DTW expands its additives business
For over 30 years, DTW has processed plastic additives – mostly behind the scenes as a reliable contract manufacturer. In parallel, by‑products from the bakery industry have been processed into animal feed. But now the company is undergoing a strategic reorientation: with cutting‑edge technology, a new sales approach and a clear focus on compacted additive blends, DTW aims to grow across Europe. We speak with Managing Director Torsten Browarny and the new Sales Manager for Additive Blends Europe, Ralf B. Decker, about this transformation.
Mr. Browarny, DTW is already an established company. Why this strategic fresh start now?
Torsten Browarny: In truth, it’s not a fresh start, but a logical next step. We have decades of experience in mixing and compacting additives – but almost exclusively under contract for a single customer. We now want to bring this expertise to the market ourselves, with our own portfolio, targeted customer outreach and far greater visibility.
What exactly will change in your business with additives?
Torsten Browarny: We are evolving from pure contract manufacturing to the development and marketing of our own additive solutions – with everything that entails: bespoke products, technical consultancy, development capabilities. We are deliberately emphasising compacted solutions instead of conventional ones: that means no masterbatches, but additive blends without polymer carriers.
Mr. Decker, you are new on board. What appealed to you about this mission?
Ralf B. Decker: DTW brings a combination that is rarely found: industrial experience, reliable technology and openness to genuine customer solutions. That is what the European market needs – many companies want flexible, application‑specific additive solutions but do not want to struggle with handling problems or compatibility issues. DTW offers a very practical alternative.
Which target groups are you particularly focusing on?
Ralf B. Decker: Primarily plastic processors, compounders and recyclers. But also additive manufacturers who seek a dependable compacting partner for sensitive products. DTW is not the loudest player – but one that thinks along, works alongside and develops with the customer. That makes the difference.
A key element is the new plant. What will it be capable of?
Torsten Browarny: At the turn of the year, we will launch a state‑of‑the‑art blending and compacting line. It will give us greater precision, more flexibility and increased capacity – even for smaller batch sizes and individual formulations. This positions us technically to scale the business and serve new markets.
What will remain constant alongside all these changes?
Torsten Browarny: The production of animal feed from by‑products remains an important part of our portfolio. There too, we rely on proven processes and loyal customer relationships. But in future the compacted additive blends segment will become the backbone of our strategic development.
And where do you see DTW in five years?
Ralf B. Decker: As an established solution partner for additive blends in Europe – technically strong, close to the customer and with a clear focus on innovation and implementation competence.
