At K 2025, majority of chemical companies highlighted the importance of sustainability and high performance in their exhibits. These reflected the “double pressure” – carbon neutrality and company transition from added-value innovations – in European plastics industry.

It is also notable that traditional applications, including automotive, packaging, apparel, sports and medical, remain to be leading the industry. Yet, exhibits on the emerging industries, such as humanoid robot and low altitude economy, which are popular topics in China, was missing at this K fair. Such difference may reflect that the European market prefers the more stable “sustainability upgrading” rather than the speeding emerging industries.

At K fairgrounds, some exhibitors put their sustainable and circular innovations under spotlight, including BASF, Covestro, Borouge and Asahi Kasei.

BASF: Circular economy in multiple applications

Through its global campaign #OurPlasticsJourney, BASF showcased its solutions for circular economy. From bike backpack, Siemens’ SIRIUS circuit breaker to ZARA bodysuit, BASF’s recycled solutions have proved their performance in commercial applications.

BASF’s booth at K 2025. (Source: K online)

Covestro: New concept vehicle combining low carbon and smart exploration

Covestro presented its new concept vehicle “People Mover”, co-developed with UE|STUDIOS and other partners.

Covestro’s new concept vehicle “People Mover” was presented at K 2025. (Source: K online)

The exhibited vehicle is still under material validation stage. Covestro’s Makrolon polycarbonate (PC), achieving lightweight and sensors’ seamless integration. This shows the new material potential in smart vehicles, as well as the exploration of low-carbon and smart solutions in European automotive industry.

Borouge: PCR and glass-fiber reinforced automotive parts

Borouge showed multiple automotive parts made with PCR and glass-fiber reinforced plastics. Despite regulations on automotive circular design and end-of-life vehicles have yet to be implemented, chemical companies and automotive parts manufacturers have to be prepare ahead. Increasing the use of recycled materials in new vehicles is an inevitable move in automotive industry. Borouge is also working on the inspection and validation of related materials for the upcoming regulations.

Borouge showed automotive parts made with glass-fiber reinforced plastic with PCR content. (Source: K online)

Asahi Kasei: Continuous carbon fiber recycling

Asahi Kasei brought its technological breakthrough – continuous carbon fiber recycling.

Asahi Kasei’s booth at K 2025. (Source: K online)

Unlike conventional recycling methods that result in chopped fibers, Asahi Kasei utilizes electrolyzed sulfuric acid to completely decomposes the resin matrix while preserving the carbon fibers’ original strength and continuous structure, achieving high quality and low cost of CFRP.

The process achieves high quality and low cost recycling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

Demonstrating the Power of Plastics at K: Innovations, responsibility and sustainability

In general, K 2025 demonstrated its theme “The Power of Plastics” through enhanced energy efficiency, and the use of digitalization and AI in plastic machinery, as well as green transition in material innovations.