This year's special show will focus on and illustrate the transformation of industry.
 

The special show “Plastics shape the future,” jointly organized by Plastics Europe Germany and Messe Düsseldorf (Hall 6, Booth C40), promises insights into the current status and prospects of the transformation toward greater sustainability, digitalization, and social responsibility. It will offer daily changing topics, discussions with representatives from politics, science, NGOs, innovative start-ups, and industry experts. According to the organizers, the program will be complemented by interactive expert talks, round tables, guided tours of the trade fair, and networking opportunities at the Startup Pitch, the Science and Poetry Slam, and the “Women in Plastics” event.
 
The program, which will be held primarily in English, will have a different focus each of the seven days:
 
Kick-off Wednesday – The Power of Plastics (October 8)
Wednesday will be dedicated to competitiveness and sustainability. Following the opening ceremony with representatives from politics, business, and international associations, two sessions led by Virginia Janssens (Managing Director of Plastics Europe) and Dr. Christine Bunte (Plastics Europe Germany) will focus on how innovation and investment are driving the transformation of the industry.
 
Circular Thursday (October 9)
On Thursday, moderated by Prof. Manfred Renner (Fraunhofer Umsicht/CCPE), everything will revolve around the circular economy: Experts will shed light on recyclable product design, regulatory challenges, and circular business models in the fields of packaging, textiles, electronics, construction, and automotive. The day will be rounded off with a panel discussion on chemical and mechanical recycling.
 
Climate Friday (October 10)
On Friday, the focus will be on climate protection and CO₂ reduction. Topics will range from pellet loss prevention (OCS) and the use of additives to life cycle analyses and the monetization of sustainable products. A political panel will discuss the competitiveness of the European plastics industry as a driver of a sustainable economy.
 
Smart Saturday (October 11)
On Saturday, the focus will be on digitalization and artificial intelligence. PolyMaterials, Ineos, Covestro, Netzsch, the nova Institute, rCycle, and representatives from the scientific community will demonstrate how AI processes optimize material development, collection and sorting in recycling, and the preparation of sustainability reports, among other things.
 
Career Sunday (October 12)
Career Sunday will focus on people. Whether it's recruiting through new channels, gaming, or diversity, two book presentations, or a science and poetry slam. Not to be forgotten is the networking event “Women in Plastics.”
 
Innovation Monday (October 13)
Monday is all about start-ups and science. In two pitch sessions, up-and-coming companies will present their solutions for recycling, digitalization, material development, and bioplastics. In addition, Prof. Moritzer from the University of Paderborn will present the “Scientific Working Group on Plastics Technology” (WAK) award, which is given annually to the best and most innovative theses in the field of plastics technology. The event will conclude with a scientific panel discussion on the innovative power of plastics as an enabler for various key industries in Europe.
 
Visionary Tuesday (October 14)
The penultimate day of K 2025 will look to the future under the title “Plastics 2050.” Key topics will include circular design, bio-based raw materials, CCU, and the avoidance of microplastics. The keynote speech by Prof. Michael Braungart (“Cradle to Cradle”) and panels with leading industry and science representatives will examine the future of an industry in transition.
 
Further information on the special show and the complete program is available at: www.k-online.de/en/programm/specials/plastics_shape_the_future and on the Plastics Europe website.
 
Sources:

• Press release K-online (7.5.2025)
• Image: © Plastics Europe