The Voice of Converting & Flextronics

About The Voice of Converting & Flextronics

Meinung, Persönlichkeit, Debatte

Publisher

M2N Media GmbH

Category

news

Language

de

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Feb 2024

Latest episode

3 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Jun 2026

   The Voice of Converting | ICE Europe as a year-round innovation platform

   In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte Leitner, Event Lead for ICE Europe, and Rebecca Moorcroft, Product Marketing Manager at RX Global, to discuss the future of the world's leading trade fairs for the converting industry. Our guests share insights into the strategic evolution of ICE Europe and explain how the event is becoming a continuous platform for industry dialogue, innovation, knowledge sharing, and business networking. Topics Covered Why ICE Europe aims to be more than a three-day event The growing importance of year-round community engagement How exhibitor and visitor feedback is shaping the future of the show The launch of the new Raw Materials Pavilion The role of partnerships in driving innovation and industry relevance The future development of the ICE Awards Introducing the new interactive content format: the ICE Cube Sustainability, battery technologies, and flexible electronics as growth areas What to expect from ICE Europe 2027 Featured Guests Charlotte Leitner Event Lead, ICE Europe Rebecca Moorcroft Product Marketing Manager, RX Global Key Takeaways ✓ ICE Europe is expanding beyond the traditional trade fair model to become a year-round industry platform. ✓ Raw materials and material innovation will play a much more prominent role in future editions. ✓ New formats such as the ICE Cube will encourage dialogue, interaction, and knowledge exchange directly on the exhibition floor. ✓ Strategic partnerships and co-creation are becoming essential elements of the event’s development. ✓ The ICE Awards will provide greater visibility for innovation across the converting industry. www.ice-x.com

2. 

   16 Feb 2026

   The Voice of Converting | Leadership starts in your head

   What really determines competitiveness today – technology or psychology? In this episode of the podcast ‘The Voice of Converting,’ editor-in-chief Martin Hirschmann talks to Wolfgang Drexler, managing director of foresmind GmbH, about neuropsychological leadership and why ‘people still think like they did in the Stone Age’ even though we live in an AI-driven world. Between Generation Z, AI and the shortage of skilled workers Drexler explains how his bioLogic method distinguishes between three basic modes of thinking – analytical and past-oriented, future-oriented and consequence-conscious, and impulsive and present-oriented – and why communication often fails not because of content, but because of the wrong ‘input’ into the brain. Especially in technically oriented industries such as the converting industry, even highly qualified specialists often talk past each other. The key lies not in more control, but in a tailored approach. Another focus of the conversation is generational change. Drexler argues that Generation Z should not be misunderstood as less willing to perform, but rather as purpose-driven and responsible. At the same time, he sees artificial intelligence not as a threat, but as a tool – provided it is used in a humane way. Standard processes should be automated, while creative and critical thinking remain the task of humans. Cognitive fitness vs. digital overload Finally, the discussion turns to cognitive fitness, critical questioning and the surprising role of traditional media in a world of digital overload. An episode about motivation, personality structures and the question of why psychological leadership will become a decisive competitive factor in the future.

3. 

   5 Feb 2026

   The Voice of Flextronics | Start-ups at LOPEC

   Auf der LOPEC sind Start-ups mehr als nur eine Ergänzung – sie sind eine treibende Kraft für Innovationen im Bereich der gedruckten und flexiblen Elektronik. In dieser Folge von „The Voice of Flextronics“ sprechen wir mit Armin Wittmann, Messeleiter der LOPEC, und John Fahlteich, CEO von KETMarket, darüber, wie junge Unternehmen auf der Veranstaltung aktiv unterstützt werden und warum der LOPEC Startup Award zu einem wichtigen Highlight des Programms geworden ist. Von der Technologie zur Marktwirkung Das Gespräch befasst sich damit, wie Start-ups von vielversprechenden Technologien zu realen Marktanwendungen gelangen. John Fahlteich gibt Einblicke in die Rolle von offener Innovation, branchenübergreifender Zusammenarbeit und Mentoring, um Start-ups dabei zu helfen, sowohl ihren technischen Fokus als auch ihre Geschäftsmodelle zu schärfen. Armin Wittmann erklärt, wie die LOPEC eine einzigartige physische Plattform bietet, auf der diese Verbindungen Gestalt annehmen können. Über Pitches und Preise hinaus befasst sich die Folge mit dem, was Investoren und Industriepartner wirklich suchen: klare Wertversprechen, realistische Markteinführungsstrategien und ein ausgeprägtes Verständnis für die Bedürfnisse der Kunden. Die beiden Award-Kategorien – Business Impact und Technological Impact – spiegeln diesen doppelten Fokus wider. Ausblick auf die LOPEC 2026 Abschließend geben beide Gäste ihren persönlichen Ausblick auf die LOPEC 2026, von neuen Anwendungsbereichen bis hin zur anhaltenden Bedeutung der Förderung junger Talente. Ein Gespräch über Chancen, Sichtbarkeit und den langen Weg von der Innovation zum kommerziellen Erfolg.

4. 

   23 Jul 2025

   The Voice of Converting | "Converting meets Packaging"

   From 23 to 25 September 2025, the packaging industry will once again gather at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg for FACHPACK, the European Trade Fair for Packaging, Technology and Processes. Around 1,400 exhibitors are expected to attend, spread across 11 exhibition halls. Trade visitors can look forward to a wealth of products and services related to packaging, as well as a high-calibre supporting programme. "Converting meets Packaging" at FACHPACK The ‘Converting meets Packaging’ pavilion in Hall 7, which is already fully booked with seven exhibitors, will celebrate its premiere at FACHPACK 2025. It has been organised by FACHPACK in cooperation with M2N Media, publisher of the trade media PRO Flexconvert and PRO Flextronics. In the run-up to the trade fair, we met for a podcast interview with FACHPACK Event Director Phuong Anh Do and Alexander Houben, Managing Director of JHT Jakobs-Houben Technologie GmbH, which will be exhibiting in the pavilion.

5. 

   6 May 2025

   The Voice of Converting | PLACE Conference

   PLACE stands for Polymers, Laminates, Adhesives, Coatings and Extrusion. The conference has been taking place every two years since 1991 in different European cities. The next conference will be on 26-28 May 2025 at Le Méridien Hotel, Munich. For this issue of The Voice of Converting, we sat down with Anna Helgert (Dow), European PLACE Committee Chair, Peter Gellerich (Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG), Technical Programme Chair, and Prof Dr Sven Sängerlaub (Munich University of Applied Sciences),  Chairman of the Board of bdvi (German Association of Packaging Engineers). Bringing together specialists from science and industry Anna Helgert says: "The PLACE conference is a technical forum, a meeting place specifically for all those involved in the value chain of extrusion coaters: processors, packaging manufacturers and brand owners, from raw material manufacturers to recyclers – and of course the machine manufacturers for the various processes. We bring together specialists from science and industry. We like to think outside the box and are always looking for new, efficient and clever approaches." Extensive coverage in PRO Flexconvert In our interview, the three members of the organisation committee will offer a detailed preview of the upcoming PLACE Conference, which PRO Flexconvert will cover extensively before, during and after the event.

6. 

   25 Mar 2025

   The Voice of Converting | Cordula Schulz (Schulz Flexgroup)

   In our podcast ‘The Voice of Converting’, we spoke to Cordula Schulz, Owner and Managing Director of Schulz Flexgroup. To celebrate her birthday, the entrepreneur invited us to the company site in Roth near Nuremberg, Germany. In an exclusive interview, we discussed birthday wishes, female leadership and the importance of digitalisation and AI. Innovation Day with high-calibre guest speakers The first mayor of the town of Roth opened the Innovation Day of Schulz Flexgroup with his words of greetings, followed by a speech from Cordula Schulz herself. After these introductory remarks, representatives of leading companies from the packaging industry provided lectures on current hot topics. SÜDPACK Medica discussed sustainability in packaging by highlighting Mono-PP solutions for pharmaceutical primary packaging, while TekniPlex offered an update on pharmaceutical blister packs that are minimised and recyclable. Siegwerk showcased sustainability strategies for UV flexo inks, and Huhtamaki discussed the impact of the PPWR on the flexible packaging business for pharma and consumer health. Finally, Mondi introduced the audience to its recyclable barrier papers. Digitalisation and AI In our interview, Cordula Schulz underlined the importance of digitalisation and AI to find pathways in an increasingly difficult landscape of bureaucracy and legislation. Find out more in this episode! This Podcast episode is sponsored by IBD Wickeltechnik.

7. 

   19 Feb 2025

   The Voice of Converting | Esa-Matti Aalto (Matthews International)

   In our podcast ‘The Voice of Converting’, we spoke to Esa-Matti Aalto, Senior Vice President and General Manager Coating & Converting Industries at Matthews International. We discussed industry trends, barrier papers and the upcoming ICE Europe. Megatrends "One megatrend is clearly sustainability, which is now permeating all industries and layers of society," says Aalto. "We are addressing this topic by implementing various applications and projects in industry. Another big topic for us is digitalisation. It has already caused disruptions in many industries – and the converting industry will be no exception!" Lighthouse project Asked about outstanding projects at Matthews, Esa-Matti Aalto responds: "In the area of décor, we have worked with the company SURTECO to develop a truly innovative process in which electron beam crosslinking is involved. The structures embossed in the décor paper and the print itself are very natural. The result is a genuine wood look that is also very close to the natural product in terms of feel. Thanks to electron beam crosslinking, there is no need for drying in the traditional sense – and production can be carried out with considerably less energy consumption, thus conserving resources." Learn more about Matthew's strategy, Esa-Matti Aalto's personal motivation and a VR tool that will be showcased at the upcoming ICE Europe in our Podcast interview! This Podcast episode is sponsored by the M2N Converting Gipfel, which will take place from 26-27 June in Hamburg, Germany. Learn more about the conference of the German-speaking key players in the converting industry by clicking on: https://converting-gipfel.de

8. 

   10 Jan 2025

   The Voice of Flextronics | Armin Wittmann & Manfred Salat (LOPEC)

   For our podcast The Voice of Flextronics, we spoke with Armin Wittmann, Exhibition Director LOPEC, and Manfred Salat, Exhibition Manager LOPEC from Messe München. Novelties in 2025 LOPEC, the leading trade fair and conference for printed electronics, next taking place in Munich from 25-27 February 2025, will be even more practice-oriented. The conference will now feature special lecture sessions for application experts on the focus topics of Smart Living and Mobility, providing industry-specific specialist knowledge in a compact format. Each year, LOPEC offers a complete market overview of flexible, organic and printed electronics, and brings together manufacturers, users and scientists from all over the world. “Through the new structure, we are drawing the trade fair and conference closer together. In half-day sessions, we will bundle user knowledge from a specific area, followed by a guided tour of the trade fair, allowing participants to experience the technology in practice,” explains Armin Wittmann. “Afterwards, there will still be enough time for an extensive visit to the exhibition, so that you can get a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry at LOPEC.” Exclusive insights In this 30-minute podcast, you will gain exclusive insights into the work of the LOPEC organisers and their passion for the printed electronics industry.

9. 

   30 Sept 2024

   The Voice of Converting | Sara Alexander (BOBST)

   In this episode of The Voice of Converting, we spoke with Sara Alexander, Marketing & Communication Manager Flexible Packaging at BOBST Italia. One major focus of our interview is BOBST's sustainability strategy. General market trends Sara Alexander sees innovations happen in the areas of automation, digitalisation and AI, among other things. "The hottest topic is sustainability," she emphasises. "We want new materials, new structures, new applications, and at the same time we want to get rid of the excess." Major changes ahead According to the industry expert from BOBST, "The flexible packaging world that we have known and have been comfortable with for so many years will evolve and change." Learn more about BOBST's sustainability strategy, Sara Alexander's takeaways from this year's drupa tradeshow in Düsseldorf, and her view on paper as a possible replacement for plastic films!

10. 

    10 Sept 2024

    The Voice of Converting | Heike Slotta & Phuong Anh Do (FACHPACK)

    For our podcast The Voice of Converting, we spoke with Heike Slotta, Executive Director Exhibitions at NürnbergMesse GmbH, and Phuong Anh Do, Manager FACHPACK. NürnbergMesse is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year - and FACHPACK is celebrating with it. Many novelties in the anniversary year Phuong Anh Do looks ahead at FACHPACK 2024 (24-26 September): "We have just reached the final phase of preparation for our supporting programme – and there are actually quite a few things that our visitors can look forward to! Firstly, there is our PACKBOX, which has been firmly established for years and is known as an expert forum for current topics and trends. This time, the first day will focus on the topic of "Market and Consumption". On the second day, we will talk about the circular economy, PPWR and sustainability. And on the third day, we will be focussing on the topic of "Man and Machine" – this also includes artificial intelligence with its challenges and opportunities. According to Heike Slotta, "first and foremost, a trade fair is an exchange platform. The two major issues currently facing the packaging industry are the implementation of EU legislation and the demands that a weakening economy is placing on the market. If fewer products are manufactured, fewer products can be packaged. We want to accompany this change in the packaging industry. As a platform that brings everyone together in one place and provides space for presentations, we play an important role here." Last-minute insights In this 30-minute podcast, you will gain exclusive insights into the work of the FACHPACK organisers and what they anticipate the most.

11. 

    11 Jun 2024

    The Voice of Converting | Julia Fuhrmann & Patricia Sailer (Digital Transformation)

    For our podcast The Voice of Converting, we spoke with Julia Fuhrmann and Patricia Sailer. Julia Fuhrmann is Systemic Advisor for Digital Transformation & Sustainable Organisation Development, while Patricia Sailer is Owner of INSUI GmbH - Digital Transformation Consult & INSUI Online Shop “Natural Healthy”. A conversation about the digital potential of SMEs. Achieving strategic goals With our two guests, we are talking about the question of where, when and how the possibilities of digitalisation can be useful for a company's strategic goals. With over 22 years of experience in digitalisation, Fuhrmann and Sailer boast a systemic understanding of the issue at hand, which is the basis for obtaining answers that can also be implemented in practice.

12. 

    29 May 2024

    The Voice of Flextronics | Thomas Kolbusch (Coatema)

    For our podcast The Voice of Flextronics, we met with Thomas Kolbusch, Vice President at Coatema Coating Machinery GmbH in Dormagen, Germany. A conversation about future technologies, networks and current major projects. From the niche to the high-tech industries ‘Until 2018, we were a family-run, medium-sized plant and mechanical engineering company that, due to global competition, specifically looked for niches in which we had a competitive advantage,’ explains Kolbusch in our podcast. ‘We entered the fuel cell sector at the end of the 1990s with our first pilot systems for coating, printing and lamination. We entered these markets very early on and brought a great deal of expertise with us - not just on the systems, but also on the products and markets. We have multiplied this approach and positioned ourselves in a wide range of high-tech and deep-tech markets.’ Three major projects As part of the podcast, Thomas Kolbusch presents three current major projects involving Coatema: the cooperation with the ALTANA start-up HELIOSONIC, the construction of a large-format OPV production plant in Greece and the IDEEL project, which is highly relevant for the battery sector. https://www.coatema.de

13. 

    10 May 2024

    The Voice of Converting | Ilkay Özkisaoglu (Der Social CEO)

    In this episode of The Voice of Converting, we talk to Ilkay Özkisaoglu, one of the leading German-speaking voices in the LinkedIn network. A conversation about B2B content creation, reach and algorithms. "One cannot afford to not be on LinkedIn" Özkisaoglu says: "Of course, I believe, one cannot afford to not be on LinkedIn. But there are different personalities. Some people like to show themselves in public and some people don't like to show themselves in public. One of the main reasons is FOPO, "Fear of People's Opinion", i.e. the fear of being judged by other people. Reach is achieved by the people, the employees, the boss, the C-level. LinkedIn is very generous and theoretically grants these people unlimited reach, provided they do it well." Connecting the global workforce According to Özkisaoglu, there are currently 22 million active members in the DACH region. When he signed up in 2008, there were one million. There's still room for improvement! Worldwide, LinkedIn has now cracked the billion mark. However, this platform also has to contend with hackers, fake accounts and dubious zero-follower profiles. Learn more about Özkisaoglu's unique LinkedIn strategy and his personal journey towards becoming "The Social CEO" in our current episode of The Voice of Converting!

14. 

    24 Apr 2024

    The Voice of Converting | Lena Lührmann (Consultant at Visionsalive)

    In this episode of The Voice of Converting, we talk to Lena Lührmann, strategy consultant for medium-sized companies specialising in "innovation and securing the future". Securing the future Lührmann says: "Securing the future is actually a general term for the fact that, in my opinion, companies should know their expiry date. In other words, what threatens me, which technologies, which future regulations or political developments will influence and perhaps jeopardise my business area in the future? And that you always push this date of your own obsolescence as far away from you as possible. Securing the future is therefore actually necessary for all areas of the company: Personnel, skilled workers, business model, products, services, digitalisation, etc. Innovation is only a small part of safeguarding the future, but it is not enough to push this expiry date further away and always anticipate what could affect your company next." Image and reality of GenZ Another focus point of our interview: the perception and image of GenZ in the German economy. Lührmann states clearly: "SMEs have everything that GenZ needs and wants. SMEs are actually predestined to see people for what they are, to remain loyal to them, to give them security and variety. But this is simply not yet being used strategically. Conversely, GenZ also needs to understand that adaptation is not a one-way street."

15. 

    28 Mar 2024

    The Voice of Converting | Michael Welsch (AI expert at Octopus Digital GmbH)

    In this episode of The Voice of Converting, we talked to AI expert Michael Welsch, who brings generative models such as ChatGPT to the production lines of the converting industry with his company Octopus Digital GmbH. From mechanical engineering to artificial intelligence Welsch started out his career as a mechanical engineer. Then, in 2016, when he was working on his PhD, he met a colleague who had just returned from a conference in Las Vegas. He found the conference itself boring, but there was a hackathon on machine learning at the same hotel. At first, Welsch laughed out loud and wondered what that was supposed to be. This colleague then showed him what it was all about. And overnight he decided to drop everything. "I‘m joining in now! Back then, we already knew where the journey was heading, but we weren‘t quite ready to call it AI yet." Bringing analytical AI into production lines Welsch then founded his first company in 2018 to bring analytical AI into very broadly diversified production lines. Two years ago, the topic of generative AI came up – and now he is working on industry-specific solutions in this area. These primarily include printing, converting and coating machines, which Welsch believes are perfect for AI integration! In our Podcast, Welsch showcases the enormous possibilities of artificial intelligence within the converting sector. And he is certain: "AI is one of the most powerful tools mankind has ever created!"

16. 

    23 Feb 2024

    The Voice of Converting | Alexander Houben (JHT)

    In this episode, we welcomed Alexander Houben, CEO of JHT Jakobs-Houben Technologie GmbH. The company from Geilenkirchen, Germany, has its core competencies in coating and engineering. In The Voice of Converting, Houben talks about making his company future-proof and the new management structure that had been announced at the beginning of the year. New management team As of 1 January 2024, Alexander Krause took over the positions of Deputy Managing Director and Chief Technical Officer (CTO). Moreover, Steffen Lambertz now heads up product development at JHT as Chief Product Officer (CPO) with immediate effect. The company management sees JHT as a key player in the roll-to-roll finishing sector in the future. The energy transition is a particular focus: the demand for battery electrodes, catalyst-coated membranes and other products is constantly increasing. JHT’s machines have established themselves in these and other industries. Together with partners from industry and research, the process and system technology will be further developed and optimised in cooperation projects. Creativity and flexibility In our Podcast, Houben also emphasises the lean and flexible structure of his company. JHT thrives on creativity, he is certain. https://jht.eu

17. 

    15 Feb 2024

    The Voice of Converting | Social Media & GenZ

    Teresa Walter-Leitzgen is our current guest on The Voice of Converting Teresa Walter-Leitzgen has been working in digital and content marketing since 2015. Before focussing on digital strategic consulting for companies, Teresa studied ethnology, law and political science at Goethe University in Frankfurt. Through her passion for triathlon and running, she has built up her own brand on social media and also implements multi-channel campaigns for regional and international clients. Public image on the social web In her podcast interview with Martin Hirschmann, Teresa tells us how she turned her passion for triathlon into a wide-reaching Instagram presence - initially by chance, but then professionally. Today, companies from various sectors benefit from her expertise and take their public image on the social web to a new level. LinkedIn also plays a major role in Teresa's work. In the podcast, we discuss why even small and medium-sized companies can benefit greatly from social media. GenZ - better than its reputation? We also talk about the image of GenZ and how it is portrayed in the media. Teresa explains why, in her view, much of the criticism levelled at the younger generation misses the mark. Expert at the PRO Converting Gipfel After the podcast is before the Gipfel: Teresa Walter-Leitzgen will be a speaker at the PRO Converting Gipfel in Hamburg (27-28 June 2024). The topics in this podcast provide an initial insight into her expertise - we cordially invite you to Hamburg to find out more!

18. 

    6 Feb 2024

    The Voice of Converting | Who are we?

    Who are we - what are our goals? Welcome to our German-speaking pilot episode! We launched the PRO Converting and PRO Flextronics media hubs just over a month ago. A lot has happened since then. After a lot of positive feedback from the industry and even more work in the background, it's now time to ignite the next stage of our newly launched rocket! Welcome to our podcast! For the pilot episode, the three founders, Nina Pirchmoser, Nadine Bauernfeind and Martin Hirschmann, sat down together and give an outlook on the coming months. So before we start with the factual topics (it's almost time!), we would first like to introduce ourselves. Competent, personal and entertaining - just as we want our podcast to be in the future. Podcasts are all the rage As a classic "incidental medium", podcasts have become serious competition for radio. Whether in the car, to fall asleep or by candlelight in the bathtub - many people can no longer imagine their everyday lives without this audio infotainment. However, reporting on the converting industry has so far been very thin on the ground. That is now changing! Look forward with us to many hours of information and entertainment with exciting personalities and experts on the subject of converting.

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