High response. Good atmosphere. Strong K.
“The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible” as a motto put into practice – industry demonstrated innovative power, responsibility and a sense of departure
K 2025, the world’s most important trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, came to a successful close in Düsseldorf, Germany on October 15, 2025, after eight days. In view of the current difficult economic conditions, many companies in the plastics and rubber industry came to Düsseldorf with rather cautious expectations However, the atmosphere at the fully booked exhibition center was excellent on all days of the trade fair. The plastics and rubber industry presented itself as more innovative, international and determined than ever to actively shape the transition to more sustainability, digitalization and social responsibility.
“K has demonstrated once again just how much innovative power and dynamism this sector holds. The enormous international interest, the high demand for information and the multitude of concrete investment conversations all the way to many contracts concluded right on site underline the importance of this trade fair as a global platform for pioneering solutions and partnership-based exchange,” emphasized Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer at Messe Düsseldorf, and added: “K is an indispensable compass in uncertain times and once again succeeded in confirming its role as the most important impulse provider and launch platform for the global plastics and rubber industry, where numerous companies have unveiled their innovations to the global public for the first time.”
With the motto “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible”, 3,275 exhibitors from 66 nations presented forward-looking technologies, products and processes along their entire value chain in 18 exhibition halls and outdoor areas. Over 175,000 trade visitors from around 160 countries traveled to Düsseldorf meaning that K visitor attendance remained stable. K provided impressive proof of its position as the industry’s most global trade fair: 73% of all visitors were from abroad and over one third of them from overseas. China (6,300 visitors) and India (6,400 visitors) were particularly well represented. A total of 10,000 visitors traveled to K 2025 from the U.S. and Brazil. The trade fair was again characterized by an above-average proportion of decision-makers (67%).
“The environment we currently have to navigate remains enormously challenging,” explained Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the K 2025 Exhibitor Advisory Board. “But it is especially in such times that the strength of our industry becomes visible. Every three years the global plastics sector comes together here – and for good reason: K is the place where innovations are launched, partnerships are forged, and visions turn into reality. Plastics have been – and will remain – the most important material of our time. They fuse lightweight design, utility, energy efficiency with versatility serving as pioneers of progress in many applications – from medical technology to mobility and energy supply. With improved recycling solutions and circular concepts, they will increasingly become the most sustainable material of our times.”
With its three central key topics “Shaping the Circular Economy”, “Embracing Digitalization” and “Caring about People” K 2025 struck exactly the right chord. Machinery and plant builders impressively showed how efficiency, precision and resource savings can be linked through their ultra-modern manufacturing systems and live demonstrations. The segment of raw and auxiliary materials also impressed with its innovations: from bio-based materials and recycled compounds to new additives that combine functionality with sustainability, the exhibitors presented an impressive range of solutions for tomorrow’s material development. From highly advanced recycling plants and alternative raw materials to data-driven manufacturing systems and strategies for talent promotion and resource savings – it was evident in all halls that the industry has taken up the challenges and is working determinedly on solutions.
Visitors from all over the globe had a great need for information: in addition to topics related to recycling, resource savings and circularity, conversations focused in particular on digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence and efficiency improvements.
This year’s event was marked by a high level of satisfaction. According to preliminary survey results, 95% of visitors stated that they achieved their objectives at the trade fair. 98% of trade visitors rated the range of products and services on offer as excellent or were very satisfied with it. Visitors were especially impressed with the strong presence of market leaders and the large number of innovative companies.
The numerous Specials at K 2025 were also very popular with the international audience. Especially the official Special Show “Plastics Shape the Future” organized jointly by Plastics Europe Deutschland and Messe Düsseldorf inspired with Expert Talks, panel discussions and Start-up Pitches on various themed days. Just as compelling was the VDMA Forum “The Power of Plastics”, presenting the technical implementation of circular processes in plastic production with live demonstrations and expert talks. This program was complemented by the Start-up Zone and Science Campus, bringing together innovation and research. With Rubberstreet under the patronage of wdk, K once again provided a showcase for the innovative power of the elastomer industry. With the debut of “Women in Plastics”, K sent an inspiring signal for more diversity, responsibility and a future-oriented industry. Guided Tours for a wide variety of target groups such as industrial designers or young professionals rounded off the program.
For a detailed review of K 2025 with exhibitor interviews and video footage visit: K-LIVE. For press photos and statements go to www.k-online.com
The next edition of K will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany from October 18 – 25, 2028. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at K 2028, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.k-online.com and www.mdna.com. Follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/mdnachicago/
