors, capacitors, coils) to programming controls. From the second year of my apprenticeship, I moved on to the specialist departments of our company. Here I was assigned to different departments for a certain period of time. This gave me the opportunity to get to know the profession better and to acquire specialist knowledge. In addition to the time spent in the company, the knowledge gained in practice was combined with theory in block instruction at the vocational school. From January 2019, I was then able to prepare for the upcoming intermediate exam. In addition, in-house training courses imparted and deepened additional knowledge. For example, I received further training in pneumatics, E-Plan, PLC (programmable logic controller), sensor technology and the application of standards. In December 2020, it was time for the final spurt. Here, too, I was intensively prepared for the final exam. What did you like best about it? Herzog: The varied activities during the training. Going through the individual departments and the training courses made the training varied and exciting. I also liked the friendly atmosphere among colleagues and the helpfulness of the trainers. No matter what topic was open, you always had a competent contact person who could explain the topics in a way that was easy to understand. What is the importance for you of working towards a sustainable plastics industry? Herzog: Sustainability has always been a major issue for us in the company. Right now, this point is once again very much in the foreground. It is very important to me that Arburg attaches so much importance to this topic and that I can do my part. Our "arburgGREENworld" program is a good example of this. It covers the topics of resource conservation, Circular Economy and other points such as the processing of recyclates and bioplastics that contribute to sustainability. In my department, too, great importance is attached to the conservation of resources. For example, it is part of my job to produce our products, i.e. printed circuit boards, in the best possible quality in order to be able to guarantee a long service life. Controlling and optimizing individual processes is also part of the job. A student is thinking about what kind of training he should do. What would you use to convince him of your apprenticeship? Herzog: I have a very wide range here: digitalization, automation, networking, robotics, programming and much more. These are topics that are already occupying us electronics technicians for automation technology, but will also increasingly do so in the future. Anyone who is enthusiastic about technology and would like to plan, wire, program and commission systems themselves should definitely take a closer look at this training occupation. The trend is moving more and more in the direction of automation. With this apprenticeship, you'll always have your finger on the pulse of the times and deal with exciting and tricky tasks on a daily basis. Elena Blume (Editorial team K-MAG) More Young Talents

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  • Academic training and further education in Mexico

    Copyright: kitzstocker 05.09.2023 It took a fair bit of joint planning and preparation of existing training materials, but now ARBURG and the prestigious Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey) can offer academic training and further education in Mexico, providing those interested in the local plastics industry with sound knowledge in a practice-oriented and concise manner. The four-month course ends with a final project and the presentation of a diploma to the graduates. The first course had 16 participants and started with an opening ceremony on 7 July 2023. Edgar Calderón welcomes students on behalf of ARBURG Graduate designers for the future of the Mexican plastics industry are now being trained at the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores Monterrey. Source: ARBURG GmbH + Co KG During the official opening ceremony, Edgar Calderón, ARBURGs Commercial Manager, emphasised in his speech: "As one of the leading manufacturers of plastic injection moulding machines, we know how important it is to have highly qualified personnel in our companies. This diploma course represents our commitment to contribute to the growth and development of this industry in our country and to always remain at the forefront." Calderón went on to say that technological development always had to keep pace with the constant growth and development of the most important resource of companies: their employees. He thanked this first cohort of students for their trust and congratulated them on this important step in their professional training. The event was also attended by officials from Tec de Monterrey. Javier Carreño, who represented the institution as Academic Coordinator, gave an overview of the scope and content of the course. Juan Ossio, Experience and Operations Coordinator at Tec de Monterrey, then gave the official starting signal for the course to begin. The group started the first module of the comprehensive course programme immediately afterwards. 'Diplomado': For everyone in the plastics industry Whether you are an ARBURG customer or not, if you are an engineer or manager and want to gain a sound overview of plastics and their processing, the 'diplomado' is the perfect choice. Planning, technology and project implementation can be viewed from new, exciting angles, and opportunities and ideas for the future can be developed. The goal is to produce graduates who will shape the future of the Mexican plastics industry. This is why ARBURGs course is also aimed without restriction at anyone involved in plastics. The first students include employees from companies in different parts of the country: Querétaro, Guanajuato, Mexico City and the State of Mexico. Source ARBURG GmbH + Co KG More Young Talents

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  • Foxbase: Start-up with a vision

    Optimization of B2B sales processes 22.05.2024 Foxbase's innovative platform makes B2B sales processes more efficient. CTO Carsten Dolch and CEO Benjamin Dammertz explain how the software's quick setup and AI integration help improve customer interactions. Various industries, including the plastics industry, benefit from the flexibility and efficiency of this solution. Carsten Dolch explains how the innovative platform makes it possible to design the individual sales process quickly and easily. Upload products, design the desired customer journey and observe how customers interact and which products really interest them. Benjamin Dammertz emphasizes the outstanding speed and flexibility with which customers can digitize their B2B sales processes - without any programming knowledge. The software integrates seamlessly into existing IT landscapes and is ready for use in just a few weeks. More Young Talents

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Topics covered in K-Mag

Sustainability

Sustainability

Digitalisation

Digitalisation

Machinery & Production

Machinery & Production

Raw materials

Raw materials

Science

Science

People

People

Plastics in Practice

Plastics in Practice

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