K 2016: The future of plastics processing

Ever since plastics were first processed into various consumer products, they have become virtually present in everyday life and their uses have expanded with the emergence of new applications. Through innovations and constant search for opportunities to apply plastic materials, many challenges in the use of plastics have been overcome. Without plastics and rubber, it will not be possible to master the huge challenges of the future. They have become byword for resource-conserving technologies, progressive mobility, the protection of food and drinking water, innovative medical technology, energy efficiency and sustainability. 

 

At K 2016 in Düsseldorf, held from October 19 to 26, a special show "Plastics shape the future" highlights the developments that are already taking shape and the visions that may become reality tomorrow. With reference to examples, the show demonstrates to what extent plastics are making their mark on modern living spaces – functionally, aesthetically and sustainably. Special focus is also devoted to economic and environmental matters, and even problematical issues like marine litter, for example, will be addressed. 

 

Multimedia presentations and innovative stand design will enliven the programme of the special show in Hall 6, consisting of information and entertainment blocks, activities, keynote talks and rounds of discussions. Ideas from school pupils and students on how to shape the future will not only be the focus of the traditional Youth Day on the Sunday of K 2016, but will provide fresh stimulus every day of the fair.  

 

In 2016, the special show, a project of the German plastics industry under the leadership of PlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V. and Messe Düsseldorf, is supplementing K's exhibition array for the 9th time. The world's foremost gathering of the plastics and rubber sector will again be covering everything the industry has to offer. Some 3,200 exhibitors from all continents are taking part, and all 19 halls of Düsseldorf's fairgrounds are already fully booked. Some 200,000 trade visitors from all over the world are expected at K 2016. 

 

K 2016 is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm from Wednesday, 19 October, until Wednesday, 26 October 2016.  

 

 

Science Campus presents key themes 

Having met with a huge response at its premiere at K 2013, the Science Campus at K 2016 is intensifying the dialogue between research and industry in an enlarged area and with an increased number of participating scientific organizations. Supplementing the resentations of universities and colleges, institutes and sponsoring organizations, the Science Campus will focus on the four key themes defined by the K 2016 Innovation Circle – a panel made up of experts from science and representatives of K's Exhibitors Council.

 

The Science Campus enables exhibitors and visitors at K 2016 to gain a concentrated overview of scientific activities and findings in the plastics and rubber sector and promotes an exchange of experience between companies and universities. The following participants are represented at the Science Campus in Hall 7of the Düsseldorf exhibition center: Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Plastics Engineering (ikd),

Johannes Kepler University, Institute of Polymeric Materials and Testing, Linz, Austria; Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF), Chemnitz University of Technology, Cluster of Excellence MERGE, Institute of Lightweight Structures; Dresden University of Technology, Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK), and University of Stuttgart, Institute of Polymer Technology (IKT). 

 

At the Science Campus Center, the discussion and communication forum will focus on the following key themes: innovation drivers of global change focusing on resource efficiency; Plastics Industry 4.0; new materials, and lightweight engineering as well as on scientific training in macromolecular chemistry and plastics technology.

 

Scientists of K 2016's Innovation Circle and teams from their institutes prepare the key themes and present them in different formats. Expected to have a lasting impact on market development of the sector in the coming years, these themes will not only be the focus of the Science Campus at K 2016 but will also be reflected in the presentations of the exhibitors, the special show "Plastics Shape the Future" and the Innovation Compass.