Pole Position: Over 175,000 visitors attend K 2025
K 2025, the iconic trade fair for the global plastics and rubber industry, concluded successfully on October 15, 2025, after eight days of engaging events. Despite the challenging economic climate, the atmosphere across the fully occupied exhibition grounds was exceptional throughout the fair.
Under the motto “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible,” 3,275 exhibitors from 66 nations showcased forward-looking technologies, products, and processes across 18 exhibition halls and outdoor areas.
International attendance remains high
The trade fair welcomed over 175,000 trade visitors from around 160 countries to Düsseldorf, demonstrating stable attendance at K 2025. Notably, 73% of attendees were international, with over a third coming from overseas. Strong representation was seen from China (6,300 visitors) and India (6,400 visitors), while approximately 10,000 visitors travelled from the US and Brazil.
K 2025 stood out with an impressive ratio of decision-makers, comprising 67% of attendees. This year’s event also highlighted high satisfaction levels; according to preliminary survey results, 95% of visitors reported achieving their objectives at the trade fair, and 98% rated the range of products and services as excellent or expressed high satisfaction.
Plastics are here to stay
“K has demonstrated once again just how much innovative power and dynamism this sector holds. The enormous international interest, the high demand for information and the multitude of concrete investment conversations all the way to many contracts concluded right on site underline the importance of this trade fair as a global platform for pioneering solutions and partnership-based exchange,” emphasises Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer at Messe Düsseldorf.
“The environment we currently have to navigate remains enormously challenging,” explained Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the K 2025 Exhibitor Advisory Board. “But it is especially in such times that the strength of our industry becomes visible. Plastics have been – and will remain – the most important material of our time. With improved recycling solutions and circular concepts, they will increasingly become the most sustainable material of our times.”
The next K (K 2028) will be held in Düsseldorf from 18 to 25 October 2028.
