K 2025 will place a strong focus on the next generation of professionals through its "Young Talents" initiative. The program is designed for school pupils, students and young professionals who are considering training or academic studies in plastics and rubber technology. Across multiple formats, visitors will receive practical guidance on education pathways, insights into the industry’s diverse roles and exposure to topics that are shaping plastics, including the circular economy, climate protection, and high-tech applications in medicine and mobility. From 8 to 15 October 2025 in Düsseldorf, the fair will provide central points of contact for information on training courses, study opportunities and career prospects, complemented by a new pre-show podcast and a structured tour on K Sunday that connects participants with companies and institutions active in workforce development.
Young Talents initiative and podcast
Ahead of the fair, the podcast "A look behind the scenes, young talents in the plastics industry" offers first-hand perspectives from four trainees and students, Jacob, Jacqueline, Johanna and Mathias. They discuss their day-to-day work, experiences, challenges and opportunities, illustrating the breadth of roles and the future orientation of the sector. The same four young professionals will guide the Young Talents Tour at the trade fair.
Young Talents Tour
The Young Talents Tour will take place on Sunday, 12 October. The program includes stops at the GKV's Young Talents Lounge and at the exhibition stands of training companies: Arburg, Erema, Covestro and Simona. Participation is free of charge and no advance registration is required. Tours will be conducted in German and will start at the GKV, Hall 8a / Stand F11-01.
Young Talents Lounge
The Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie (GKV) will serve as the responsible sponsor of the official special format "Young Talents Lounge" at K 2025, underscoring training, study and career prospects in plastics processing. The lounge will present interactive experiences, including an obstacle course, VR applications and a mini injection moulding machine. The association will also showcase innovative courses of study and initiatives to promote young talent. A special highlight will be the gathering of the winners of the Günter Schwank Prize within the "Club of the Best". The award honors the best graduates in plastics technology each year.
VDMA pavilion and "Young Talents Time"
Mechanical engineering will provide its own platform for young talent in the VDMA pavilion, which is part of the "The Power of Plastics!" Forum. Trainees, students and young professionals will host the daily "Young Talents Time" from 9 to 14 October at 11:00 a.m., where ideas for the future of the plastics industry will be discussed. In addition, VDMA will highlight initiatives to promote young women in mechanical engineering, including EnSHEneer.
Career Sunday with Plastics Europe Germany
K Sunday will focus on recruitment and careers at Plastics Europe Germany. In the official special show "Plastics Shape the Future", the association will present a program that addresses training, recruiting and career development. The agenda includes a panel on recruiting skilled workers, expert talks on topics such as "Recruiting by Gaming" and "Recruiting by Diversity", a recruiting stand-up and interactive formats such as "HR Bullshit Bingo". A Science & Poetry Slam will round off the program.
Free admission on 12 October and visitor information
School pupils, trainees and students will receive free admission on K Sunday, 12 October. Proof of eligibility in the form of a pupil or student ID card is required according to the information on tickets for K 2025. The fair will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Wednesday, 8 October to Wednesday, 15 October 2025. Further information is available at www.k-online.com.
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