The IKV Association of Sponsors – a strong network

The IKV Association of Sponsors aspires to secure the competitiveness of the plastics industry in the face of increasingly global competition. The Association was set up to this end in 1950 through the efforts of the still young plastics industry at that time. Today, the international network has a membership of some 290 companies, societies and industry associations.

By setting up and maintaining the IKV – Institute for Plastics Processing at RWTH Aachen University, the Association of Sponsors ensures first and foremost that students at RWTH Aachen receive training in the field of plastics engineering and thus secures a supply of excellently trained engineers for the industry. In parallel, the Institute for Plastics Processing conducts research at scientific level into issues of practical relevance that are submitted to it by its network of members.

“Without IKV, neither the German plastics machinery industry nor the plastics processors would hold the leading position that they enjoy today. RKW has also been employing IKV graduates in a variety of positions for many years, driving forward the company’s growth. For us, as a leading manufacturer of films, it goes without saying that we support IKV to the best of our ability, investing in our future at the same time."

Matthias Kaufmann

Successful together – the Institute and its Association of Sponsors

The 290 or so international member companies constitute a representative cross-section of the plastics industry worldwide. The IKV’s sponsors include raw materials and machinery producers, plastics processors, associations and eminent research institutes. And the IKV’s continuous dialogue with its member companies ensures the practical relevance of IKV research.

Members play an active role in the research programmes. They exploit the latest findings at an early stage, gaining a lead through innovation. Above all, however, they benefit from the intensive discourse and direct contact with IKV's upcoming scientists.

"Alongside its wide range of research activities, one of IKV’s core competences lies in training young, highly qualified next-generation employees for our company. In addition to the comprehensive range of courses on offer, the varied, practically-oriented work that the Institute's scientific assistants engage in provides them with a sound education for taking up work in industry."

Frank Lechner, Coperion GmbH

Who are the members of the Association of Sponsors?

The majority of the companies who are members of the Association of Sponsors, are small and medium-sized companies, who benefit directly from the research work at IKV and secure their competitiveness in this way. The member companies of the Association of Sponsors of the IKV – Institute for Plastics Processing at RWTH Aachen University rank amongst the most innovative in their sector. And that is due, not least, to their close cooperation with IKV. 

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Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ch. Hopmann

Director of the Institute Managing Director of the IKV’s Association of Sponsors +49 241 80-93838 office@ikv.rwth-aachen.de

Have you any questions about membership of the IKV Association of Sponsors? We look forward to hearing from you.