Under the theme ‘The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible’, a reported 175,000+ trade visitors from around 160 countries gathered in Düsseldorf, Germany for K 2025, with over 3,000 exhibitors presenting their technologies, products and processes. We reflect on the innovations, discussions and solutions displayed at this year’s event.
According to data from Messe Düsseldorf, 73% of all visitors came from abroad, with 6,300 visitors from China and 6,400 from India. A total of 10,000 visitors travelled from the US and Brazil.
Machine and plant builders targeted efficiency, precision and resource savings through manufacturing systems and live demos, and the raw and auxiliary materials segment showcased bio-based materials, recycled compounds and new additives seeking to combine functionality and sustainability. There was also the show titled ‘Plastics Shape the Future’, organised by Plastics Europe Deutschland and Messe Düsseldorf and featuring expert talks, panel discussions and start-up pitches on various themed days.
One of the developments on display at K was Fraunhofer’s new bio-based polyamide Caramide, apparently derived from 3-carene, a terpene produced in large quantities as a by-product of cellulose production. The company states that Caramide’s thermal properties make it suitable for a wide variety of applications, from gears in mechanical engineering to safety glass, lightweight construction panels, foams, protective textiles and surgical suture materials. Fraunhofer says monofilaments, foams and plastic glasses have already been made from the new polyamide, said to be resistant to high temperatures and highly adaptable.
Also being highlighted was the company’s thermoplastic sandwich moulding technology, demonstrated through a storage compartment flap for a truck cabin. The sandwich construction is said to enable weight savings of up to 70% compared to monolithic structures and offer a load-bearing capacity ‘equal to or even exceeding’ that of metal components.
According to Fraunhofer, the manufacturing process is fully automated, making the process suitable for both moulded components and the processing of thermoplastics in large-scale production. The technology was developed in partnership with Daimler Truck, ElringKlinger, ENGEL Austria, ThermHex and Edevis.
In other news, Plastics Europe held a press conference discussing the findings of its ‘Plastics the Fast Facts’ 2025 report, examining global and European plastics production and economic indicators. Managing director Virginia Janssens and circularity director Dr. Katharina Schlegel Thummer highlighted over 12% growth in global mechanically recycled plastics production and noted that circular plastics account for more than 10% of global plastics production. However, they also revealed that between 2018-2024, Europe’s plastics production continued at its lowest levels in two decades, with bio-based plastics production falling by 25% and circular plastics production remaining flat.
The speakers drew attention to EU trade data which confirmed it as the net importer plastics three years in a row and showed the United States as the largest source of imports of plastics, and the 4th export market for the EU. The report also indicated that China is leading global recycled plastics production, with a growth of over 16% in two years.
In light of these findings, Plastics Europe stated that - with urgent policy support - it aims to build the world’s first circular plastics system and protect the European industries that benefit from a secure local supply of plastics. It also seeks to achieve 65% circularity by 2050 and Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The association also appealed to EU and national policymakers to tackle Europe’s energy cost crisis, strengthen the reinforcement of EU legislation at its borders; boost European circular plastic production and remove internal barriers; and establish a Chemicals and Plastics Trade Observatory.
Packaging Europe also reported on K as it was happening with our rolling coverage, including videos on products and solutions such as Braskem’s bio-based portfolio, Sukano’s masterbatch technology and Holland Colours’ additives.
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