Practical experiments and exciting discussions
Dr. Benedikte Hatz, Head of Innovation and Technology Transfer at the SKZ, warmly welcomed the guests. “It is impressive to see how much interest and enthusiasm the young researchers have for the topic of plastics and how much support they receive from their parents,” said Hatz. After a brief introduction, the visitors not only learned about the different types of plastic, but also found out what is important in a functioning circular economy and which materials are correctly sorted into the yellow bag. This led to lively discussions and a number of aha moments among all those involved. The practical experiments with grinding and producing recyclates from bottle caps and creating their own product using injection molding were particularly exciting for all visitors, young and old alike. The opportunity to get hands-on and make their own product was a particular highlight for everyone.

Visit to the technical facilities at SKZ
After the practical experiments, the group was able to get to know the pilot plants and laboratories of the SKZ model factory with the process areas of injection molding, additive manufacturing and compounding. Here they experienced at first hand how modern plastics processing techniques work and which innovations, especially recycling, are particularly topical in the industry at the moment.

Promoting young talent
The visit was part of the prize awarded by the SKZ to the winners of “Jugend forscht”. “We want to promote young talent and give them the opportunity to develop their enthusiasm for science and technology,” explained Hatz. And Irena Heuzeroth, Senior Trainer at the SKZ, added, "It is a great pleasure to see how concentrated and curious the children and young people are, and how they learn and expand their knowledge naturally in the process.