POWERED BY
TOWARDS ZERO
THE ULTIMATE PLASTIC STARTUP BATTLE FOR A CIRCULAR FUTURE
October 13, 2025, 10:30 AM – 16:30 PM, Traderfair Düsseldorf (A6.121)
JOIN THE BATTLE FOR A CIRCULAR FUTURE
Towards Zero is the premier platform for startups in the European plastics industry. We’re searching for the most innovative minds shaping the future of plastics through sustainable practices and circular economy principles. Show the world how you’re closing the loop and join industry experts, the media, and potential customers in this high-stakes competition.
GET FREE TICKETS
TO K-TRADEFAIR
Get free tickets for K Tradefair, for you and your colleagues
GET FREE SEO
LINK JUICE
Get valuable backlings from trade press and industry partners
INCREASE YOUR FAME
AND REPUTATION
Get a neet logo for your website: „Winner of the K-Startup Award 2025“
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE
A POP-STAR
Get professional
fotos and recordings of yourself and your team
SPEED DATE POTENTIAL
NEW CUSTOMERS
Invite and meet potential new customers at
K-Tradefair
Agenda, October 13, 2025, Tradefair Düsseldorf (A6.121)
09:30 – 10:00: Registration and Warm-up
Welcome participants, distribute name tags, enjoy coffee, and network.
10:00 – 11:15: Pitch Session 1
6 startups, each with 5 minutes to pitch + 3 minutes Q&A.
11:15 – 12:00: Speed Dating
Engage directly with investors, journalists, and potential new customers.
12:00 – 13:00: Power Break
Coffea break for refreshments and networking.
13:00 – 14:15: Pitch Session 2
Another 6 startups, each with 5 minutes to pitch + 3 minutes Q&A.
14:15 – 15:00: Speed Dating
Engage directly with investors, journalists, and potential new customers.
15:00 – 16:00: WAK-Award Ceremony
Engage directly with investors, journalists, and potential new customers.
Lead the Plastics Transition!
Do you have what it takes to lead the plastics transition? Accept the challenge and pitch your groundbreaking ideas to the key players in the industry. Apply now, until March 1st, 2025.
Sponsors and Partners
A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners: Plastics Europe, VDMA, K Trade Fair, Circular Valley Convention, and PlastXNow.
STAY TUNED! – SIGN UP FOR NEWS AND UPDATES:
Keep up with the latest updates and announcements about the event.
Follow us on LinkedIn or sign up our press service.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQ
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Is your startup helping to defossilize the plastics industry?
Show us how you’re closing the loop on plastics! Whether you’re in production, processing, recycling,
or have a circular business model, we want to see how you transform the plastics industry.
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
You can still register until March 1st 2025
HOW DO I SUBMIT AN APPLICATION?
You can find the registration form here.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE FOR MY PITCH?
Each startup has 5 minutes to pitch + 3 minutes Q&A
WHEN WILL THE EVENT TAKE PLACE?
The Startup Pitch will take place on October 13, 2025, at K 2025, in Düsseldorf,
the most important plastics trade fair in the world (stand A6.121).
HOW WILL THE WINNER BE APPOINTED?
The winner is determined with an applause-o-meter and acoustic feedback.
WHO IS THE AUDIENCE?
The audience mainly consists of industry professionals from K2025,
including plastics producers, processors and recyclers.
WILL THE EVENT BE HELD IN ENGLISCH?
Yes, all pitches will be held in Englisch.
WILL THERE BE A LIVE STREAM?
No, but the recordings of the event and the startup pitches will be published online.
CAN I SHOW SLIDES AND CHARTS?
Yes, a large screen is available.
WILL THERE BE AN AWARD FOR THE WINNER?
Yes, there are several benefits for participants. Every startup that pitches will receive 5 free day tickets
to the K-Trade Fair, backlinks and media coverage, and the title „Winner of the K-Startup Award 2025.“
Additionally, winners will have a mini photoshoot on-site with a professional photographer.
WHO HOSTS THE STARTUP PITCH?
The event is hosted by Plastics Europe Germany, with the kind support of
K-Tradefair, Circular Valley Convention, and PlastXNow.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Do you have any further questions about the process or the application?
Just send us an e-mail to jacob.loring@plasticseurope.de
