• IPPT_TWINN: Reinforcing the scientific excellence and innovation capacity in polymer processing technologies of the Faculty of Polymer Technology

Partners

<strong>Project financing value:</strong> 1.188.125 € Project financing value: 1.188.125 €
<strong>Duration of project:</strong> January 2023 - December 2025 Duration of project: January 2023 - December 2025

FUNDING AND DURATION

The project conducted on the basis of the Grand Agreement for an Action with multiple beneficiaries within the Horizon Europe Framework Programme and the Twinning (HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03) call, project number 101079051.

About

Global annual consumption of plastics is expected to increase from the current 368 million tons (2019) to 1.1 billion tons in 2050. However, this growth also poses some dangers, such as the increasing amount of plastic waste and a rise in CO2 emissions. One of the ways to tackle these problems is to produce more durable products and to use processing technologies that generate less waste. The IPPT_TWINN project addresses both methods, as more durable products can be manufactured through a better understanding of processing methods and waste can be reduced through the application of new technologies and better waste management.

The main objective of IPPT_TWINN is to increase the knowledge of polymer processing at FTPO. This will be achieved both through joint scientific work with 4 partners from 4 EU countries, covering several advanced processing techniques and through the organization of a series of events such as workshops, summer schools, expert visits, etc.

However, the project is organized in such a way that not only FTPO, but all four partner institutions will make progress in this area. Although partners knowledge largely overlaps, each is a specialist in a particular field, and together they represent a concentration of knowledge in the whole field of modern polymer processing.

The proposed joint research work will improve the research excellence and innovation capacity of researchers at FTPO that will result in more scientific publications in high-impact journals. This will make FTPO more attractive as a partner also for other educational and research institutions. Industry representatives will also be invited to the events to be organized, which will increase the visibility of all partners in the business sector and strengthen cooperation. Last, but not least, one of the main goals of the project is to train researchers, especially the young ones, how to find suitable calls, right partners and to prepare and manage excellent project proposals.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Project Overview

News

3rd International IPPT_TWINN Conference on Metal Replacement and Lightweight Polymer Composites Successfully Bridged Science and Industry
/ Categories: News

3rd International IPPT_TWINN Conference on Metal Replacement and Lightweight Polymer Composites Successfully Bridged Science and Industry

On June 4–5, 2025, the Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO) in Slovenj Gradec hosted the 3rd International IPPT_TWINN Conference on on Metal Replacement and Lightweight Polymer Composites. The two-day event brought together over 90 participants and experts from both academia and industry, representing more than ten countries, who attended the conference either in person or online.

The conference featured a rich and diverse program, with four industry-focused thematic sessions on the first day and four research-oriented sessions on the second day. The event was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. dr. Blaž Nardin, Dean of FTPO and Project Leader of IPPT_TWINN. In total, 46 technical and scientific presentations were delivered, addressing current challenges and development opportunities in composite materials across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, sports equipment, construction, energy, recycling, and sustainability. Participants were introduced to a wide range of technological innovations, research projects, and industrial case studies.

The first day focused on industrial applications and highlighted best practices in mobility, construction, aerospace, and sporting goods. The day’s highlights were the plenary lectures by Prof. Gion Andrea Barandun (OST, Switzerland), who presented on the versatility of composites, and Dr. Niccolò Pini (Doroangus Consulting, Switzerland), who addressed composite recycling strategies. The day concluded with a dynamic panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of the European composites industry.

The second day adopted a more research-focused approach, featuring 26 scientific presentations by international researchers and invited experts. Keynote plenary lectures included Prof. Paolo Andrea Carraro (University of Padova, Italy), who presented strategies for the design and monitoring of composite structures under service loads, and Dr. Martin Schlummer (Fraunhofer IVV, Germany), who shared insights on dissolution-based recycling methods for composites. The program also included presentations on new materials, sustainable production technologies, and advanced testing and prediction methodologies.

The conference was further enriched by invited talks on material development, new manufacturing processes, circular economy solutions, and mechanical performance prediction of composites. Beyond the exceptional lectures, the conference hosted organized B2B meetings, an open training session on research funding opportunities, a guided tour of laboratories of Faculty of Polymer Technology and a networking dinner, which further stimulated collaboration among participants.

The successful event once again highlighted the importance of bridging research and industry in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for the future.

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