Lüdenscheid Plastics Institute
Following the successful submission of the network documents at the end of 2024, the Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid received the official funding decision for the new hydrogen ZIM innovation network on 22.05.2025. The network clarifies fundamental questions about the use of plastics or hybrid components in the hydrogen industry and creates a basis for products in this industrial sector.
Network managers Björn Sjöberg, Ludger Wüller and Torsten Urban can now start phase 1 with 13 SMEs, four R&D institutions and five associated partners.
Hydrogen is increasingly becoming a beacon of hope for a sustainable future – both in industry and in environmental protection. Current developments illustrate the enormous potential of this energy source.
The innovation network brings together 13 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the fields of plastics technology, mold making and the manufacture of components for hydrogen systems. This group is complemented by four partners from research and development (R&D) and five large companies.
In “Phase 1”, the network will operate as a national project in order to strengthen and establish national structures. For “Phase 2”, however, the goal remains to establish an international network.
Björn Sjöberg, who has many years of experience in the plastics industry and in the field of hydrogen applications, has been recruited as network manager. Together with Torsten Urban and Ludger Wüller, he will be available as a contact person for the network. “We are delighted to have gained Björn Sjöberg as a reinforcement for the network management,” emphasizes Steffi Volkenrath, responsible for the innovation networks at the Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid.
The H2-Konkret innovation network develops practical solutions for the efficient use of hydrogen, in particular through new products and processes. The focus is on the areas of industry, infrastructure, production and mobility, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen and plastics technology. In the first phase, the focus is on establishing the network and working on key topics such as the conversion, storage, transportation and supply of hydrogen. Current challenges in the industry will be addressed in order to develop sustainable and forward-looking solutions.
In addition, H2-Konkret specifically promotes cooperation along the entire hydrogen value chain and is expanding its partner network at national and European level in order to create synergies, increase its reach and exploit growth potential.”
Interested parties are welcome to join us.