K trade fair sets the direction for the plastics industry

Interview with Thomas Franken, Director of K Show.

What scale will this year’s K trade fair reach – both in terms of exhibitor numbers and international reach? Which regions of the world will be particularly visible in the halls of Messe Düsseldorf?

By the end of the official registration period in May 2024, it was already clear that all leading companies from the global plastics and rubber sector would be taking part in this premier industry event. Once again, all 18 halls of the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, along with the outdoor areas – equivalent to the of 25 football fields – will be fully occupied. More than 3,100 exhibitors from 63 countries are expected.

Europe will be especially well represented at this year’s K, with strong participation from Germany, Italy, Turkey, Austria, as well as the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spain. At the same time, K clearly reflects the ongoing shifts in the global market: the number of companies from Asia and the exhibition space they occupy has remained at a consistently high level for years. Particularly impressive participation is expected from China, India, and Taiwan.

What innovations will debut at K 2025, and how will they address the key challenges currently facing the plastics industry?

In these challenging times, K in Düsseldorf once again confirms its status as the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. It is here that the entire sector comes together to showcase the highest levels of innovation and expertise. Nowhere else will you find as many world premieres as at K – which is why many exhibitors keep their new technologies and breakthrough solutions under wraps until the show begins. I am confident that the upcoming edition will deliver significant progress in the key areas driving the industry forward.

The official motto of K 2025 – “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible” – reflects the 3 core themes shaping the industry today.

Sustainability will be the top priority at nearly every exhibitor’s stand. Plastics are indispensable across numerous sectors of the economy, driving innovation and progress, and their role in building a sustainable future cannot be overstated. One of the central themes of K 2025 is “creating a circular economy” – a concept that is increasingly defining the industry’s development. Recycling, reuse, and plastic waste reduction are the cornerstones of this transformation. Circularity will also take center stage at the VDMA Forum, located outdoors between Halls 10 and 16. There, VDMA and its member companies will demonstrate how technology can actively support the implementation of circular systems and will create a space for discussion inside the specially designed VDMA Dome.

It is also worth highlighting the other 2 guiding themes of K 2025, both closely tied to sustainability. The first is digitalisation – as it enables increased efficiency of machines and products and supports sustainable practices such as material tracking and sorting for re-entry into the value chain. The second is social responsibility – emphasising responsible resource management and environmental care. This includes supporting young talent and creating long-term career perspectives for future generations in the plastics and rubber sector.

All three of these themes will be reflected in the official special show “Plastics shape the future,” organised by Plastics Europe Deutschland in Hall 6. The program will include theme days, expert panels, a Career Day, and a start-up competition – all showcasing visions and tangible technological solutions for the future.

What specific changes can we expect at K 2025 compared to the 2022 edition – both for exhibitors and visitors? What kind of new features will we see in the event program and layout?

Naturally, we are building on the proven and successful concept of K 2022, while at the same time enhancing and refining it to meet the current needs of the industry. One example is the new approach to the Science Campus, which will make it easier for institutes from around the world to participate. Universities, research institutions, and higher education facilities will present their latest findings on plastics science and technology. Following its successful debut in 2022, the Start-up Zone will also be expanded – offering a space where young, innovative companies can showcase their ideas. Notably, for the first time, the Science Campus will be located directly next to the Start-up Zone in Hall 7, creating new synergies between science and business.

Rubber Street, the dedicated area for rubber and elastomers, will return as well – but with a completely redesigned layout in 2025. This transformation is being carried out in collaboration with the German Rubber Manufacturers Association (wdk) and aims to highlight the innovation potential of the rubber sector.

A brand-new feature at K 2025 will be the Young Talents Lounge – a dedicated space for young professionals offering interactive presentations of educational programs and career development opportunities. This area is being organised by the German Association for Plastics Processors (GKV). Another first will be a networking event titled “Women in Plastics”, designed specifically for women working in the plastics industry.

Does size matter? What makes K – and not the larger Chinaplas – the event that sets the direction for the plastics industry today?

It’s quality that counts, not just quantity. In Düsseldorf, we offer the global plastics and rubber industry the leading trade fair worldwide – the most important platform for information, communication, and business. Exhibitors and visitors from all continents come together here to showcase industry capabilities, discuss current trends, and shape the future.

Nowhere else will you see as many machines running live at the same time. Only in Düsseldorf you can experience and compare such a diverse and international range of innovations, solutions, and product premieres. K underlines its unique status not just through the immense interest it attracts from the global industry, but also through its willingness to tackle the most pressing contemporary challenges – especially those facing the plastics sector. It is a benchmark for the entire industry and a global platform for innovation.

What has been the most striking transformation or moment that has stayed with you over the years at K? Can you share an example that truly surprised you?

One of the most striking transformations I’ve witnessed at K has been its increasing globalisation – a reflection of the dynamic changes within the plastics and rubber industry itself. What started as a primarily European-focused event has evolved into a truly global forum, with a steadily growing presence from Asia, where new market leaders are emerging. This shift has not only increased the diversity of exhibitors but also raised the level of innovation and competition across the fair.

Another transformation that made a deep impression on me is the industry’s growing willingness to confront global challenges. K has always mirrored the heartbeat of the sector, but I was genuinely surprised by how many companies have begun to adopt a proactive approach – taking responsibility and offering concrete solutions across the entire value chain.

This is particularly evident in the topics addressed by our special shows: until 2013, they focused mainly on technological and economic trends. Since then, they have increasingly tackled social and environmental issues. We introduced themes such as marine litter, and more recently, the concept of a circular economy. It’s a clear signal that the industry is taking sustainability seriously and recognises its role in building a better future.

Witnessing these changes – both geographical and mental – has been incredibly moving. It shows that K is not just a trade fair, but also a platform for transformation and a reflection of the industry’s growing maturity.

What should first-time visitors to K keep in mind? How can they best plan their visit to make the most of this event?

First and foremost, it’s important to arrange your ticket and accommodation well in advance. Online ticket sales are already available at www.k-online.de. K is a massive event with an extremely broad thematic scope, so careful planning is essential. The best way to prepare is by visiting www.k-online.com, where you’ll find a full exhibitor database, hall plans, a hotel booking tool, and many other useful resources.

It’s also highly recommended to download the K mobile app, available since May. It’s the perfect companion for your visit – with interactive maps and hall layouts to help you navigate the fairgrounds. With a single tap, you can enter a specific hall, zoom in on individual booths, and view detailed exhibitor profiles and product offerings. The full database is fully searchable using a keyword function.

We’ve also enhanced our matchmaking tool, FairMatch, which helps both visitors and exhibitors make their participation at K 2025 even more productive. From August 2025, you’ll be able to use this tool on the K website and in the app to identify relevant business partners and products. The system will suggest the best matches and allow you to schedule meetings in advance.

In times of economic uncertainty – with rising costs, regulatory changes, and global tensions – companies are making investment decisions with great caution. What makes participation in K especially valuable right now?

That’s a very accurate observation. Indeed, in the face of economic slowdown, trade tensions, and increasingly complex regulations, many companies are approaching investment decisions with heightened caution. It is precisely in this kind of environment that K takes on even greater importance.

First, K remains the place where the entire sector comes together to gain a concentrated overview of where the industry is heading – both technologically and in terms of market dynamics. This gives businesses not only orientation, but also greater confidence that their investment decisions align with current trends and market needs.

Second, attending the fair is a unique opportunity for direct engagement – with business partners, suppliers, experts, and even competitors. In uncertain times, building relationships and trust becomes more essential than ever.

And finally, K is not just an exhibition – it is also a platform for dialogue: a space for sharing knowledge, experience, and inspiration, where the future of the entire industry is actively shaped, especially in the context of digitalisation, sustainability, and global economic challenges.

We are cautiously optimistic about the signs of recovery that began to appear in the European economy in the first half of the year – whether in industrial production figures or in the growing interest in innovative solutions. Although uncertainty still shapes the business landscape, more and more companies are once again looking to the future with openness and readiness to act. We hope that by October this positive momentum will have strengthened even further – and that it will be reflected at K 2025: in the number of conversations held, the quality of relationships formed, and the scale of decisions made.

We firmly believe that here in Düsseldorf, many companies will find the spark for their next step forward – be it new investments, technological implementations, or strategic partnerships that will shape the future of plastics processing in the years to come.

K has always been the place where innovation meets real business – and we are convinced that this will be more evident than ever this year.