K 2025: Plastics Shape the Future - Sustainability, Innovation & Digital Transformation

Event programme Special show at K 2025 to focus on sustainability, innovation and the future of plastics

2025-05-12 Source: Messe Düsseldorf 2 min Reading Time

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Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

Jongen Werkzeugtechnik GmbH

CUMSA

AMPCO METAL Deutschland GbmH

At K 2025, the special show Plastics shape the Future will spotlight the industry's role in driving sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. Over seven theme days, international experts from politics, science, and industry will explore key topics ranging from circularity to AI, climate protection, and career development.

Special show Plastics Shape the Future(Source: Plastics Europe) — Special show Plastics Shape the Future
(Source: Plastics Europe)

The official special show Plastics Shape the Future will once again take place during K 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, held from 8 to 15 October 2025 in Düsseldorf. Jointly organised by Plastics Europe Deutschland and Messe Düsseldorf the special show will provide insights into the current state and perspectives of transformation: featuring different focal topics every day, discussions with high-ranking representatives from political and scientific spheres and NGOs, innovative start-ups and industry experts — accompanied by interactive expert talks, round tables, guided tours of the trade fair and networking opportunities at the Startup Pitch, Science and Poetry Slam and the “Women in Plastics” event.

Kick-off Wednesday — The Power of Plastics (8 October)

Wednesday is all about competitiveness and sustainability and will be kicked off by the opening with representatives from political spheres, business and international associations. Two sessions chaired by Virginia Janssens (Managing Director of Plastics Europe) and Dr. Christine Bunte (Plastics Europe Deutschland) will highlight how innovations and investment drive the industry.

Circular Thursday (9 October)

On Thursday everything will revolve around circularity: moderated by Prof. Manfred Renner (Fraunhofer Umsicht/ CCPE) experts will shed light on circular-ready product design, regulatory challenges and circular business models in packaging, textiles, electronics, construction and automotive. The day will be rounded off by a panel discussion on chemical and mechanical recycling.

Climate Friday (10 October)

Friday will focus on climate protection and CO₂ reduction: topics span from avoiding pellet losses (OCS) to additive use to lifecycle analyses and the monetisation of sustainable products. A political panel will discuss the competitiveness of the European plastics industry as a driver for a sustainable economy.

Smart Saturday (11 October)

On Saturday digitalisation and artificial intelligence will be centrestage: Poly Materials, Ineos, Covestro, Netzsch, the Nova Institute, rCycle and representatives from science, to name but a few, will flag up how AI optimises processes from material development to improved collection and sorting for recycling to the drawing up of sustainability reports.

Career Sunday (12 October)

Career Sunday will focus on people. Be it in recruiting through new channels via gaming or diversity, at two book presentations or the Science and Poetry Slam; not forgetting the networking event “Women in Plastics”

Innovation Monday (13 October)

Monday is reserved for start-ups and science: in two pitch sessions emerging companies will introduce themselves with solutions for recycling, digitalisation, material development and organic plastics. In addition, the WAK Prize will be presented by Prof. Moritzer (University of Paderborn). The concluding scientific panel will discuss the innovative power of plastics as an enabler for various key industries in Europe.

Visionary Tuesday (14 October)

The last but one day of K 2025 looks ahead of time — Plastics 2050: circular design, bio-based raw materials, CCU and the avoidance of micro plastics will be crucial topics. The keynote by Prof. Michael Braungart (Cradle to Cradle) as well as panels with leading representatives from industry and science show that the future of the industry is transforming — with high ambitions and concrete steps.

The programme will be predominantly in English.

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