From the Sector

At K 2025 in Duesseldorf, the Reifenhäuser Group unveiled its new company-wide machine user interface, which offers a uniform design language for blown film, flat film, and nonwoven lines, as well as particularly simple operation. The overall concept impressed not only customers, but also the jury of the German Design Awards, who honored the system with the prestigious design award during the trade fair.

In times of a growing global shortage of skilled workers, the simple and intuitive operation of production equipment is a decisive success factor. That is why Reifenhäuser has completely redesigned its human-machine interface (HMI) and introduced a completely new, visually appealing, and responsive solution. It combines the highly complex and heterogeneous requirements of different extrusion machines in a flexible and scalable system. Reifenhäuser will be showcasing the new HMI at its open house during the K trade fair on its new EVO GEN3 and EVEREX blown film and flat film lines. 

The operator can access every setting with a maximum of two clicks and, thanks to customizable dashboards and a clearly laid out start-up page, retains control over the entire extrusion process at all times. The intelligent color concept and the intuitive, responsive touch interface significantly speed up operation.

The new development was carried out in collaboration with HMI Project, a renowned agency specializing in human-machine interfaces (HMI). The new HMI was developed with a focus on people in order to simplify everyday operation of complex machines. In a user-centered process, real-life usage scenarios were analyzed and validated through usability tests. The result is a modular, scalable, and extremely flexible interface that combines technical complexity and user-friendliness at the highest level. Assistance systems, informative illustrations, and a clear visual hierarchy support the operator in setting up, monitoring, and optimizing sensitive production processes. 

The German Design Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the design landscape. Since 2012, the award has identified significant design trends, made them visible, and honored them. Every year, outstanding work in the fields of product design, communication design, and architecture is recognized.

The landmark event, attended by 5,022 professionals, confirms the global shift from why to how, driving cross-sector collaboration across 120+ enterprises and 200+ case studies. GREENEXT Expo is an integrated platform dedicated to driving sustainability transformation. Through exhibitions, summits, and international exchange, the Expo fosters a collaborative innovation network connecting business leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators, and consumers to achieve triple wins across economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

The GREENEXT Expo 2025 successfully concluded on September 27 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, solidifying its position as one of the most influential annual platforms for sustainability transformation in China and beyond. Positioned as China's leading greening initiative and accelerator platform, the two-day event focused on the core pillars of Sustainability Innovation × Cross-Sector Collaboration × Business, welcoming 5,022 attendees and bringing together over 120 leading global enterprises and organizations.

The Expo’s central theme was the execution of sustainable practice, moving decisively beyond abstract discourse.

Actionable Solutions Across Six Strategic Zones
GREENEXT 2025 presented over 200 scalable solutions across six dedicated thematic zones, emphasizing practical applications in key areas:

• Fashion Forward: Showcased circular economy models for textiles, featuring solutions from global brands like adidas and the Ellassay Group.
• Living Earth: Focused on the regenerative connection between nature and commerce, highlighting transparent "field to bottle" supply chains with exhibitors such as The Macallan.
• Green for Next: Addressed corporate resilience, covering ESG disclosure, carbon auditing, and low-carbon manufacturing with contributors like HKRI Taikoo Hui and Tencent CarbonXmade.

The event also sharpened its focus on four critical commercial scenarios: Urban Regeneration (ESG-driven circularity), Global Expansion (supply chain trust and compliance), Technological Innovation (youth and startup creativity), and embedding Public Good for long-term competitiveness.

Global Dialogue and the New Aesthetic of Value
The conference program served as a cornerstone, convening 183 global experts in 77 sessions. The international scope was amplified by remarks from diplomatic representatives of European nations, including Finland, Norway, Belgium, and Denmark, fostering essential Global Collaboration on regulatory and market challenges.

Key takeaways from the dialogue included the redefinition of premium commerce through sustainability:
“The Third Aesthetic of Commercial Spaces: Making Sustainability the New Luxury,”
— Ms. Ruifang Ding, Co-General Manager of HKRI Taikoo Hui

Commitment to Future Talent and Philanthropy
The Expo served as a launchpad for future-focused initiatives, including:

• The establishment of the Shanghai Population Welfare Foundation Sustainable Development Fund, promoting the integration of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
• The official release of the Youth Action Guide for Sustainable Development at the Innovation Hub, designed to mobilize the next generation of innovators.
• The recognition of industry leaders at the Global Sustainable Fashion Consumption Industry Pioneer Awards Ceremony.

Public engagement was driven by the "Sustainable Journey," an immersive route that featured interactive activities like the Climate Fresk workshop and the Recycled Plastic Workshop, ensuring that sustainability concepts were translated into tangible, hands-on experiences for consumers.

GREENEXT Expo 2025 successfully confirmed that the pursuit of sustainability is the essence of new productive forces, driving synergy between economic prosperity and ecological benefit. Preparations for GREENEXT Expo 2026 are already underway, promising to further expand its global reach and deepen its impact.