ALBIS: Navigating growth and change

The K Trade Fair is just around the corner. What are you looking forward to – and what are your expectations? 

The K is primarily an international meeting point for us. Engaging directly with partners and customers from around the globe is always a highlight for me – as is the opportunity to discuss developments, initiate new projects, and see how our market is evolving despite all the challenges. Above all, I expect K 2025 to provide fresh ideas and an open dialogue about the economic development of our industry. The trade fair offers the ideal platform to promote key topics, such as sustainability, the circular economy and digitalization as well as new international partnerships. At our booth A 62 in hall 6, we will be presenting our new developments and demonstrating the added value of distribution – often with material combinations from various partners in one project.  

What is the focus of the fair? 

Our focus is clearly set on engineering plastics – without neglecting neglecting standard polymers, of course. This year, we are showcasing a broad selection of successful product solutions from a wide range of market segments. From Mobility to E&E and Sports & Leisure, right into our signature discipline: medical technology. We specialize in healthcare applications, where we bring considerable expertise, and are strategically expanding our portfolio – most recently, for example, with Arkema’s medical-grade high-performance polymers. At the same time, we are focusing on our continuously growing range of sustainable solutions.  

What are the current key topics in general? 

Our key topics can be summarized in three main areas: internationalization, sustainability and digitalization. 

Internationalization allows us to build a local presence in growing markets, which in turn strengthens many customer relationships. With our presence in new markets such as Brazil, Israel, North Africa and Vietnam, we are expanding our partnerships and reinforcing our core business in Europe. For us, sustainability means systematically expanding our portfolio to include resource-saving and recyclable materials. Our portfolio currently includes 80 sustainable product lines – an increase of some 30 product lines since K 2022!

And digitalization is essential for continuously improving our offering and for becoming more sustainable and efficient. AI-based applications are used, for example, in data analysis and forecasting – helping us to better predict material requirements and continuously optimize our supply chain processes. Smart systems also support customer service and product management, enabling us to meet individual needs even more quickly and accurately – for example, through digital tools that assist with material selection.   

Speaking of internationalization: Can you tell us more about your recent activities in Brazil? 

We have just acquired a majority stake in Tecnomatiz, a well-established distributor of engineering plastics based in São Paulo. This second-generation family-run company is an excellent fit for us – not only in terms of its product portfolio and broad market coverage, but, above all, thanks to its strong commitment to high-quality and its comprehensive consulting services. We are already in the process of systematically expanding our partner and product portfolio, while further developing the local team and the market with our own presence. The Brazilian market offers a lot of potential, particularly due to its growing industrial sector and increasing demand for plastic solutions. Our goal is to make this first location in South America a pillar for our further expansion in this region. On a personal level, I am especially pleased with this step into Brazil, as I previously worked there as General Manager Latin Americas of Bayer AG’s plastics division and have grown very fond of this wonderful country. 

 If the strategic focus is on the expansion outside of Europe, what does it mean for the European markets? 

Our expansion outside of Europe serves as diversification. It is no substitute for our engagement in Europe, but rather a complement to it with targeted efficiency gains. Europe remains our core market. Our strong organic growth in Italy, Europe's largest distribution market, is a good example of this strategy. By widening our presence in other regions, we can further strengthen our position in Europe by expanding our networks and creating synergies, both with regard to expanding our distribution partnerships and through new projects and innovative developments that benefit our customers worldwide. 

 ALBIS offers one of the most comprehensive sustainable portfolios on the market. At the EU level, however, commitment to environmental protection is currently declining, and the Green Deal is under scrutiny. What does this mean for ALBIS? 

In recent years, we have consistently expanded our portfolio of sustainable products, and this strategic direction remains unchanged. However, we are noticing that the current political uncertainty – particularly the debate surrounding the Green Deal – is causing many customers to adopt a cautious approach due to a lack of planning security. We expect this uncertainty to be reflected in demand. Nevertheless, this is only in the mid-term. In the long-term, we are convinced that the trend toward greater sustainability will remain, because regulations, ESG requirements, and social pressure will ultimately continue to push in this direction. 

 What challenges do you see next year and what would help?  

The biggest challenges include volatile demand, geopolitical uncertainties and increasingly demanding regulatory requirements, which go hand in hand with additional bureaucracy. At the same time, within the industry, we need to find ways to actively shape the transformation toward a climate-neutral and digitized economy. 

The use of AI in a globally operating distribution company is demanding, as it brings about many changes – including cultural ones. At the same time, AI offers tremendous opportunities, especially when we combine it intelligently with the extensive data in our systems.

I would like to see us finally moving beyond plastic bashing and sweeping condemnations in favor of constructive solutions and productive discussions. And we still need an environment that offers reliable and supportive long-term conditions, whether regarding energy costs in Europe, investments in infrastructure, or clear legal requirements for the circular economy. 

Thank you!