SKZ and VOGEL extend strong partnership
Actively shaping the future of the plastics industry: Under this guiding principle, the Plastics Center SKZ and the Vogel Communications Group (VCG) are entering into a strategic partnership. 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.
Because they know what they are doing: (from left) Stefan Lenz, Matthias Ruff and Tim Bartl are looking forward to working closely together. (Photo: Moritz Ollmert, VOGEL)
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 collaboration is on the close content-related integration between the two strong partners: SKZ is the Europes largest plastics center with an industry network of over 440 partners. VCG is Europe's largest industrial media house 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 cooperation 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. Through our collaboration, we can provide companies with targeted support, make innovations visible and drive forward sustainable developments."
“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 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."
