Technological watch

There's been some interesting discussion during this week's K show previews in Düsseldorf, Germany. Organizers and representatives from companies participating in October's K 2022 are referring not just to their responsibility in creating a circular economy, but the industry's role in combating climate change.

"Climate protection is on the agenda everywhere, it is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed on a global scale," Petra Cullmann, executive director of Messe Düsseldorf, said during a press event June 20. "There is no climate protection without plastic.

Plastics are used in solar and wind energy products while also aiding in lighter-weight items and electric transportation.

KraussMaffei Group CEO Michael Ruf said the machinery maker's two K 2022 themes are climate protection and the circular economy. The company's new facility near Munich has one of the largest rooftop solar systems in Europe and it aims to be climate neutral by 2030.

You can hear more directly from event and industry leaders in this editorial livestream with Editor Don Loepp.