PTS Coating Symposium 2023: System innovation through investment

The Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS, Paper Technology Foundation) invited numerous experts from industry, research and development to Bamberg on September 13 and 14 for this year's PTS Coating Symposium. The event offered the opportunity to learn about and discuss the latest innovations in coating and surface upgrading of paper and board materials. The main topics were new coating materials, applications - such as packaging, smart and functional surfaces - as well as coating equipment, methods and processes, market trends and characterization of surfaces. The defining theme at the symposium this year was barrier formulations.

Dr. Christian Kind, Head of Functional Surfaces and Microencapsulation at Koehler Innovation & Technology, was not only present as a participant and used the event for professional exchange, but also spoke in his keynote about "System innovation through investment". In it, he showed that the need for sustainable, resource-conscious solutions for our daily lives requires a holistic view. True system innovation requires investments in several areas: Know-how, infrastructure, organization and think diversity, as well as cooperation. Investments in new production processes are essential for the successful implementation of novel concepts. And building a solid network ensures that system innovations can be successfully implemented on the market and meet all the requirements of the circular economy.

"Institutes and universities, material suppliers as well as machine builders presented their studies, latest developments or shared insights on sustainable barrier raw materials - all with a clear focus on circular economy. For us, the event offered new starting points and impulses, and we were able to strengthen existing partnerships for product development and make new contacts," says Dr. Christian Kind, summarizing the symposium.