Süddeutsches Kunststoff-Zentrum

Süddeutsches Kunststoff-Zentrum (SKZ), branded as SKZ – Das Kunststoff-Zentrum, is a German plastics institute headquartered in Würzburg. Founded in 1961 in Munich on the initiative of the Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern and with support from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, it has grown into one of the largest industry-specific plastics institutes in Europe. The organization is carried by the Fördergemeinschaft für das Süddeutsche Kunststoff-Zentrum (FSKZ e. V.), a non-profit association whose members include industrial companies, associations, and research institutions. SKZ operates as a group of subsidiaries: SKZ-Testing GmbH (testing and certification for quality assurance of materials and finished products), SKZ-Cert GmbH (management system certification), and SKZ-KFE gGmbH (non-profit, non-university research and development as well as vocational training). Additional group entities include the European Center for Dispersion Technology (EZD) in Selb and Analytik Service Obernburg GmbH (ASO), acquired in April 2017. SKZ offers services across the entire plastics value chain. Its research focuses on application-oriented topics such as component properties, digitalization, materials development, measurement technology, sustainability, and the circular economy, as well as processing and joining methods including additive manufacturing, blow molding, compounding, extrusion, adhesive bonding, welding, injection molding, and thermoforming. More than 140 scientists work on approximately 100 publicly funded projects per year plus numerous industrial projects. The institute operates a DAkkS-accredited testing laboratory according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and an accredited Type A inspection body according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17020. It tests plastics and plastic products for mechanical-technological, chemical-analytical, electrical, optical, thermal, and climatic properties. It is also accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065:2013, enabling it to act as a Notified Body for CE marking of construction products. Since 2000, SKZ has been accredited by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to test table tennis balls for national and international tournaments. Since 1987, it has been one of ten globally recognized testing facilities of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Education and training have been central to SKZ's mission since its founding. Its courses and conferences cover materials, process engineering, tooling technology, and industry-specific topics for specialists and managers, with practical courses in plastics processing and machining (injection molding, extrusion, welding, bonding, etc.). Welder courses allow examinations according to DVGW, DVS, and AGFW guidelines. More than 10,000 participants attend SKZ training each year. The SKZ network includes more than 400 member companies. The institute has locations in Würzburg (headquarters), Halle, Horb am Neckar, Peine, Selb, and Obernburg am Main, plus a training center in Dubai. In 2021, approximately 450 employees worked across the various locations. SKZ is a member of the ZUSE-Gemeinschaft, an association of non-university research institutions.

The Fördergemeinschaft für das Süddeutsche Kunststoff-Zentrum (FSKZ e. V.) was founded on 20 January 1961 in Munich on the initiative of the Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern with support from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. The workshops of the Würzburg Chamber of Crafts initially served as classrooms for the first courses for the skilled trades. Three years later, in 1964, the first Technikum with processing machines and testing laboratories was established in Würzburg. Also in 1964, SKZ became an officially recognized testing institute for plastics. In 1972, SKZ became a member of the Association of European Plastics Institutes (ADICEP). The first extension building was constructed in 1974, and the SKZ test mark was awarded for the first time. Training of the first plastics quality inspectors began in 1980. Since 1987, SKZ has been one of ten globally recognized testing facilities of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). In 1994, the management certification body opened at SKZ, and continuing education activities were expanded with a new building. In 2005, the Technology Center in the Ost industrial area of Würzburg was completed, and SKZ's testing and research activities moved to this location. In April 2017, Analytik Service Obernburg GmbH (ASO) joined the SKZ Group, expanding the portfolio especially in the automotive supply, synthetic fiber, plastics, chemicals, and medical sectors. In 2021, approximately 450 employees worked at the various SKZ locations. The institute has been led by several directors over its history, including Heinz Peukert (1961–1964), Wilbrand Woebcken (1964–1982), and Hans-Hellmuth Schönborn (from 1982).

• 2021

  Approximately 450 employees work at the various SKZ locations.

• 2017

  Analytik Service Obernburg GmbH (ASO) joins the SKZ Group in April.

• 2005

  Technology Center in the Ost industrial area of Würzburg completed; testing and research activities relocated there.

• 2000

  SKZ accredited by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to test table tennis balls.

• 1994

  Management certification body opens at SKZ; continuing education activities expanded with a new building.

• 1987

  SKZ becomes one of ten globally recognized testing facilities of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

• 1980

  Training of the first plastics quality inspectors begins.

• 1974

  First extension building constructed; SKZ test mark awarded for the first time.

• 1972

  SKZ becomes member of the Association of European Plastics Institutes (ADICEP).

• 1964

  First Technikum with processing machines and testing laboratories established in Würzburg; SKZ becomes officially recognized testing institute for plastics.

• 1961

  Fördergemeinschaft für das Süddeutsche Kunststoff-Zentrum (FSKZ e. V.) founded on 20 January in Munich.

One of the largest industry-specific plastics institutes in Europe, offering neutral, application-oriented research, testing, certification, and training along the entire plastics value chain.

• Testing and certification services

  DAkkS-accredited testing laboratory (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025) and Type A inspection body (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17020) for plastics and plastic products.

• Management system certification

  Certification according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, HACCP, FW 605, and ISO/TS 16949 (via cooperation partners).

• Research and development

  Application-oriented research in component properties, digitalization, materials development, measurement technology, sustainability, circular economy, and processing methods.

• Training and continuing education

  Courses and conferences for specialists and managers in the plastics industry, with over 10,000 participants annually.

• ITTF-accredited table tennis ball testing

  Testing of table tennis balls for national and international tournaments since 2000.

• FIH-recognized hockey pitch testing

  One of ten globally recognized testing facilities of the International Hockey Federation since 1987.

1. 1SKZ - Das Kunststoff-Zentrum | Wir lösen das mit Sicherheit!skz.de
2. 2Süddeutsches Kunststoff-Zentrum (Germany) - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3SKZ – Das Kunststoff-Zentrum - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org