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.
Photo: Messe Dusseldorf / tillmann
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.
