About Nicolas

Nicolas Schlutig works as a Technical Manager at Sumika Polymer Compounds, France. He is responsible mainly for Automotive OEM and global technical assistance for glass reinforced compounds polypropylene. He started as a process engineer and has more than 15 years of experience in the formulation, compounding and processing of glass reinforced compounds.  He has a strong experience in automotive application and holds an engineering degree in Polymer Engineering and Technology from Marseille University.

What do you think sets Sumika Polymer Compounds apart from its competitors?

Sumika Polymer Compounds Europe, part of Sumitomo Chemical group, is an innovative company. Developing high performance polypropylene compounds is in our DNA and we are primarily a solution provider. To achieve this, we are agile in order to meet various customers’ needs, with more than 40 years’ experience in engineering reinforced Polypropylene under the Thermofil trade name.  Through continual innovation we achieve lightweighting, lower CO₂ footprint compared to traditional Engineering plastics without compromising on performance. Our main differentiator is that we have developed a unique concept to fully support customers by proposing advanced compounds completely supported by cutting-edge material. Giving opportunity to our customers to achieve fast and safe “zero prototype” development.  Our key service is to be able to give our customers all the necessary simulation tools to achieve seamless substitution of other types of plastics. We develop these solutions globally but provide local support and local production.

With over 20+ years industry experience, what have been the most significant industry changes you’ve witnessed in that time?

Today’s customers need to develop faster, safer and maintain cost competitiveness. The industry is facing a revolution, particularly with the introduction of battery electrical vehicles to the market. One major shift is the advancement of digitalisation, including the comprehensive characterisation of our products to help customers move towards eliminating physical prototypes. Another important development is the evolution of high performance recycled plastics, which are now seen as a valuable resource rather than just a means for cost reduction. To support this initiative, Sumika offer a complete range of recycled products based on mechanical recycling and is actively working with OEM’s to close the loop on end-of-life plastic waste (ELV, WEEE). This will become even more critical with the upcoming “new ELV direction” expected in the next couple of years.

Can you briefly tell us about your work within automotive applications?

I am the Technical Support and CAE Manager for Sumika Polymer Compounds Europe . I’m in charge of technical service provision for all of our customers and provide support for part design and simulation. My main task is to offer solutions to specific customer challenges by proposing the right products or right solutions to achieve their goals. I am also the key technical contact with the OEM R&D departments.  

Listening to our customers’ needs in this ever-changing environment helps us develop innovative products like E-mobility or support them with their CO₂ footprint reduction and cost-saving initiatives.

What are you most looking forward to from the expo?

During the Expo , we would like to identify new partners and leverage our expertise to enhance sustainability in the automotive industry by closing the loop on ELV and meeting future EU regulations. We also seek to connect with innovative partners to expand our network, support our customers and drive our future. An added benefit of this Expo is the opportunity to engage with material and machine providers in a focused environment, which helps develop and strengthen critical cross functional communication channels. 

Nicolas Schlutig will be speaking on Day 2 at the Compounding World Expo Theatre.