The German plastics industry is currently facing major challenges and operating in an environment of constant change. Issues such as transformation, adaptability and new business models are becoming increasingly important. These topics were addressed by the second edition of the live event Hascotalks, held on 7 May 2026 at Lokschuppen Marburg. The central theme of the meeting was the question of how transformation can be implemented in practice. Following last year's premiere, which focused on the challenges facing the industry, this year's edition was devoted to opportunities, success factors and concrete ways of shaping change processes. Representatives of industry and business took part in the event, using the platform for in-depth discussion and the exchange of perspectives. The programme opened with a keynote by Dr Moritz Julian Maier, Senior Researcher at Fraunhofer IAO, who presented the latest research findings and discussed various dimensions of transformation using a practical model. His presentation showed that transformation is particularly important in times of change, as it enables companies to adapt to a changing environment. To be effective, it should be considered at different levels of the organisation.
Discussion on the conditions for effective transformation
Based on these findings, representatives of industry and the research community discussed key issues related to the transformation of the plastics industry. The panel included Dr Moritz Julian Maier of Fraunhofer IAO, Markus Hemmeter of OP Mobility Deutschland SE, Torsten Herrmann of Hehnke GmbH & Co. KG, who also serves as President of the South Thuringia Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Kerstin Krallmann of Wago GmbH & Co. KG.
One of the main conclusions of the meeting was that the ability to adapt is becoming an increasingly important competitive factor. Alongside technological innovation, corporate culture, leadership and employee engagement play a particularly important role. The experts indicated that openness to new approaches and a willingness to critically analyse existing structures are among the basic conditions for success. Andres Fragoso summarised the speakers' contributions with the words: "It is not about the size of the company, but whether the entrepreneurial drive is there."
Importance of cross-sector dialogue
As emphasised during the event, dialogue between different sectors once again proved to be a valuable source of inspiration. Open discussion and intensive exchange of experience, especially during the networking part, provided participants with many useful references for their own business practice. Participants also highlighted the high substantive level and the atmosphere of the event.
According to the organiser, Hascotalks is intended to serve as a catalyst and platform for current industry topics. In a relatively short time, the format has established itself as a permanent part of dialogue in the plastics industry and is expected to address further important issues in the future. HASCO also points to its role as a company linked to mould making, emphasising the importance of innovation, knowledge transfer and cooperation within the industry.
