Dr. Magdalena Laabs – My Journey with Plastics, Recycling, and Innovation

My Passion for Plastics and Recycling

Plastics and recycling have been my passion for over 20 years. My journey in this field began in childhood when my father—a mechanical engineer and inventor—would wake me up at 6:00 AM, even on Sundays, to explain how plastic products are manufactured.

My mother, although skilled in operating extrusion machines, never shared the same enthusiasm for technology as my father. It was his passion and dedication that sparked my interest in innovation, machinery, and production processes.

Dr Magdalena Laabs Rolbatch Academy Plastics Recycling Green Tech Innovation Technology

From Legal Studies to Plastics Processing

Initially, I took a different career path. While studying commercial law at an economics university, I worked for 2.5 years in a law firm. However, I soon realized that my true calling lay in plastics processing and recycling. I returned to my family’s business and completely immersed myself in this field.

Today, with over 20 years of experience, I combine theory with practice to create training programs and online courses that help professionals optimize processes, reduce waste, and embrace sustainable production.

Why Did I Create Rolbatch Academy?

When I first started in the plastics industry, I found it challenging to access practical resources about plastics and recycling. Most of the materials I encountered focused on chemical formulas and theoretical concepts—useful for laboratories but not for practitioners.

I founded Rolbatch Academy to provide clear, practical training based on real-life projects and step-by-step explanations.

In my courses:

No chemical formulas – I leave those to professors and researchers.
100% practical approach – I explain processes in a clear and accessible way.
Videos and photos – Courses include visual examples and real case studies from my projects.

Dr Magdalena Laabs Rolbatch Academy Plastics Recycling Green Tech Innovation Blown Film Extrusion Technology

More Than Just Plastics

In addition to plastics, recycling, and sustainable technologies, I’m also passionate about renewable energy sources. Through my company Axtora Energy, I help businesses reduce energy consumption using AI and waste heat recovery technologies to generate electricity.

👉 Learn more at www.AxtoraEnergy.com

My Interests Beyond Technology

Apart from plastics, recycling, renewable energy, and traveling, I’m also interested in:

Quantum physics – exploring the mysteries of the universe.
Healthy nutrition – studying how diet impacts physical and mental well-being.
Art – painting oil paintings as a way to relax and express creativity.
Writing books – inspiring others to grow and succeed.

Recycler from Havana Cuba - Recycling Plastics Technology - Rolbatch Academy Dr Magdalena Laabs Green Tech

The Story Behind the Painting – The Cuban Recycler and PET Bottles

My oil painting, titled “Recycler from Havana,” holds a very special meaning for me. I painted it in 2023, inspired by a photo I took in December 2016. It depicts a Cuban man washing PET bottles—a scene that has stayed with me ever since.

He was so calm and joyful that his smile immediately caught my attention. I remember looking at him and thinking, “How many of these bottles can he possibly wash in an hour?” I know machines and production lines that can process anywhere from 500 kilograms to even 3 tons of plastic per hour. And yet, there he was, working by hand—bottle by bottle.

Despite this contrast, there was something almost hypnotic about his serenity and dedication. That moment left such a strong impression on me that his photo remained the wallpaper on my computer for years.

In 2023, I decided to bring this scene to life on canvas. That’s how “Recycler from Havana” came to be—a painting that has already been showcased at several international exhibitions.

This work is more than just a piece of art. It’s a symbol of reflection—on work, technology, and the human ability to find peace amidst everyday challenges.

Co-Author of a Book with Brian Tracy

I co-authored the book "Successful Mindset: The Key to Achieving Your Goals – 23 Principles of Successful People" with Brian Tracy, one of the world’s leading business mentors.

👉 Learn more about the book at www.BrianTracy-MagdalenaLaabs.de.

Brian Tracy & Dr Magdalena Laabs - Successful Mindset the Key to achieving your Gaols Book - Inspiration Motivation

Let’s Share Knowledge and Learn Together!

If you’d like to share your experiences in the plastics and recycling industries, I’d be happy to talk and listen. There’s never too much information about plastics!

Imagine how rewarding it is when someone from Peru can teach someone in Germany about plastics—and vice versa.

Let’s learn from each other! I welcome all questions and look forward to exchanging insights.

👉 Follow me on LinkedIn @DrMagdalenaLaabs www.linkedin.com/in/drmagdalenalaabs