This year marks the 15th anniversary of PETnology. The information platform has established itself as an international industry meeting point for well over 800 companies – and counting – from the global PET packaging and filling industry. PETnology conferences and exhibitions provide a forum for the industry to discuss innovations, transforming networking into PETworking. We would like to thank everyone who has been part of our success.

By way of thanks and to celebrate our anniversary, you have in your hands the very first edition of our new triannual comPETence magazine. The different sections – IN DIALOGUE, IN FOCUS, IN DETAIL, IN BUSINESS, IN PORTRAIT – contain interviews, analyses of technologies and trends, positions and opinions, technical and scientific reports, company portraits as well as insights into managers’ wanderlust, adventures and sporting activities in our OUT OF ROUTINE section – after all, even they need a break sometimes! The magazine also takes a look back IN HISTORY, but mainly has its sights set firmly on the future – to keep PET packaging ahead.

IN FOCUS: This first edition takes the first steps towards tackling the internet of things, CPS (cyber physical systems) or – as dubbed in the German-speaking world – Industry 4.0. Technological and economic challenges will continue to grow over the next few years. Machine outputs have almost doubled in the last 15 years, while the weight of bottles has more than halved. What effect do the key elements of CPS have on the value-added chain of PET packaging? How can we use these to increase the profitability and sustainability of the overall process? We will also shed more light on these topics in the second edition of comPETence, which will also cover preform base designs. 

IN DETAIL contains highly interesting technical reports, also in connection with the digitalisation and networking of machines, while the IN PORTRAIT section reveals the beginnings of a company that will enter into its third generation this year. IN DIALOGUE: We discuss the current situation and future aims of PET recycling with a manager from the recycling industry. In OUT OF ROUTINE, we join a bicycle racing tour around a Formula 1 circuit.

With comPETence, we want to target the entire PET value-added chain, companies, decision makers and technologies with a magazine that provides in-depth coverage of topics injected with a personal and unique touch. We want to demonstrate the innovative strength of the industry – making it tangible for all to see. 

We hope it makes for exciting reading.

Innovative and technological regards from Regensburg,

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Otto Appel

PETnology/tecPET GmbH