Actively shaping the future of the plastics industry: SKZ - Das Kunststoff-Zentrum and Vogel Communications Group (VCG) have entered into a strategic partnership under this guiding principle. The cooperation extends both in terms of content to the area of further training for specialists as well as at event level and - from Würzburg - sets innovative impulses for the entire value chain of the plastics industry in Germany and beyond.

The first step in the training cooperation began at the start of 2025 with the launch of the "PlastXnow" media brand, in which the SKZ is involved as a partner. The joint event programme begins on 14/15 May with the "E&E Conference" focusing on sustainability, material requirements and digitalization at the Vogel Convention Center Würzburg.

The focus of the cooperation is on the close content-related integration between the two strong partners: SKZ is Europe's largest plastics institute with an industry network of over 440 partners. VCG is Europe's largest industrial media company and offers broad target group access with its three media brands "PlastXnow", "Plastverarbeiter" and "KGK - Kautschuk Gummi Kunststoffe". Through joint editorial contributions, exclusive specialist articles and expert interviews, current developments, technological innovations and sustainable solutions for the plastics industry are prepared in a targeted manner and made accessible to a broad specialist audience.

Event synergies: Events for the plastics industry

In addition to the media interfaces, the cooperation will also set new standards in the event landscape. SKZ and VCG are planning to intensify their collaboration at industry events, specialist congresses and networking events. The aim is to use combined expertise and innovative formats to present practical solutions, market trends and scientific findings and to promote exchange between industry, research and the media.

"With this strategic alliance, we are not only contributing our editorial expertise and event know-how, but also creating a platform for open and forward-looking dialog in the plastics industry," says Tim Bartl, Director Strategic Projects & Brand Advocate VCG. Andreas Bachmann, Head of Network & Event at SKZ, also emphasizes: "The plastics industry is facing major challenges and opportunities. By working together, we can provide companies with targeted support, make innovations visible and drive sustainable developments forward."

"The partnership between SKZ and VCG underlines the joint commitment to a sustainable and technologically advanced plastics industry," says Matthias Bauer, CEO of VCG: "Industry experts, companies and interested parties can look forward to groundbreaking content and inspiring events, and our customers benefit from a strong competence network and broad market access."

"Sometimes the good things are so close," emphasizes Matthias Ruff, Head of Sales Education and Research and authorized signatory at SKZ: "It is a logical step for us to combine our expertise. SKZ with technical know-how and VCG with media expertise. We look forward to a successful cooperation."

As Europe's largest plastics institute, SKZ - Das Kunststoff-Zentrum has been offering practical solutions for the plastics industry along the entire value chain for over 60 years. In addition to research and development with direct practical relevance, the SKZ offers testing and certification services for the quality assurance of materials and finished products, congresses and conferences for the further training of specialists and managers, practical seminars and training courses for the qualification of practitioners as well as the certification of management systems, e.g. according to ISO 9001. The SKZ is supported by a powerful network of more than 400 companies.

We are the pioneer in the plastics industry and the network when it comes to plastics!

Vogel Communications Group (VCG) is a leading provider of B2B communication and specialist information with 790 employees and a turnover of around 100 million euros. The international group of companies is represented at 12 locations in German-speaking countries, as well as worldwide with license partners and a focus on China. VCG offers a group-owned agency network of 10 communications agencies and service companies. With around 110 specialist media, it is anchored in the 5 economic fields of automotive, industry, information technology, law/economics/taxes and B2B communication/marketing. VCG offers 250+ services, 100+ digital platforms and communities as well as 300+ business events per year and target group access in around 25 sectors for professional and successful corporate communications.

We make our customers more successful through communication - nationally and internationally!