Start-ups and Universities

How AI Can Save Your Production Day!

Julian Gerst, CEO & Founder

At LEAD, we believe that digital transformation should not be a liability, but a strategic advantage. Our team of experts creates seamless interfaces between production staff, machines and data streams, enabling real-time monitoring and proactive decision-making. By automating key processes and providing actionable insights, we help organisations reduce downtime, improve resource allocation and increase overall productivity.

Our mission is clear: we support organisations on their journey to the digital future with a pragmatic approach, deep industry knowledge and a strong focus on creating real value. With OperAID, we make industrial AI accessible and ensure that manufacturers can realise the full potential of their production to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive environment. We are your partner to increase your manufacturing efficiency and safe production costs from day one!

From Bottle Waste to Technical Parts

Prof. Daniel Schwendemann, Head of Compounding/Extrusion

Even in a closed recycling loop system, achieving a 100% closed loop is not feasible. This is because a certain percentage of collected PET cannot be reused in the bottle cycle due to non-conformity with foodsafety regulations or colour specifications. Additionally, not all bottles are disposed correctly and some end up in general waste collection systems or worse in the environment.

To address this issue, the IWK, together with industry partners, is working on solutions, to introduce this waste streams in the production of technical parts and other challenging applications.

Reducing Energy Costs & CO2 Emissions

Paul Appel, Co-Founder & CEO

With ECO2GROW, mid-sized businesses buy green electricity directly from solar and wind farms at long-term fixed prices that are on a par with large corporations. Through our unique multi-buyer PPA approach, we bundle the electricity needs of several companies, allowing them to benefit from the advantages of a large buyer.

ECO2GROW’s aim is to provide SMEs with longterm, cost-effective access to demonstrably green electricity and to actively support companies in their decarbonisation efforts.

Consumer Proof Bundling of PET Bottles

Prof. Marc Juwet

Soft drinks in PET bottles are bundled per 4 to 8 bottles for very different reasons. Today’s consumers expect ecological bundle packaging at no extra cost.

In this context, KU Leuven has developed bundle packaging based on corrugated cardboard from recycled paper. This packaging clamps the PET bottles together, making them behave as one block. It offers ample space for printing and is suitable for bottles of 0.1 to 2 litres.

Transport tests show that the palletised bundles are very dimensionally stable and that interlayer sheets are unnecessary.

In addition to the packaging itself, a concept for the accompanying packaging machine has also been developed for capacities up to more than 80,000 bottles/ hour.

Finally, an LCA and a cost price analysis were carried out for some concrete cases. Its results meet the requirements of today’s consumers.