Extrusion International 6-2022

29 Extrusion International 6/2022 resented than at K three years ago due to the currently more difficult conditions in those countries on account of quarantine regulations, numerous visitors from the USA, Brazil and India were welcomed at K 2022. For around two thirds of all visitors polled machinery and plant construction ranked first in terms of interest. 57% and, hence 5% more than at K 2019, said they were inter- ested in raw and auxiliary materials, with recyclates and bi- oplastics being particularly popular. For 28% semi-finished products and technical parts made of plastics and rubber were the main reason for coming (multiple responses pos- sible). Over 70% of all visitors come from top and middle management. Top marks were given by visitors to K 2022 for the com- pleteness of its ranges and its mapping of the entire sup- ply chain. 98% of all professionals stated they had fully achieved the goals associated with their visit. During the eight trade fair days it became clear that this year’s K was right on target with its selection of hot topics, circular economy, climate protection and digitalisation. In terms of investment intentions, machinery and equipment for processing and recycling stood out at 43%. The focus was particularly on sustainability, but also on circular econ- omy and energy/resource efficiency in production. Around 40% of decision-makers said they were looking into the topic of decarbonisation. The K specials, which also focused on the three hot top- ics, were also very well received. The official special show, ‘Plastics Shape the Future’, focused on the economic, social and ecological challenges and potential solutions around the K guiding topics in high-calibre discussions and lec- tures, and this show was well attended throughout. The Circular Economy Forum, where the VDMA and 13 of its member companies impressively demonstrated the impor- tance of technology in the implementation of the circular economy in the plastics industry, scored points with the in- ternational audience with live demonstrations and a great deal of well-founded knowledge as well as detailed infor- mation on the topic. The next K Düsseldorf will be held from 8 to 15 October 2025. www.k-online.de