Interview with Martín Cayre, Manager of ARBURG
With a long track record in developing solutions for the plastics industry, ARBURG has established itself as one of the international benchmarks in injection moulding machinery. Modularity, energy efficiency, digitalisation, and sustainability define the roadmap of the German company, present in diverse sectors such as packaging, medical, and automotive. We spoke with Martín Cayre, Manager of ARBURG, about the company’s positioning, latest innovations, and industry challenges.
How would you describe ARBURG’s current positioning in the plastics sector, and what are its main areas of expertise?
For many years, ARBURG has combined different machinery technologies, both electric and hydraulic. Thanks to the modularity of the machines and our extensive technical and process knowledge, we can offer turnkey solutions for sectors such as packaging, medical, automotive, and electrical, among others. We provide our clients with standard machines, electric or hydraulic, offering excellent value for money, as well as highly specialised solutions tailored to each need. The goal is always to deliver the most cost-effective solution with the highest possible energy efficiency.
In a context of ecological transition, what role does sustainability play in ARBURG’s global strategy?
Sustainability has been part of the company’s DNA since its foundation. ARBURG, located in an area of high ecological value such as the Black Forest, has maintained a strong environmental awareness from the outset. This year we renewed our Ecovadis Gold level. Continuous solutions are developed in our factories to promote recycling and reduce energy consumption.
We have renewable energy generation from wind, geothermal, and photovoltaic sources both at our headquarters and in the Arganda del Rey and Montcada i Reixac facilities. Additionally, we offer clients solutions to process recycled plastics and optimise electricity consumption.
What solutions does the company offer to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint in plastic injection processes?
ARBURG provides all its clients with the Action Plan Energy consultancy. This service offers comprehensive advice, analysing the existing machinery, proposing updates to reduce consumption, and optimising processes from an energy perspective. Associated peripherals, which significantly impact overall consumption, are also taken into account. In parallel, we continue to innovate in machine technology with increasingly efficient motors. Through the arburgXworld digital portal, clients can check the carbon footprint of each machine.
In addition, ARBURG distributes in the Spanish market HB-Therm temperature controllers and Moretto feeders and dehumidifiers, products noted for their advanced technology and some of the lowest energy consumption available on the market.
Digitalisation and automation are transforming the industry. How does ARBURG integrate them into its machines and services?
For over 30 years, ARBURG has been developing MES (Manufacturing Execution System) software for the comprehensive management of injection plants. This system consolidates all our know-how in plastic injection and provides real-time production status, facilitating decision-making. Clients using ARBURG ALS (ARBURG host computer system) typically improve their Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by 26.5%, thanks to greater transparency and more efficient planning.
Moreover, the arburgXworld client portal gathers all machine information and offers practical daily tools, such as the spare parts online store, an electricity consumption calculator, and the AI assistant Ask ARBURG, designed to resolve maintenance and process queries, among other functions.
Which recent innovations would you highlight for their impact on more sustainable plastic production or the use of recycled materials?
Our new software assistants ensure stable processes and consistent quality of the final product. The RecyclatePilot automatically adjusts the process when it detects variations in material density without external sensors, ensuring a consistent part weight in every cycle.
Which sectors are currently showing the most dynamism or demand for plastic injection solutions?
At present, the most dynamic sectors are packaging and medical, which maintain a more stable demand compared to the automotive sector.
What challenges do you identify in adopting recycled materials or bioplastics within industrial processes?
The main challenge lies in the correct separation of materials during recycling, as well as their identification, traceability, and availability in sufficient volumes at competitive prices. In the food sector, the supply of certified recycled materials for this use remains very limited.
How does ARBURG address client training and technical support in an increasingly technological environment?
Amid the shortage of qualified personnel, training plays a key role in maximising machine performance. This year, we expanded our training programme. In addition to maintenance and operational courses, we offer training focused on eliminating injection defects, reducing mould change times, and improving energy efficiency. We also provide specific courses on special processes, such as LSR processing or multi-component injection.
What objectives or novelties is ARBURG presenting at this edition of Equiplast?
At Equiplast, we are presenting the new TREND electric series, designed as the new standard in plastic injection. It is a machine with maximum energy efficiency, minimal footprint, and simple operation. It allows rapid start-up and offers a delivery time of just four weeks.
Finally, what role do you think fairs like Equiplast play in the evolution and visibility of the plastics sector?
Equiplast, as Spain’s main plastics fair, acts as a meeting point for the sector. It facilitates the presentation of innovations, the exchange of projects, and the analysis of the main market trends.
