The K 2025, the most important plastic fair in the world, starts in Düsseldorf on October 8, 2025. Every three years, she brings together over 200,000 visitors from around 160 countries for eight days. For group leaders, start-ups, NGOs and political decision-makers, it is a indicator for the mood and orientation of the entire industry.
Circular economy also in times of crisis
High energy costs, fluctuating raw material prices and geopolitical tensions are currently facing major challenges in the home country of the K in the home country of K. Nevertheless, the exhibitors of the K 2025 present numerous innovations that drive the transformation to circular economy, including new recycling processes, AI-based systems and powerful plastics based on bio-based raw materials.
“The K is like a world exhibition for plastics,” explains Dr. Christine Bunte, from Plastics Europe Germany, the Association of Plastics Producers. “It shows how the plastic world develops and what meaning it has for many user industries, such as the packaging, automotive, electrical and electronics industry, has medicine and construction industry.
Special show on the future of plastics
In the special show Plastics Shape the Future, which curated plastics Europe for the Düsseldorf trade fair, an exciting program is offered on seven themed days. It is about innovation, competitiveness, political framework and regulation, new technologies and trends, climate protection and the fight against microplastics. The formats are diverse and interactive: from the science slam to a start-up pitch, the “Women in Plastics” networking event, to Expert Talks, panel discussions, keynotes and lectures and guided trade fair tours. “The content on our stage makes the transformation of our industry tangible and invite you to dialogue,” says Dr. Christine Bunte, with a view to the fair.
“Plastics belong on the political agenda”
Dr. Christine Bunte emphasizes that plastics are indispensable for a strong Europe. They formed the foundation for important application industries. It is all the more important now to decide upcoming investment decisions for Germany.
“If the federal government and the countries are really serious about competitiveness and its claim to design at the Clean Industrial Deal, plastics and raw material security belong at the top of the agenda,” said Bunte. “In order to remain competitive as a sustainable industrial location, we need affordable electricity, rapid permits, less bureaucracy and clear political signals in transformation to a climate -neutral circular economy. We have to keep raw materials and added value in the country in order to be able to exist in global competition and to end the dependency on fossil resources.”
The complete press release, including the program, background information and press photos can be found here.
You can find the English version of the press release here.