K 2025, billed as the most relevant trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, closed after eight days with a fully occupied venue in Düsseldorf and a buoyant business climate despite subdued expectations. Under the strapline "The Power of Plastics! Green, smart, responsible", 3,275 exhibitors from 66 countries showcased technologies, materials and processes across 18 halls and outdoor areas. The organizer reported more than 175,000 trade visitors from around 160 countries, 73% from outside Germany and over one third from overseas. Decision-makers accounted for 67% of attendees, and numerous investment talks reportedly led to contracts concluded on site. Preliminary surveys indicated high satisfaction levels, with 95% of visitors achieving their objectives and 98% rating the offering as excellent or very satisfactory. Discussions on recycling, resource efficiency, digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence dominated the aisles, reflecting a sector focused on sustainability, productivity and skills.
Attendance and international reach
The event underscored its global scope with strong contingents from key markets. Visitor numbers from China reached 6,300 and from India 6,400. In total, 10,000 attendees traveled from the US and Brazil. The organizers highlighted sustained international interest and a high level of qualified contacts throughout the week.
"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," said Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer at Messe Düsseldorf. "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."
Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the K 2025 Exhibitor Advisory Board, added: "The environment we currently have to navigate remains enormously challenging. 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."
Focus topics and technology trends
With the three key topics "Shaping the Circular Economy", "Embracing Digitalisation" and "Caring about People", the fair aligned with current industry priorities. Machine and plant builders demonstrated efficiency, precision and resource savings through live production on ultra-modern systems. The raw and auxiliary materials segment presented bio-based options, recycled compounds and new additives that combine functionality with sustainability. Exhibits and discussions covered advanced recycling plants, alternative feedstocks, data-driven manufacturing and strategies for talent development and resource conservation.
Visitors showed strong interest in practical pathways to circularity and in solutions for boosting productivity. Conversations frequently centered on recycling, resource savings, digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and efficiency gains across the value chain.
Special programs and initiatives
The official special show "Plastics Shape the Future", organized by Plastics Europe Deutschland and Messe Düsseldorf, drew international audiences with expert talks, panel debates and start-up pitches. The VDMA Forum "The Power of Plastics" focused on the technical implementation of circular processes in plastics production through live demonstrations and presentations. The Start-up Zone and Science Campus connected innovators and researchers, while Rubberstreet, under the patronage of wdk, highlighted progress in the elastomer sector.
The debut of "Women in Plastics" sent a signal for greater diversity and responsibility in the industry. Curated guided tours for groups such as industrial designers and young professionals complemented the program. For a detailed review with exhibitor interviews and video footage, the organizer referenced K-Live.
Outlook
The next edition of K is scheduled in Düsseldorf for 18 to 25 October 2028. Further information, impressions and statements are available at https://www.k-online.com/.
