Our strategy

Our main objective is to enhance the competitiveness of the companies that are members of the Plastics Cluster by implementing new materials and additives. We introduce modern technologies in cluster member companies in order to address weaknesses, especially in SMEs that often lack the infrastructure for testing new materials.

Material research:

Our materials research focuses on two main areas: discovering and utilising new raw materials such as innovative polymers, additives, nanofillers and biopolymers, and optimising the composition of polymer blends.

Technological development:

The Plastics Cluster invests in research and development technology while closely collaborating with the Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín and in particular its centres for polymer materials and systems. Thanks to this collaboration, our members have access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.

Centre for Plastic Products Modelling:

Our testing and development centre is equipped with specialised machinery that is not available either at the Tomáš Baťa University or at members of the Plastics Cluster, providing excellent conditions for development and testing.

Our main objective is to improve the professional skills of employees at the companies that are members of the Cluster. Emphasis is placed on sharing the latest knowledge and innovations in plastics processing between operators and technologists. Our efforts also include the involvement of students from secondary schools and the Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín through joint projects such as field trips, internships and theses.

Professional training:

We regularly organise specialised meetings and trainings for target groups of employees of our member companies, known as “Cluster Thursdays”. These activities include workshops and seminars focused on practical skills in areas such as injection moulding, extrusion and other processing techniques.

Internships and practical experience for students:

For students of the Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín, we offer internships in member companies of the Cluster where they will gain valuable work experience; for the companies, this is an opportunity to find new talent. We also work with the TBU and affiliated secondary schools on modernisation of study programmes and curricula to ensure they better reflect the needs and trends in plastics.

Our goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of companies that are members of our cluster through more efficient cost management. We achieve this by implementing joint purchasing strategies that enable members to save on basic necessities.

Cooperative purchasing programmes:

• Electricity:
  We work together to jointly purchase electricity, resulting in significant savings for our members.
• Gas:
  Similarly, we coordinate gas purchases to ensure cluster members can benefit from preferential prices.
• Raw materials:
  We organise joint purchasing of various raw materials needed for plastics processing which reduces costs and increases efficiency.
• Overhead materials:
  We also coordinate the purchase of common overhead materials to bring additional savings to our members.

Our primary aim is to provide the Plastics Cluster with stable and functional administrative and design facilities that are the cornerstone of its successful operation.

Key operations of the cluster:

• Office operations:
  We maintain an efficient and well-functioning office environment that serves as a central hub for all our operations and activities.
• Evaluation of members’ performance:
  We carry out benchmarking to track and evaluate the performance of member companies in the cluster, which helps identify areas for improvement and development.
• Marketing and publicity:
  We actively promote and raise awareness of the Plastics Cluster, its activities and successes through a wide range of marketing and publicity activities.