Lehvoss: Cost-Oriented “Smart Resourcing” Concept for Plastics Processors

Lehvoss plans to demonstrate at Fakuma 2026 how plastics processors can reduce their material costs by using existing compound formulations. According to the company, savings of 10 to 20 percent are possible in typical projects. Quality, security of supply and technical service are intended to remain at their existing levels.

The concept, known as “Smart Resourcing”, is based on a portfolio of proven compound formulations built up over decades. Instead of developing materials entirely from scratch for each application, Lehvoss draws on already qualified material solutions and adapts them to the respective technical requirements. This is intended to reduce development effort and project lead times. According to the company, the cost advantage therefore does not result from lower material quality, but from more efficient development and the selection of existing formulations.

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Lehvoss positions the offering as an additional business segment. The company intends to continue its activities in the high-performance compounds segment under the “Luvocom” brand, as well as in technical and recycled-content compounds from the “Luvotech” and “Luvotech eco” product lines. According to the company, the formulation portfolio used for Smart Resourcing is based on the development work carried out in these business areas.

The concept is aimed at both existing applications and new projects. For existing applications, it can be assessed whether switching materials makes economic sense. In new projects, the cost advantage can either be used to reduce material expenditure or to improve material properties within a specified budget.

In addition to price, Smart Resourcing also takes technical specifications and procurement strategy into account. Materials are to be matched as closely as possible to the performance characteristics actually required in order to avoid over- or underspecification. Further objectives include additional sourcing options, a broader supplier base and greater planning reliability through defined quality standards and internationally available supply structures.

Blowing Agent Masterbatches for Reducing Weight, Cycle Time and Energy Consumption
As an example of how the processing stage can be incorporated into the concept, Lehvoss cites blowing agent masterbatches from the “Luvobatch” product family. They can be used, among other applications, in injection-moulded components such as door panels or lamp housings.

According to the supplier, component weight can be reduced by up to 25 percent without significantly impairing the required impact resistance or stability. Shorter cycle times may also be achieved, allowing more parts to be produced on the same production equipment within a given period. In certain applications, the processing temperature can also be reduced, which can lower the energy demand of the production process.

Trade Fair Exhibits from Robotics, Drone Technology and Lighting
At its booth, Lehvoss plans to showcase applications featuring materials from the “Luvotech”, “Luvotech eco” and “Luvocom” product ranges. The exhibits are set to include an exoskeleton, an autonomous agricultural drone and a work light made from a recycled-content, thermally conductive compound.

Materials for Exoskeletons
Using an exoskeleton, the company will demonstrate material solutions for structural components and parts subject to tribological loads. The application uses compounds for metal replacement as well as materials with tailored friction and wear properties. Some of the materials are based on industrial recyclates.

The application is intended to show how mechanical stability and functional properties can be combined with an economically optimised material selection. Potential fields of application include not only exoskeletons, but also humanoid robots and other moving technical systems.

Lightweight Compounds for Autonomous Drones
Another focus is an autonomous agricultural drone whose components are predominantly made from Lehvoss compounds. The application illustrates the use of these materials in lightweight structures and in the functional integration of complex components.

For drone propellers, the company offers carbon-fibre-reinforced compounds based on its XCF technology. The materials are designed to combine low weight with high strength and stiffness. For propeller blades made from these materials, Lehvoss specifies a flexural strength of up to 527 MPa and a flexural modulus of 31 GPa.

Compared with aluminium, the components can be up to 50 percent lighter, according to the company. Compared with solutions made from PA66 reinforced with 50 percent glass fibre, weight savings of up to 43 percent are stated. The lower weight can help reduce the drone’s energy consumption and increase flight performance and range. In addition, the materials are intended to reduce noise generation and improve the fatigue strength of the propellers.

In the field of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics, the portfolio includes short-fibre and XCF compounds as well as long-fibre compounds and materials containing recycled carbon fibres.

Work light with a heat-conductive plastic housing made from “Luvotech eco TC” – (Photo: Lehvoss).

Thermally Conductive Recycled-Content Compounds for Work Lights
As an example of the use of recycled-content materials, Lehvoss will showcase a work light made from “Luvotech eco TC”. The product line comprises thermally conductive compounds for applications in lighting technology and thermal management.

The materials are designed to achieve thermal conductivity of up to 18 W/mK. Compared with equivalent virgin-material solutions, their carbon footprint is claimed to be up to 60 percent lower. The compounds are manufactured from mechanically recycled raw materials and using electricity from renewable sources.

The application demonstrates how recycled plastics can also be used in components with elevated requirements for heat dissipation and technical performance. At the same time, the materials are intended to help companies address future requirements relating to the circular economy, resource efficiency and the use of recyclates.

Fakuma 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany
12–16 October 2026
Hall B1, Stand 1109

More information: www.lehvoss.de

Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG, Hamburg, Germany

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