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| K 2025/Credit: Constanze Tillmann |
From 8 to 15 October 2025 K in Düsseldorf will again become the main stage for the international plastics and rubber industry – making an unmistakable statement with its motto “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible”. This motto reflects the industry’s current values and targets, and underlines that plastics form an indispensable component of numerous sectors of industry that make a major contribution to innovation and progress. At the same time, the motto of the forthcoming K stands for the industry’s commitment to act sustainably, smartly and responsibly in producing and handling the material that is plastic.
Especially in today’s challenging times K in Düsseldorf underscores its role as the world’s No. 1 trade fair. It is the place where the complete value chain is presented at the highest level. Nowhere else are innovations on show in such high concentration, nowhere else can so many product launches be seen as at K in Düsseldorf. On the one hand, it is the global showcase of an active, innovative and responsible sector, on the other hand, it is also the platform where the future is shaped – be it by trail-blazing technologies, in-depth discussions of global challenges or as a point of departure for joint ventures across borders.
Facts, figures and international flair
K impresses not only with its sheer dimensions but also with the variety of nations represented. It has been completely booked up since May 2024. Over 177,000 sqm net exhibition space in the 18 exhibition halls and on the outdoor premises provide room for the entire spectrum of the plastics and rubber industry.
The international appeal of K is unparalleled: the last event in 2022 was attended by 3,020 exhibitors from 59 nations and visitors from 167 countries. Particularly well represented were the exhibitors from Europe, Asia and the USA and a total of 71% of trade visitors hailed from abroad.
In 2025, exhibitors from Europe in particular will once again be strongly represented, especially from Germany, Italy, Turkey, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain. At the same time, K clearly shows the changes in the global market: the number and exhibition space of companies from Asia have remained at a consistently high level for years. The presence of companies from China, India and Taiwan will be particularly impressive. In addition, the USA will once again be represented by a larger group of exhibitors.
The high number of innovations as well as the presence of all market leaders are regularly rated with top scores by K visitors (98% visitors satisfaction). This relates not only to plastics and rubber product manufacturers but also to industrial end users that regularly visit K. These include experts from the fields of automotive, packaging, electrical engineering, electronics, communications, construction, medical device technology or aviation and aerospace. They all appreciate the trade fair as a source of inspiration for their industries and products as well as a platform to discover pioneering innovations that help them successfully hold their own alongside international competitors.
The guiding topics of K 2025: shaping the future
K 2025 has set itself the task of tackling the key challenges of our time and presenting concrete solutions. This is also reflected in the three guiding topics:
- Shaping the circular economy
The industry is increasingly working on a sustainable circular economy that promotes the reuse, recycling and the reduction of plastic waste.
- Embracing digitalisation
The plastics and rubber industry players are aware of the transformative power of digitalisation and deploy more and more digital technologies to increase the efficiency of their machinery and products and to drive innovations.
- Caring about people
The sector is aware of its social responsibility with regard to environmental protection. The focus is here on the responsible handling of resources. At the same time, it promotes young talent and creates future perspectives for young professionals in the plastics and rubber sector.
Highlights and new formats at K 2025
The Specials at K 2025 will pick up on the trade fair’s guiding topics. They comprise proven successful formats while focusing on innovations at the same time:
- Special: “Plastics shape the Future”: the official Special Show of K is a project by the German plastics industry headed by PlasticsEurope Deutschland e. V. and Messe Düsseldorf. It illustrates the fascinating developments already happening now and how the visions for tomorrow are already on the way to being implemented today; but it also highlights the important role international politics play in this. “Plastics Shape the Future” comprises seven themed days – featuring discussions on innovative technologies and materials, keynotes, a political panel, Career Day and Start-up Pitch.
- VDMA Forum: In 2025 VDMA (German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association) will again present a comprehensive Forum on the outdoor premises, this time entitled “The Power of Plastics”. Located outdoors between Halls 10 and 16, the VDMA and some 10 of its member companies will demonstrate just how relevant technology is for implementing circularity in the plastic industry. In addition, the Association in the VDMA Pavilion offers not only selected finished products and live presentations but also ample room for discussion and interaction with workshops, panel discussions and events for young talents.
- Rubberstreet: In 2025 Rubberstreet will again serve as the showcase for the innovative power and operational excellence of the elastomer sector. Already since 1983 it has been the “first port of call” and orientation point for all those interested in learning more about elastomers (rubber & TPE) at K. The patron of Rubberstreet is wdk (German Rubber Industry Association).
- Start-up Zone: The Start-up Zone successfully debuted at the last edition of K. It will also be continued in 2025 and extended to provide a platform for as many newcomers as possible who are specifically dedicated to the development of innovative products and solutions in the fields of plastics and rubber.
- Science Campus: At the Science Campus universities, colleges and institutes will present their latest plastics research findings. A new concept of the Science Campus permits exhibitors – in addition to exhibiting with their own stands – to also take part in the Science Campus Center as an extra option.
- Young Talents Lounge: The plastics industry faces massive recruitment problems. Often, however, the simple reason for this is school leavers’ lack of knowledge about the variety of skilled occupations and career opportunities in the plastics industry. With a view to also securing sufficient young talent in future the GKV (German Plastics Converters Association) will invite young people and job starters to the Young Talents Lounge for the first time at K 2025. Here, the plastics training will be accessible virtually and in-person and first-hand student experiences will be shared with the trade fair audience.
- Women in plastics: This networking event specifically designed for women will debut at K 2025. Successful women in the international plastics sector will report in a panel discussion and best-practice talks on their careers and experiences and will be available for questions from the audience. The aim is to promote exchange with one another, strengthen professional networks and enhance the visibility of female leaders in the sector.
