Ahead of the show, 80 journalists from 30 countries are now gathered in the German city for an exclusive preview of some of the innovations the public can expect later in the year.
Reifenhäuser is positioning itself at the epicenter of plastics innovation as it unveils transformative MDO extrusion technologies ahead of K 2025, the world’s foremost trade fair for plastics and rubber. From October 8–15 in Düsseldorf, the extrusion powerhouse will showcase a suite of cutting-edge solutions that promise to redefine the economics of recyclability in flexible packaging—while addressing automation, AI, and performance head-on.
Revolutionizing Sustainable Film Production At a press briefing with 80 journalists from 30 countries, Reifenhäuser spotlighted its flagship EVO Ultra Stretch technology—the world’s first stable 18 µm MDO-PE blown film unit. This breakthrough enables producers to slash material usage and substitute PET in laminates, all while delivering market-grade strength and barrier performance. The secret lies in first-heat film orientation, a patented process that enhances EVOH efficiency and opens the door to ultra-light, recyclable mono-materials.
“The path to fully recyclable mono-material films is clear; now it’s a race to profitability,” said Marcel Perrevort, Chief Sales Officer. “Our EVO Ultra Stretch gives customers the edge—cost-effective, high-quality films that meet today’s regulatory and brand demands.”
Cast MDO: Value-Driven, Retrofit-Ready The Cast Sheet Coating division will debut Cast MDO systems offering barrier mono-material films with Easy Tear functionality and patented edge encapsulation. By eliminating EVOH from trim waste without extra extrusion hardware, manufacturers stand to save up to €150,000 annually. The retrofit-friendly design ensures existing lines can benefit without overhaul.
Reifenhäuser NEXT: Automation with Purpose Addressing the global labor shortage, Reifenhäuser is launching its digital transformation arm, Reifenhäuser NEXT. This platform merges AI, analytics, and e-learning to enable smarter operations. Highlights include second-gen PAM systems for autonomous die adjustments and operator-free format changes, enabling productivity without complexity.
High-Speed Barrier Film with Precision Cooling The group will also present its EVO Aqua Cool system, enabling high-throughput (up to 1,000 kg/h) blown film lines with low-crystallinity, high-clarity outputs—ideal for demanding thermoform and vacuum-pack applications. Kdesign’s CENTRO-Freeze 2 secondary cooling unit adds a 25% throughput boost and 30°C extra cooling—especially valuable in hot-climate production environments.
Circularity Becomes Competitive Whether responding to PPWR legislation or brand-driven ESG targets, Reifenhäuser’s portfolio shows that recyclability no longer requires compromise. Its MDO-led portfolio delivers recyclable pouches and barrier films that meet the cost structures of traditional solutions—a shift from eco-duty to economic advantage.
Dominating the K 2025 Floor Reifenhäuser will anchor Hall 17 (Booth C22) with demos spanning Blown Film, Cast Sheet Coating, Reicofil, Reiloy, and Kdesign. Hall 7’s Start-Up Zone will spotlight R-Cycle, the open traceability standard backed by over 30 companies and co-founded by Reifenhäuser.
“This isn’t incremental innovation—it’s systemic transformation,” said Perrevort. “We’re showing the industry that performance, sustainability, and profitability don’t just coexist—they amplify one another.”