K 2025 Recap: These Were the Top Topics in the Plastics Industry

K 2025 once again demonstrated why it is considered the world's leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. For eight days, Düsseldorf became the center of an industry that is looking resolutely to the future – with innovative solutions, global networking, and a clear focus on sustainability, digitalization, and social responsibility.

Under the motto "The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible," more than 3,200 exhibitors from 66 nations presented their innovations along the entire value chain – accompanied by strong special shows, forums, and an impressive internationality: 73% of the more than 175,000 trade visitors came from abroad.

Hardly any other topic has moved the industry as much in recent years as the development of a functioning circular economy for polymer materials. The vision: materials with PCR content that are on par with primary raw materials in terms of quality – easy to use, safe to apply, and economically viable.

One highlight was the VDMA forum "The Power of Plastics," which showed how mechanical engineering and technology are playing a key role in the circular economy – for example, in the manufacture of recyclable products and the reprocessing of plastic waste.

Digital transformation opens up not only technological but also economic opportunities for the plastics and rubber industry – from smart factories and data-driven processes to new business models.

Numerous exhibitors at the trade fair demonstrated how AI, automation, and digital platform solutions increase efficiency, ensure quality, and conserve resources.

People were at the center of many formats – whether as young talent, courageous founders, or shapers of tomorrow's industry.

Innovation became tangible in Hall 7.0: The K 2025 Start-up Zone brought young, creative companies together with an international audience of experts. Whether smart recycling solutions, digital platforms, or bio-based materials – the ideas on display impressed with their fresh perspectives and high practical relevance.

For many visitors, the zone was a real attraction – and for the start-ups, a springboard into a globally networked industry.

With the new "Women in Plastics" format, K 2025 offered a stage specifically for female professionals for the first time – with a keynote speech, panel discussion, best practices, and networking over snacks and drinks. The goal: to make role models visible, share experiences, and highlight career opportunities.

The Young Talents Lounge by GKV, Career Day, and the Young Talents Tour made K 2025 a launch pad for careers in the plastics industry. Interactive formats, talks, and live demos brought young talents into conversation with companies and universities.

K 2025 impressively underscored the role of the plastics industry as a shaper of the future. The hot topics were not only discussed on stage, but also made tangible in products and solutions.

With its highly international character, high proportion of decision-makers, and strong special shows, the trade fair was able to confirm its leading position as the industry's premier platform.

The next K will take place in Düsseldorf from October 18 to 25, 2028. Will you be there?