With over 175,000 visitors from 160 countries and 3,275 exhibitors from 66 nations, K 2025 has once again confirmed its status as the global benchmark event for the plastics and rubber industry. Concluding on October 15 after eight intense days, the fair marked a pivotal moment for dialogue, innovation, and vision in a rapidly evolving sector.
Despite the challenging global economic context, the atmosphere in Düsseldorf’s exhibition halls was surprisingly positive and dynamic. Companies, initially approaching the event with cautious expectations, found fertile ground for concrete exchanges, business deals, and international networking, also thanks to the strong presence of decision-makers (67% of visitors).
Theme: “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible”
The central theme of the event served as a guiding principle for a trade fair where sustainability, digitalization, and social responsibility took center stage. Companies showcased real solutions and tangible projects, proving that the industry is ready to lead change.
“K is the compass for the industry in uncertain times,” said Marius Berlemann, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf. “It’s where innovation takes shape and the future becomes reality.”
Confirming the exhibitors’ enthusiasm, Dr. Christoph Schumacher, Global Marketing Director at Arburg, commented:
“K 2025 once again lived up to its reputation as the world’s leading trade fair and impressively confirmed the great importance of the plastics market. Despite the economically volatile situation, the atmosphere was excellent and our booth was extremely well attended every day. For us, K is like home.”
Jochen Hardt, Booth Director and VP Marketing Mobility at Covestro, added:
“Once again, K proved to be the meeting point for the industry – a magnet for customers, partners, and interested visitors from around the world. Many discussions focused on a sustainable future, climate neutrality, and the circular economy – without forgetting business, of course. A perfect mix.”
Marianna Caputo, Marketing & Communication Manager at AMUT spa, emphasized the commercial effectiveness of the fair:
“We had a good traffic at our booth, not overwhelming, but with concrete requests and topics. We received several visitors from India and other countries. During the fair, we finalized two contracts in the recycling sector that we had been working on. Despite the current market downturn, the visits we received make us optimistic about the future.”
Meanwhile, Anatol Sattel, CSO at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery, highlighted the quality of contacts and relevance of key topics:
“Visitor numbers were better than expected. In addition to many European guests, we welcomed visitors from Asia, North and South America. Discussions focused mainly on digitalization, automation, and efficiency improvements – crucial topics for European manufacturers striving to boost competitiveness against Asian suppliers.”
Innovation Across the Value Chain
In every hall, visitors experienced cutting-edge technologies, recycled and bio-based materials, smart production systems, and sustainable process innovations. Focus areas included:
-Circular economy
-Digitalization and artificial intelligence
-Automation and process optimization
-Talent development and sector diversity
High Engagement in Special Events
Side events also drew great interest, such as:
-“Plastics Shape the Future”, featuring experts, startups, and roundtables on sustainability and innovation
-The VDMA forum “The Power of Plastics”, with live demonstrations showing how technology enables a circular plastics economy
-The new “Women in Plastics” initiative, promoting inclusivity and female leadership
-The Start-up Zone and Science Campus, showcasing the synergy between research, innovation, and market
A Truly Global Event
73% of visitors came from abroad, with strong delegations from India (6,400), China (6,300), and a combined 10,000 from the USA and Brazil—underscoring the international appeal of the event.
Success Confirmed by the Numbers
Preliminary data shows 95% of visitors achieved their objectives, while 98% rated the exhibition offering as excellent or very good. The strong presence of market leaders and innovative companies made the fair even more relevant and comprehensive.
Next Edition: October 2028
The next edition of K is already scheduled for October 18–25, 2028, in Düsseldorf. Meanwhile, highlights from K 2025, including videos, interviews, and reports, can be found on the K-LIVE platform and the official website: www.k-online.com
