As plastics manufacturers face increasing pressure to innovate, shorten development cycles and differentiate their products, choosing the right masterbatch partner has never been more important. At the AMI Compounding & Recycling Expo Europe, Bernd Sparenberg, Head of Sales, Marketing & Product Management at Lifocolor, will share his perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the masterbatch sector as part of the Masterbatch Panel Discussion.

With responsibility for sales, marketing and product management, Sparenberg works closely with customers across a wide range of plastics processing applications. His goal is simple: to demonstrate why Lifocolor has become a trusted partner for converters and compounders throughout Europe.

"LIFOCOLOR – Farbig. Schnell. Stark."

For Sparenberg, the combination of technical expertise, local support and rapid development capabilities sets the company apart in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

"Being present with local service and speed to customers is becoming even more relevant in times when others continue restructuring and centralizing organisations," he explains.

As supply chains evolve and customer expectations increase, manufacturers are looking for partners that can respond quickly and deliver solutions without lengthy development times. Lifocolor's pan-European presence enables the company to support customers locally while maintaining the flexibility needed to bring new ideas to market quickly.

That approach is supported by significant technical capabilities.

"We offer the broadest product portfolio, more than 150,000 formulations, a pan-European organisation with local service in Germany, France, Poland and the Czech Republic, fast development and short lead times of around two weeks, backed by almost 40 years of masterbatch know-how and experience."

During the panel discussion, Sparenberg will explore why these factors are becoming increasingly important as plastics processors navigate changing market demands, sustainability requirements and growing pressure to innovate.

One area where innovation is creating new opportunities is in packaging design. Attendees will get a glimpse into one of Lifocolor's latest developments, a solution that challenges traditional assumptions about PET packaging.

"Lifocolor's Velvet PET is a new innovative masterbatch enabling customers to make 'velvet' bottles and containers in PET."

The technology creates a premium tactile surface that combines the appearance and feel often associated with other materials while retaining the productivity and economic advantages of PET.

"Velvet PET offers the look and touch of HDPE with the economics of PET."

Sparenberg believes innovations such as these demonstrate how masterbatch technologies can do far more than simply add colour. They can enhance product aesthetics, improve customer perception and create new market opportunities for processors and brand owners alike.

The session is expected to be particularly valuable for converters working in injection moulding, extrusion and blow moulding, as well as compounders looking to stay ahead of developments in colour and additive technologies.

Beyond sharing technical insights, Sparenberg hopes attendees leave with a stronger understanding of the value that a dedicated masterbatch partner can bring to their business.

"I hope they connect with Lifocolor and want to learn more."

His focus on customer relationships is also one of the reasons he enjoys attending industry events. For Sparenberg, trade shows provide a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, understand customer challenges and stay informed about emerging market developments.

"I'm excited about market trends and meeting customers."

As the masterbatch market continues to evolve, Sparenberg believes close collaboration, local support and continuous innovation will remain essential to helping customers succeed. His participation in the Masterbatch Panel Discussion promises valuable insights for anyone involved in plastics processing, compounding or product development.

Register for Free

Want to hear Bernd Sparenberg's insights during the Masterbatch Panel Discussion, alongside a packed programme of expert presentations covering plastics compounding, recycling, masterbatches, sustainability, materials innovation and industry trends?

Join us at the AMI Compounding & Recycling Expo Europe, taking place 23–24 September 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Register for your free expo pass today: 👉 Register for Free

We look forward to welcoming you to Frankfurt for two days of insight, networking and innovation at the heart of the plastics industry.