Polytives develops and produces innovative polymer additives, providing the customer with an easy path to next-generation plastics. Their products solve problems that plastics processing experts face every day. Whether standard product or an individual desired solution: the company supplies polymer additives that improve performance with minimal technical drawbacks. Going new ways – without leaving the tried and tested ones – that’s what Polytives offers with the polymer additives.
Polytives‘s expertise stems from a research project started in 2014. The research findings have been successfully scaled up to industrial scale. The team, which has won several awards in recent years (it ranked among the TOP 50 start-ups in Germany twice, for example), is pursuing the ambitious goal of making the new additives usable in every polymer in the world.
Interview with Oliver Eckardt, CTO of Polytives GmbH.
Easy Engineeeing: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Oliver Eckardt: We mainly development polymer additives that significantly improve the processing properties of plastics such as PMMA. We are currently expanding the range of the available polymers to which our polymer additives can be added in plastics processing. In addition, we produce the additives we develop. Now we are increasing the capacity of our additive production to meet our customers’ demand for materials.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
O.E: We are focused on improving polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). In the near future other interesting polymers like polycarbonate (PC) or styrene-based materials will get more of our attention. Specific development and utilization approaches are already available.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
O.E: Our main product family is the bFI. The acronym indicates a branched flow improver, which consists mainly of an acrylic-based polymer. This polymer additive reduces the melt viscosity and enables filigree geometries. In addition to an increased production output, it also lowers processing temperatures. This energy saving effect could be significant in the following areas: Injection molding, 3D printing, inks, coatings, resins and many other.
Depending on the polymer used by the customer, an improvement in the recyclability of the products can also be achieved. With their expertise, our research team can uncover potential in customized solutions that may still be hidden in the specific case of the material to be improved. Our bFI is available as powder or granules.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
O.E: The general performance improvement of plastics with additives addresses different markets. We see great potential for our products being a gamechanger in packaged-themed problems (food, beauty & care). The growing interest of the industry as well as the society in sustainable resources and solutions for plastics will also determine the demand for innovative products in the market.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
O.E: As mentioned before, recyclability and energy saving processes will dominate the future way of conception, development, production and (re)usage of plastics. With our polymer additives we want to contribute to a world where resources are handled responsible! This also includes material we already have. So, it is the task of our generation to optimize processes, make circular economy real and reduce waste and environmental pollution. Instead of banning plastics, we want to bring them to the next level.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
O.E: I already praised our bFI but the cutting-edge things are our tailor-made solutions. We discuss and organize these together with interested customers and find a sharp and fitting solution for a specific and unique problem.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
O.E: This year, our company will take big steps forward in all areas. We will visit fairs outside of Germany, increase our production capacity, begin to evaluate our CSR, and deepen our R&D know-how. In 2023, we will build on the foundation already laid for our promising and expanding business.
Polytives GmbH
Moritz-von-Rohr-Str. 1a
D-07745 Jena
info@polytives.de
+ 49 3641 519 69 41
https://de.linkedin.com/company/polytives
