Innovations focus on climate protection, circular economy and digitalisation

As plastics continue to shape the future, the global plastics industry sets its sights on hot topics – climate protection, circular economy and digitalisation – at this year’s edition of K, the world’s leading trade fair. From October 19 to 26, 2022, new products and innovations from all sectors of the industry, from production to processing to mechanical engineering, are demonstrated by this dynamic industry.

Even with the many challenges affecting the global economy, there was no doubt that plastics and rubber experts all agree that K in Düsseldorf is the most relevant meeting point for the entire industry worldwide. Exhibitors from throughout the world come to Düsseldorf to demonstrate the operational excellence of the industry and actively chart the course for the future together with visitors. 

Suppliers from Europe, especially from Germany, Italy, Austria, Turkey, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France are particularly well represented again this year, but also from the United States. At the same time, K clearly reflects the changes affecting the global market: the number and presentation areas of companies from Asia have remained at a constant high for several years now. Exhibitors from China, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Japan are also well represented. K 2022 features approximately 3,000 exhibitors from 61 countries, occupying the vast Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre in its entirety. 

The open exchange and dialogue on solutions-oriented innovations and sustainable developments across national borders and continents is one of the highlights of the K show. It fulfils the ideal prerequisites for engaging in intense global networking and for jointly advancing projects. Because nowhere else is the plastics and rubber industry gathered in one place with such a high degree of internationality. Once again, the central point of contact for the critical exchange of information, thoughts, and opinions is represented by the Special Show “Plastics shape the future” in Hall 6. The focus of the special show under the auspices of Plastics Europe Deutschland (PED), the plastics producers' association, and Messe Düsseldorf are on the three ground-breaking hot topics of K 2022: climate protection, circular economy, and digitalisation. Theme days with speeches, keynotes, and panel discussions from industry experts on the three K hot topics are expected to be well-attended. 

An addition to this year’s K edition is the Start-Up Zone where newcomers showcase innovative developments and ideas for the plastics and rubber industries. Start-ups are young, creative, flexible and particularly stand out with their innovative solutions, and recognising their contributions and talents, K 2022 has offered a dedicated presentation area to newcomers specialised in the development of innovative products and solutions revolving around plastics and rubber. The Start-Up Zone is located at Hall 8B of Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. 

In response to the health concerns, Messe Düsseldorf has ensured the highest air quality with the installation of 3,000 HEPA filters. These high-efficiency particulate air filters introduce clinically clean air into the halls while at the same time reducing heating and cooling energy consumption. It is the most effective air cleaning technology currently available: HEPA filters remove 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and other particulates from the air and release the cleaned air into the room again. These high-efficiency filters make for highest air quality in ORs, at Intensive Care Units and now also at Messe Düsseldorf and Düsseldorf Congress. Halls 1, 9 to 17 as well as Congress Center Düsseldorf CCD have already been refitted. 80% of the EUR 1.4 million invested were paid by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection as part of a funding programme.

Additional infection protection is not only provided by the HEPA filters and ventilation systems but also by Messe Düsseldorf’s voluntary hygiene measures. The trade fair company continues recommending attendees to wear medical face masks and keep a 1.5 m distance from other persons on the fairgrounds. Furthermore, Messe Düsseldorf makes sanitizing dispensers available and has frequently used contact surfaces cleaned several times daily. Distance markings in waiting areas help to prevent crowds from forming in front of information counters and ticket offices. Doors, unless they are fire doors, are left open so that they can be passed through contactless. 

- To  read the Special Supplement on K 2022, click here...