2005 - 2010: M.Sc. Chemistry (Universtit´a degli studi di Milano) 2010 - 2017: Different research position in Germany (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster and Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg) Since 2017: ALLOD Werksoff GmbH & Co. KG
Giuseppe Fiandaca is a materials expert specializing in medical plastics. Since January 2025, he has been Project Manager Medical at Masterflex Group. He studied Applied Chemistry at Reutlingen University and Plastics Engineering at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences. Giuseppes career began in 2011 at B. Braun Melsungen AG, focusing on PVC and TPE formulations as well as chemical failure analysis. In 2021, he founded Polyneers GmbH, a consulting company dedicated to medical plastics. Giuseppe contributes to standardization work, including the upcoming VDI 2023 guideline on process validation and previously DIN EN ISO 10993-18 on biocompatibility of medical devices.
Dr. Pierre Furtwengler obtained his PhD in polymer chemistry in 2018. The same year he joined Renault engineering team in charge of polymer material development and prescription for under bonnet applications. He is now technical polymer specialist for Renault Group since 3 years.
Vice director “Institute of Polymer Materials” and Head of department “Processing Technology” at the
Leibniz-Institut fuer Polymerforschung Dresden e. V. (Leibniz-IPF). Polymer processing and material
development with 25+ years of experience. Research Area: Process controlled morphologies and
interfaces, Multi-material combination (injection molding, additive manufacturing), Process monitoring and
simulation.
Associations: Spokesperson of Expert network "TPE-Forum", International Representative Germany in
Polymer Processing Society (PPS), Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), Association of German Engineers (VDI)
– contributions to the VDI-guideline 2019 “Testing the adhesion of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) on
substrates” and 2020 “Characterisation of flow behaviour of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)”
Dr. Cristina Bergmann is Business Development Director Process Oils at Ergon International Inc. and has more than 18 years of experience in Specialty Products (Chemicals and Oils), Materials and Technologies markets with strong emphasis on Automotive industry. She has held various positions at Continental Tires, LANXESS Deutschland GmbH and Hansen & Rosenthal.
From 2015 to 2024, she was a member of the Board of Directors of the German Rubber Society (DKG - Deutsche Kautschuk-Gesellschaft).
Rubber and TPE expert with 25+ years of experience
1997-2022 Editor Dr. Gupta Verlag (focus on thermoplastic elastomers, rubber, and polyurethanes)
2009-2022 Editor-in-Chief TPE Magazine
2023 – today Communication specialist and TPE network associate at the German Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (wdk Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie e.V.)
• Member of the VDI Strategy Group Plastics Technology
• Member of the jury of the SPE Central Europe Automotive Awards
Associations:
• TPE Forum
• Forum Werkstoffe
• German Rubber Society (DKG)
• Association of German Engineers (VDI)
• ACS Rubber Division
• Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
Sarah holds a PhD in chemistry from the Technion, Israel. She has previously held the Blavatnik Fellowship at Cambridge University, the role of Head of Chemistry at Photocentric Ltd and CTO of Polyfos 3D, showcasing her commitment to cutting-edge innovation. In 2021, Dr. Karmel joined RHEON Labs. In her current position as Chief Science Officer, she oversees the Future Technologies Function at RHEON Labs, focusing on the development of novel technologies, new materials and formats.
Gaurav Kumar has over 20 years of experience in the polymer industry, spanning Marketing, Sales, and Technical roles. He holds a degree in Polymer Technology and an MBA in Marketing from NIBM, India. Since 2016, Gaurav has been with Avient Corporation, where he leads market development initiatives across the EMEA region, with a focus on the Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) portfolio. Prior to Avient, he spent 13 years with major plastic manufacturers, driving innovation and customer engagement through roles in Application Development, Key Account Management, Product Development, and Technical Services.
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