Troubled plastics industry rallies around innovation and sustainability

K 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for plastics and rubber, has wrapped up in Düsseldorf, Germany after eight days.

Despite the challenges of operating in a tough economic climate, the atmosphere across the exhibition grounds was buoyant, with companies showcasing sustainability, digitalisation and social responsibility.

‘K has demonstrated once again just how much innovative power and dynamism this sector holds,’ said Marius Berlemann, coo at Messe Düsseldorf. He highlighted strong international interest, high demand for information and talks that led to contracts being signed on site. ‘K is an indispensable compass in uncertain times and once again confirmed its role as the most important global platform for pioneering solutions and partnership-based exchange,’ he added.

Resilience

Under the banner ‘The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible’, 3 275 exhibitors from 66 countries filled 18 halls and outdoor areas with technologies, materials and processes spanning the entire value chain. There were more than 175 000 trade visitors from around 160 nations. Three-quarters (73%) came from outside Germany, including large contingents from China (6 300), India (6 400), Brazil and the United States, which together accounted for 10 000 visitors. Decision-makers made up 67% of attendees.
Ulrich Reifenhäuser, chairman of the K 2025 Exhibitor Advisory Board, said the event proved the sector’s resilience: ‘K is the place where innovations are launched, partnerships are forged, and visions turn into reality.’
Acknowledging economic headwinds, he stressed that plastics remained ‘the most important material of our time’. Advances in recycling and circular systems, he added, will cement its role as an increasingly sustainable material.

High satisfaction

This year’s themes were ‘Shaping the Circular Economy’, ‘Embracing Digitalisation’ and ‘Caring about People’. Machinery manufacturers demonstrated efficiency, precision and resource savings through live production systems. Raw materials suppliers unveiled bio-based polymers, recycled compounds and new additives that blend performance with environmental goals. Across the halls, recycling technologies, digital manufacturing, alternative feedstocks, AI and talent development featured prominently.
Satisfaction levels were high: preliminary surveys showed 95% of visitors met their objectives, while 98% rated the product and service offering as excellent or very satisfactory. The presence of market leaders and a broad spectrum of innovators drew particular praise.