Extrusion International 6-2025

28 Extrusion International 6/2025 К 2025 High response. Good mood. Strong K. – K 2025 confirms its pole position as global No. 1 trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry K 2025, the most relevant trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry worldwide, drew to a success- ful close on 15 October 2025 after 8 days. In view of the current dif cult economic climate, many companies in the plastics and rubber industry travelled to Düssel- dorf with rather subdued expectations. But the mood prevailing across the fully occupied exhibition grounds proved outstanding on all trade fair days. The plastics and rubber industry presented itself as more innova- tive, international and determined than ever to actively shape the transition to more sustainability, digitalisa- tion and social responsibility. “K has demonstrated once again just how much in- novative power and dynamism this sector holds. The enormous international interest, the high demand for information and the multitude of concrete investment conversations all the way to many contracts concluded right on site underline the importance of this trade fair as a global platform for pioneering solutions and partnership-based exchange,” emphasises Marius Ber- lemann, Chief Operating Of cer at Messe Düsseldorf, and adds: “K is an indispensable compass in uncertain times and once again succeeded in con rming its role as the most important impulse provider and launch plat- form for the global plastics and rubber industry, where numerous companies have unveiled their innovations to the global public for the rst time.” Under the strapline “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible” 3,275 exhibitors from 66 nations presented forward-looking technologies, products and processes along their entire value chain across 18 exhi- bition halls and outdoor areas. Over 175,000 trade visi- tors from around 160 countries travelled to Düsseldorf meaning that K attendance remained stable. K provid- ed impressive proof of its position as the industry’s most global trade fair: 73% of all visitors came from abroad and over one third of these from overseas. A particularly strong representation was seen from China (6,300 visi- tors) and India (6,400 visitors). A total of 10,000 visitors travelled from the US and Brazil to K 2025. The trade fair again stood out with an above-average ratio of de- cision-makers (67%). “The environment we currently have to navigate remains enormously challenging,” explained Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the K 2025 Exhibitor Advi- sory Board. “But it is especially in such times that the strength of our industry becomes visible. Every three years the global plastics sector comes together here – and for good reason: K is the place where innovations are launched, partnerships are forged, and visions turn into reality. Plastics have been – and will remain – the most important material of our time. They fuse light- weight design, utility, energy ef ciency with versatility serving as pioneers of progress in many applications – frommedical technology to mobility and energy supply. With improved recycling solutions and circular concepts, they will increasingly become the most sustainable ma- terial of our times.” With its three central key topics “Shaping the Circu- lar Economy”, “Embracing Digitalisation” and “Caring about People” K 2025 struck exactly the right chord with the spirit of the times. Machine and plant builders impressively showed how ef ciency, precision and re - source savings can be linked through their ultra-modern manufacturing systems and live demos. The segment of raw and auxiliary materials also convinced the audience with its innovations: from bio-based materials to recy- cled compounds to new additives that fuse functionality with sustainability, the exhibitors showcased an impres- sive panoply of solutions for tomorrow’s material de- Photo: VM Verlag / B. Jopp-Witt