K 2025 highlights green, smart and responsible production

From 8 to 15 October 2025, K in Düsseldorf will once again take centre stage in the global plastics and rubber industry. Around 3,200 exhibitors from 66 countries are expected to present innovative solutions, forward-looking products and impressive machines in live operation. With its motto "The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible," the exhibition sets clear priorities and reflects the industry’s current values and targets, while emphasizing how plastics have become an indispensable component of numerous sectors of industry. At the same time, the motto of the forthcoming K stands for the industry’s commitment to act sustainably, smartly and responsibly in producing and handling the material that is plastic.

Especially in today’s challenging times K in Düsseldorf underscores its role as the world’s No. 1 trade fair. It is the place where the complete value chain is presented at the highest level. Nowhere else are innovations on show in such high concentration, nowhere else can so many product launches be seen as at K in Düsseldorf. On the one hand, it is the global showcase of an active, innovative and responsible sector, on the other hand, it is also the platform where the future is shaped – be it by trail-blazing technologies, in-depth discussions of global challenges or as a point of departure for joint ventures across borders.

Size and scope

K impresses not only with its sheer dimensions but also with the variety of nations represented. It has been completely booked up since May 2024. Over 177,000 sqm 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. 

The international appeal of K is unparalleled: 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% 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 clearly 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 impressive. In addition, the USA will once again be represented by a larger group of exhibitors.

Highlights and special features at K 2025

The Specials at K 2025 will pick up on the trade fair’s guiding topics. They comprise proven successful formats while focusing on innovations at the same time. The “Plastics Shape the Future”: the official Special Show of K is a project by the German plastics industry headed by PlasticsEurope Deutschland e. V. and Messe Düsseldorf. It illustrates the fascinating developments already happening now and how the visions for tomorrow are already on the way to being implemented today; but it also highlights the important role international politics play in this. “Plastics Shape the Future” comprises seven themed days – featuring discussions on innovative technologies and materials, keynotes, a political panel, Career Day and Start-up Pitch. The VDMA Forum will again present a comprehensive Forum on the outdoor premises, this time entitled “The Power of Plastics”. In 2025 Rubberstreet will again serve as the showcase for the innovative power and operational excellence of the elastomer sector.  Already since 1983 it has been the “first port of call” and orientation point for all those interested in learning more about elastomers (rubber & TPE) at K.  The Start-up Zone successfully debuted at the last edition of K and extended to provide a platform for as many newcomers as possible who are specifically dedicated to the development of innovative products and solutions in the fields of plastics and rubber. At the Science Campus universities, colleges and institutes will present their latest plastics research findings. Women in Plastics is a networking event specifically designed for women will debut at K 2025. Successful women in the international plastics sector will report in a panel discussion and best-practice talks on their careers and experiences and will be available for questions from the audience.  

Part of K in Düsseldorf’s success formula is its focus on service. Thanks to its extensive digital services you can conveniently plan your perfect trade fair visit in the run-up to the event. The Ticketshop for K 2025 is open at www.k-online.com. The eTicket can be scanned as a print-out or straight from your smartphone display at the exhibition centre turnstiles, avoiding long queues to get into the halls. The K-App (for iOS and Android) will allow convenient and permanent access of news about the entire sector and helpful tips related to the trade fair both in the run-to and during your visit to K. The matchmaking-tool Fair Match enables trade visitors and all exhibitors to search for matching contacts at K-online from August. All you need to do is enter your interests and search parameters. By quickly matching these interests, recommendations and personalised proposals are generated immediately.  For more information about K 2025, visit: www.k-online.de.