K is the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industries, held every three years in Düsseldorf, Germany. Since its first edition in 1952, K has established itself as the benchmark platform where the entire value chain of plastics and rubber meets—ranging from raw material suppliers and machinery manufacturers to processors, end users, and research institutions.
Scale and International Reach
The last edition, K 2022, welcomed more than 3,000 exhibitors and over 170,000 trade visitors from all over the world, with more than 70% of attendees coming from outside Germany. This truly global participation highlights the importance of the fair as the central hub for technology, innovation, and business opportunities in the plastics and rubber sector.
Focus of K 2025
The upcoming K 2025 will again take place in Düsseldorf and has chosen the guiding theme:
“The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible.”
This theme reflects the industry’s dual transformation—towards sustainability and digitalization. Visitors can expect to see solutions that address climate change, circular economy, and resource efficiency, while also exploring smart technologies for more efficient production and advanced material applications.
Exhibition Segments
K is structured to cover the entire spectrum of the industry:
- Machinery and Equipment – from extrusion and injection molding to recycling and additive manufacturing.
- Raw Materials and Auxiliaries – polymers, fillers, additives, and sustainable alternatives.
- Semi-finished Products, Technical Parts, and Reinforced Plastics – applications across automotive, construction, electronics, and consumer goods.
Additionally, K features special exhibition areas:
- Rubber Street – highlighting the latest developments in elastomers and rubber technologies.
- Science Campus – bringing together universities, research institutes, and industry partners.
- Start-up Zone – offering a platform for innovative young companies to present pioneering solutions.
- Plastics Shape the Future – a special show organized in partnership with Plastics Europe, addressing societal, environmental, and policy aspects of plastics.
Why It Matters
K is not just a marketplace; it is the industry’s think tank and innovation driver. For companies engaged in global trade of plastics, rubbers, and related chemicals, participation in K means:
- Access to the latest technological breakthroughs and sustainable materials.
- Direct engagement with international suppliers, buyers, and partners.
- Insights into regulatory trends and future industry challenges.
By keeping track of K 2025, our company ensures we stay aligned with global developments and are well positioned to support our partners with innovative, sustainable, and high-performance solutions.