POWERED BY
TOWARDS ZERO
THE ULTIMATE PLASTIC STARTUP BATTLE FOR A CIRCULAR FUTURE
October 13, 2025, 10:00 AM – 16:00 PM, Traderfair Düsseldorf (Hall 6, C40)
JOIN THE BATTLE FOR A CIRCULAR FUTURE
On October 13, twelve start-ups will present their solutions at K 2025 – the world’s leading plastics trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany and showcasing innovations to reduce the industry’s dependence on oil and gas. The competition sought ideas that close plastic loops, reduce emissions, and replace fossil resources in production processes.
Agenda, October 13, 2025, Tradefair Düsseldorf (Hall 6, C40)
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.
These are the 12 finalist of „Towards Zero“
- AES develops modular, scalable chemical recycling units that convert plastic waste into reusable oil right where it’s generated, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation.
- Carbon Minds provides data-driven insights into emissions from plastic production, helping companies reduce their environmental footprint.
- coiss produces smart plug-and-play sensors to digitally retrofit existing machinery, helping to reduce downtime and cut energy consumption.
- ECO2GROW enables small and medium-sized enterprises to purchase affordable green electricity at fixed rates, directly from producers, just like major customers.
- MacroCycle operates energy-efficient chemical recycling facilities that enable infinite PET recycling without any degradation in quality.
- Moldsonics offers ultrasonic sensors that make plastic machines more precise while reducing waste, energy, and material consumption.
- Osphim develops AI-powered software for plastics converters, helping manufacturers integrate more recyclates and lower energy consumption, even in complex applications.
- Paques Biomaterials produces biodegradable plastics from various organic waste streams to replace fossil raw materials.
- Polymerize uses an AI-powered platform to speed up research and development in materials science and improves outcomes in plastic product design and performance.
- Radicaldot enables energy-efficient chemical recycling to produce basic chemicals from plastic waste that partially replace fossil raw materials in plastics production.
- s1seven offers solutions for digital material passports that provide transparency on the origin, composition, and carbon footprint of plastics, enabling high-quality recycling
- sykell develops ERP software to supports circular business models by enabling the efficient return and reuse of packaging and materials.
Sponsors and Partners
A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners: Plastics Europe, VDMA, K Trade Fair, Circular Valley Convention, and PlastXNow.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQ
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Startups helping to defossilize the plastics industry.
Whether they’re in production, processing, recycling, or have a circular business model,
we want to see how they transform the plastics industry.
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
The application deadline was March 1st 2025
HOW DO I SUBMIT AN APPLICATION?
The application is closed.
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 (Hall 6, C40).
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, all finalists 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 info@plasticseurope.de
