TechTalks@campus at IKT Stuttgart

Technical Diversity, Circular Economy, and Exchange with Master’s Students

On June 30, 2026, the SPE AutomotiveAward visited the Institute for Plastics Technology (IKT) at the University of Stuttgart for the fourth time as part of the TechTalks@campus series. Around 20 master’s students gained insights into award-winning components and materials and discussed current and future applications of plastics in automotive engineering with industry professionals.

A total of 25 award-winning innovations from the 2025, 2024, 2022, and 2021 award years were presented. The focus was on modern plastic components, materials, and application solutions for automotive engineering. The examples clearly demonstrated the contribution plastics make in today’s automotive industry—for instance, in lighter components, intelligently designed parts, new material developments, and practical solutions for greater efficiency, sustainability, and industrial feasibility.

Many students found the wide range of technical solutions particularly impressive. In-depth discussions emerged in small groups about the advantages and disadvantages of polymer materials, material engineering requirements, and circular economy issues.

Student interest was once again very high. With targeted questions and engaged discussions, they took advantage of the opportunity for direct exchange with practitioners and experts.

Sincere thanks go to Professor Christian Bonten from the IKT – Institute for Plastics Technology for his renewed hospitality, and to Thomas Wolff for the excellent preparation. We also thank Lukas Maier from EMS-CHEMIE, Business Unit EMS-GRIVORY, Andreas Weinmann from KURARAY, and our technical section coordinator Thilo Stier from AKRO-PLASTIC for the well-founded information and open professional exchange.

The following photo gallery provides some impressions of the event.