The formation of issue-specific task forces serves to network and pool the R&D activities and the respective abilities of the network members with the cooperation of outside actors. The difference between the products manufactured, the sizes of the operations and their organisational forms along with their various distinct innovative strengths serve to directly promote the type of speech and activity through POLYKUM that is tailored to the specific needs of the company.
The pooling of task forces should not only create a tighter network between the partners working in the relevant areas; another result is the strengthened profiling of POLYKUM and a stronger focus on certain areas to be worked on.
The WPC/NRP task force, reactivated in September 2010 in conjunction with a workshop that took place within the framework of the PAZ-Trans project, unites manufacturers of sawdust and natural fibres, manufacturers of WPC/NRP products, scientific establishments and potential clients/parties interested in the issue of natural composites. The objective of the venture is to support existing companies and foundations in the region and to develop industrial production to a larger scale. The situation within the market has improved in recent years. Production volumes in Europe indicate strong growth and the increasing acceptance of these products. Recognised trade guidelines in production and consumption make this branch of industry interesting for central Germany.
An important instrument for exploring the interests of the plastic processing business is the roadmap process that POLYKUM is part of. A business survey conducted within the context of this project identified problem areas that need to be worked on within the task force. In October 2010, a workshop took place, during the course of which a task force was created that concentrates on this sub-branch of plastic processing.
A fibre composites task force was started as an initiative of the Fraunhofer IWMH, the SKZ Halle and the Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule in Halle. This group is dedicated to the area of composite fibre with a focus on design, processing techniques and assessment of the many application areas open to this interesting group of materials. It aims to pool the capabilities of business, scientific institutions and regional service providers.
