K2022 – Trade fair results exceed all expectations

A driver of innovation for the global plastics and rubber industry

A wide range of concrete solutions, machines, and products to support the transition to a circular economy

The excitement within the plastics and rubber industry at finally being able to exchange ideas in person on a global scale again after three years defined K2022 Düsseldorf and created a positive atmosphere among the 3,037 exhibitors. Companies reported an exceptionally high volume of leads and a strong willingness to invest among trade visitors, noting promising new customer relationships and the conclusion of numerous business deals, some of which were made on the spot.

“K in Düsseldorf has once again exceeded the highest expectations. It remains the most international, comprehensive, and innovative trade fair for the global plastics and rubber industry,” says Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director at Messe Düsseldorf, expressing his delight at the strong results and adding: “The trade fair has impressively demonstrated just how valuable in-person networking, chance encounters, and hands-on brand and product experiences are. We are very pleased to see that K2022 succeeded in sending out strong signals as a driver of innovation in the industry and that our exhibitors did business with a large number of international customers with significant decision-making authority.”

176,000 trade visitors from every continent traveled to their most relevant industry event in Düsseldorf. At over 70%, the proportion of international guests at K2022 remained consistently high.

Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board at K2022, also offers a very positive assessment: “With virtually no trade fairs taking place worldwide—including at the national level—over the past three years, K2022 was all the more eagerly anticipated as the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, and it succeeded in providing fresh momentum across all sectors of our industry. The many—and in some cases unexpected—concrete contract negotiations held at the trade fair speak for themselves!”  

“The current unpredictability and uncertainty surrounding events have certainly created a challenging situation for the sector as a whole, but this did not dampen exhibitor enthusiasm or visitor interest—quite the opposite: ‘Especially now, in these turbulent times and as the plastics industry undergoes a transformation toward the circular economy, K2022 was the ideal place to work together and actively chart a course for the future,’ summarizes Ulrich Reifenhäuser.”

Trade visitors were particularly impressed by the wealth of new technological developments presented by raw material producers, machinery manufacturers, and plastics processors for implementing the circular economy, conserving resources, and protecting the climate. Commenting on this, Ulrich Reifenhäuser says: “It is clear that all companies have embraced the need to take on social responsibility and think about plastics in a sustainable way from the very beginning of the process chain. The variety of solutions, machinery, and products for the transition to a circular economy presented at K2022 was incredible.”

Trade visitors at this year’s K traveled to the Rhine from 157 countries. In addition to Germany, the European countries with the strongest representation among visitors included the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, France, Belgium, Poland, and Spain. With 42% of visitors coming from overseas, K’s reach among the international trade audience remains as high as ever. While visitors from the East Asian region, in particular, were less well represented than at K three years ago due to the currently more difficult conditions in those countries resulting from quarantine regulations, numerous visitors from the USA, Brazil, and India were welcomed at K2022.

For about two-thirds of all visitors surveyed, machinery and plant construction ranked first in terms of interest. Fifty-seven percent—5% more than at K 2019—said they were interested in raw and auxiliary materials, with recyclates and bioplastics being particularly popular. For 28%, semi-finished products and technical parts made of plastics and rubber were the main reason for attending (multiple responses allowed). Over 70% of all visitors are from top and middle management.

Visitors to K2022 gave top marks for the comprehensiveness of the product ranges and the event’s coverage of the entire supply chain. 98% of all professionals reported that they had fully achieved the goals they had set for their visit.

Over the course of the eight-day trade fair, it became clear that this year’s K had hit the mark with its selection of key topics: the circular economy, climate protection, and digitalization. In terms of investment plans, machinery and equipment for processing and recycling stood out, accounting for 43%. The focus was particularly on sustainability, but also on the circular economy and energy and resource efficiency in production. Around 40% of decision-makers said they were exploring the topic of decarbonization.

The K specials, which also focused on the three key topics, were very well received. The official special show, “Plastics Shape the Future,” addressed the economic, social, and ecological challenges and potential solutions related to the K guiding topics through high-caliber discussions and lectures, and this show was well attended throughout.  The Circular Economy Forum, where the VDMA and 13 of its member companies impressively demonstrated the importance of technology in implementing the circular economy in the plastics industry, won over the international audience with live demonstrations, a wealth of expert knowledge, and detailed information on the topic.

At this year’s K in Düsseldorf, there was also a great deal of discussion about the global industrial standard, OPC UA. This standard enables the operating parameters of the machinery and equipment involved to be coordinated more precisely and in a more targeted manner. This, in turn, is considered an important prerequisite for optimized circular management. Forty companies from eight countries participated in an OPC UA demonstration project at the trade fair.

At the Science Campus, both exhibitors and visitors at K2022 were given a concise overview of scientific activities and findings in the plastics and rubber sector. Numerous universities, research institutes, and funding agencies provided opportunities for direct dialogue there.

Many students, trainees, and college students took advantage of the Plastics Training Initiative (KAI) to learn about job profiles and career opportunities in the plastics industry.

The next K Düsseldorf will take place from October 8 to 15, 2025.