Global stage for innovation K 2025: Where plastics shape the future

Related Vendors

Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

CUMSA

AMPCO METAL Deutschland GbmH

Renishaw plc

From 8 to 15 October 2025, K in Düsseldorf will once again be the central stage for the international plastics and rubber industry. Around 3,200 exhibitors from 66 countries will present innovative solutions, forward-looking products and impressive machines in live operation.

With the motto “The Power of Plastics! Green — Smart — Responsible”, K 2025 is setting the agenda for the industry. The slogan, say the organisers, mirrors the sector’s values and ambitions while highlighting the central role of plastics as a driver of innovation and progress across multiple industries.

At a time of global uncertainty, the Düsseldorf trade fair seeks to reaffirm its position as the world’s leading platform for plastics and rubber. Nowhere else, organisers stress, is the entire value chain presented with such breadth and depth. K is both a global showcase for a dynamic and forward-looking industry and a stage for shaping the future — whether through pioneering technologies, debate on global challenges, or the launch of cross-border collaborations.

Facts, figures and international flair

K impresses not only with its dimensions but also with the variety of nations represented. It has been completely booked up since May 2024. Over 177,000 m² net exhibition space in the 18 exhibition halls and on the outdoor premises provide room for the entire spectrum of the plastics and rubber industry:

• Machinery and equipment: Halls 1, 3-4, 8b as well as 9-17

• Raw materials and auxiliaries: Halls 5, 6, 7, 7a, 8a, 8b

• Semi-finished products, technical parts and products of reinforced plastics: Halls 5, 6, 7, 7a, 8a, 8b

The international appeal of K is apparent: the last event in 2022 was attended by 3,020 exhibitors from 59 nations and 177. 486 visitors from 167 countries. Particularly well represented were the exhibitors from Europe, Asia and the USA and a total of 71 percent of trade visitors hailed from abroad.

In 2025, exhibitors from Europe in particular will once again be strongly represented, especially from Germany, Italy, Turkey, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain. At the same time, K shows the changes in the global market: the number and exhibition space of companies from Asia have remained at a consistently high level for years. The presence of companies from China, India and Taiwan will be particularly comprehensive. In addition, the USA will once again be represented by a larger group of exhibitors.

The high number of innovations as well as the presence of all market leaders are regularly rated with top scores by K visitors (98 percent visitor´s satisfaction). This relates not only to plastics and rubber product manufacturers but also to industrial end users that regularly visit K. These include experts from the fields of automotive, packaging, electrical engineering, electronics, communications, construction, medical device technology or aviation and aerospace. They all appreciate the trade fair as a source of inspiration for their industries and products as well as a platform to discover pioneering innovations that help them successfully hold their own alongside international competitors.

K 2025 has set itself the task of tackling the key challenges of our time and presenting concrete solutions. This is also reflected in the three guiding topics: Shaping the Circular Economy, Embracing Digitalisation and Caring about People.

Highlights and new formats at K 2025

The Specials at K 2025 will once again mirror the trade fair’s key themes, combining well-established formats with fresh initiatives. The official show “Plastics Shape the Future” spans seven themed days featuring discussions, keynotes, a political panel, Career Day and a start-up pitch.

The VDMA Forum under the motto “The Power of Plastics” will highlight the role of machinery and technology in circularity with live demonstrations, workshops and events for young talents. Since 1983, Rubberstreet has been the go-to hub for elastomers and will again showcase the sector’s innovative strength.

The Start-up Zone returns with an expanded platform for newcomers, while the Science Campus provides insights into cutting-edge research from universities and institutes. New additions include the Young Talents Lounge, which addresses recruitment challenges by introducing students to career opportunities, and Women in Plastics, a debut networking event designed to strengthen visibility and exchange for women in the industry.

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