Düsseldorf, 16 June 2025 – On 8 October 2025, the international plastics and rubber industry will turn its attention to Düsseldorf, as K 2025, the world’s most important trade fair for the sector, opens its doors. Held every three years, the event brings together more than 200,000 visitors from around 160 countries for eight days of innovation, business, and political dialogue. Top executives, start-ups, NGOs, and government representatives regard the fair as a barometer for the current state and future direction of the global plastics economy.
Circular Economy Despite Times of Crisis
High energy costs, volatile raw material prices, and geopolitical tensions are currently placing significant strain on the plastics industry in Germany, K’s home country. Nonetheless, exhibitors at K 2025 will showcase numerous innovations driving the transformation towards a circular economy, including new recycling processes, AI-powered production systems, and high-performance plastics based on bio-based raw materials.
„K is like a World Expo for plastics,“ says Dr. Christine Bunte from Plastics Europe Deutschland, the association representing plastics manufacturers. „It showcases the evolution of the plastics industry and its growing importance for major sectors like packaging, automotive, electrical and electronics, healthcare, and construction. Our goal is to shift away from fossil resources toward a climate-neutral circular economy, and K 2025 will highlight many examples of how this transformation can be achieved.“
Special Exhibition on the Future of Plastics
The special exhibition “Plastics Shape the Future”, curated by Plastics Europe Deutschland and Trade Fair Düsseldorf, showcases a dynamic seven-day program covering innovation, competitiveness, policy frameworks and regulation, new technologies and trends, climate action, and the fight against microplastics. Formats range from science slams and start-up pitches to the “Women in Plastics” networking event, expert talks, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and guided tours. “We want to make the transformation of our industry tangible and invite visitors to engage in dialogue with the industry,” says Dr. Christine Bunte, looking ahead to the trade fair.
„Plastics Need to Become a Political Priority“
Dr. Bunte emphasizes that plastics are essential for a strong and competitive Europe, forming the backbone of many key industries. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to encourage investment decisions in Germany. „If the federal and state governments are truly committed to competitiveness and the goals of the Clean Industrial Deal, plastics and raw material security must be a top priority,“ says Bunte. „To remain a competitive, sustainable industrial base, we need affordable energy, faster permitting processes, less red tape, and clear political signals supporting the shift to a climate-neutral circular economy. We must increase raw material recovery and value creation within our borders to remain globally competitive and reduce our dependence on fossil resources.“
K 2025: Tickets und Programm:
Further information about the trade fair and the special exhibition “Plastics shape the future” can be found at: https://plasticseurope.org/de/plastics-shape-the-future-k-2025/
- Tickets: Day tickets are available starting at 60 euros.
- Date: October 08. – 15.
- Location: Trade Fair Düsseldorf, Halle 6 / C40
Note: From June 16 to 18, 2025, the Pre-K Press Event will take place in Düsseldorf. Trade and business media representatives are invited to get a first look at the highlights of the trade fair in October.
Theme days at the special exhibition “Plastics Shape the Future” at K 2025
- Wednesday, October 8 – Kick-Off Wednesday
▸ Official opening, industry outlook, competitiveness, facts and figures - Thursday, October 9 – Circular Thursday
▸ Focus on circular economy: packaging, textiles, electronics, construction
▸ Synergy between mechanical and chemical recycling - Friday, October 10 – Climate Friday
▸ CO₂ balances, life cycle assessments (LCA), additives
▸ Thinking and implementing sustainability economically - Saturday, October 11 – Smart Saturday
▸ Artificial intelligence in recycling, sensor technology, and digital product passport
▸ EU Data Act & digitalization as drivers of innovation - Sunday, October 12 – Career Sunday
▸ New approaches to recruiting: diversity, gaming, and creative outreach
▸ Science & Poetry Slam, Women in Plastics Networking - Montag, 13. October – Innovation Monday
▸ Start-up Pitch Contest: Newcomers & Big Fish present their solutions
▸ Innovation panel & networking in the coffee area - Tuesday, October 14 – Visionary Tuesday
▸ Tomorrow’s technologies: bioplastics, CCU, mechanical & chemical recycling
▸ Outlook for 2050, focus on microplastics
Further information
- Latest press releases on K 2025 in Düsseldorf (October 8–15)
▸ K2025: Focus on the transformation of the plastics industry (May 2025)
▸ By women, for women: “Women in Plastics” to debut at K 2025 in Düsseldorf (May 2025)
▸ Start-ups: Twelve ideas for defossilizing the plastics industry (April 2025) - Current economic data on the plastics industry
▸ Press release: Recycling targets at risk – association calls for better political framework conditions (April 2025)
▸ Press release: On the current situation of the plastics industry in Germany (March 2025)
▸ Press release: Declining competitiveness threatens circular economy (November 2024)
▸ Press release: Recyclate data: The German plastics industry is in crisis (November 2024)
▸ Study: Circular Economy for Plastics – A European Analysis (March 2024) - Background information on the transformation of the plastics industry
▸ Press release: Action plan for plastic production without fossil raw materials (October 2023)
▸ Study: The Plastics Transition Roadmap (October 2023)
▸ Summary: The Plastics Transition Roadmap (German)
▸ Infographics on the Plastics Transition Roadmap (download)
K 2025: Press photos available for free download
About Plastics Europe
PlasticsEurope Deutschland e. V. is the association of plastics manufacturers in Germany. The association is a trade association of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) and part of the European network Plastics Europe, which has offices in Brussels and in European economic centers and capitals.
Your contact at Plastics Europe:
Bettina Dempewolf
Head of Communications
Telefon: +49 171 9713962
E-Mail: bettina.dempewolf@plasticseurope.de