CHINAPLAS 2025: ILLIG focuses on green technology, intelligent manufacturing

At CHINAPLAS 2025, ILLIG presents its dry fiber molding system, subverting the traditional wet fiber process. The dry fiber molding system is capable of achieving sharp reduction in carbon emissions through dry-free technology, and matching plastic processing efficiency with a 120mm stretching depth.

At the 37th China International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries (CHINAPLAS 2025), ILLIG packaging solutions GmbH (hereinafter referred to as ILLIG), as one of the leading companies in the field of thermoforming and packaging equipment, demonstrated its latest technological achievements and strategic layout.

The Ringier Trade Media Editorial team was able to talk to ILLIG CSO/CTO Matthias Holder, who discussed product innovation, emerging industry opportunities and their localization strategies in China.

Mr. Matthias Holder, CSO/CTO, ILLIG

Mr. Holder first introduced the highlight of ILLIG’s trade fair presence  – the Dry Fiber Molding System. The system is currently in the research and development phase, with more details expected in October this year. "The core advantage of the dry fiber molding system is that it does not require additional heating and drying, which significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional wet fiber production methods. At the same time, the production efficiency is close to the processing time of conventional plastics, and the drawing depth of 120 mm can be achieved, which is very much in line with the current concept of circular economy and sustainability." ”

In addition to dry fiber molding systems, ILLIG also presented its latest developments in thermoforming machines, cardboard packaging machines and large UA machines. Thermoforming equipment has reached a high level of automation and is widely used in the field of industrial packaging; The cardboard packaging model is designed for cardboard materials to meet the needs of cardboard packaging. Large-scale UA machine, on the other hand, is designed for the production of automotive or large plastic parts, and is suitable for large-scale industrial packaging.

In response to the two different customers’ needs for small batches, multi-varieties and large quantities and small varieties that are common in the current market, ILLIG has developed two sets of automation solutions. The small batch production line shortens the mold change time through modular design and intelligent control system, and support rapid iteration. The mass production line optimizes high-speed operation stability and energy efficiency to meet the needs of long-term continuous production.

ILLIG Dry Fibre Molding System (Image source: ILLIG)
 

ILLIG not only provides flexibility for mold changes and adaptability of control systems for small batch customers, but also offers customized adjustment services for high volume customers who are concerned about stability and throughput. At the same time, the company also actively promotes environmentally friendly material alternatives such as dry fiber technology to help customers achieve energy conservation and emission reduction goals.

In the Chinese market, ILLIG's performance has been impressive. As Mr. Holder puts it: "We are expanding our market share and are working with customers who have long trusted the ILLIG brand. In order to further deepen our service to the Chinese market, we have set up a local office and plan to increase the availability of technicians and spare parts to shorten the delivery time. At the same time, we will also expand our sales team and expand our market share.”

In the face of the challenges of global economic changes and tariff changes, ILLIG has adopted a flexible strategy. "We provide our customers with equipment upgrades and maintenance services to help them through economic downturns. By maintaining flexibility and reliability with our customers, we support our customers in the long term and respond to market changes together,” Mr. Holder explains.