K 2025 has once again asserted itself as the leading international trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. In a challenging economic environment, companies and industry representatives presented themselves with a high degree of innovation, strategic clarity, and future-oriented technologies. Digitalization, circular economy, and social responsibility were the central themes of the trade fair, which took place in Düsseldorf from October 15 to 22, 2025.
K 2025: High international participation and decision-making authority
The 3,275 exhibitors from 66 countries exchanged ideas with over 175,000 trade visitors from around 160 nations. This means that almost as many interested parties came to Düsseldorf for the trade fair as in 2022. Foreign visitors accounted for 73 percent of the total, with more than a third traveling from overseas. Visitor groups from China, India, the USA, and Brazil were particularly well represented. The proportion of decision-makers also remained remarkable: two-thirds of visitors had purchasing or investment responsibility.
“The Power of Plastics” as the leitmotif of K 2025
Under the motto “The Power of Plastics! Green - Smart - Responsible,” the focus was on sustainability, digitalization, and social responsibility. The entire value chain was represented in 18 exhibition halls and on the outdoor grounds, from raw materials and machinery to recycling solutions.
Marius Berlemann, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf, emphasizes: “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. 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.”
K 2025: Broad spectrum of innovation from mechanical engineering to material development
Mechanical and plant engineering impressed with live demonstrations of modern production systems that combine resource conservation and efficiency. In the area of raw and auxiliary materials, the focus was on bio-based materials, recycled compounds, and new additives.
Numerous exhibitors presented circular approaches, such as closed-loop concepts or technological upgrades to existing processes. Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the K 2025 Exhibitor Advisory Board, explains: “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.”
Strong presence of industry specialists and technology forums
The special show “Plastics Shape the Future,” the VDMA forum “The Power of Plastics,” and the new initiative “Women in Plastics” received particular attention. The program was rounded off by a start-up zone, science campus, and guided tours for different target groups. These formats reinforced the technical depth of the event and promoted the international exchange of knowledge and experience.
Retrospective and outlook: K 2025 remains a source of inspiration
According to a preliminary survey, 95 percent of visitors said they had achieved their trade fair goals. 98 percent rated the offerings as excellent or very satisfactory. The next K will take place in Düsseldorf from October 18 to 25, 2028, once again serving as a platform for setting the technological course and reflecting the industry's current transformation processes.
