Interview Thomas Franken

Interview with Thomas Franken, Director K, Portfolio Plastics and Rubber at Messe Düsseldorf

This year's K in Düsseldorf will take place from 8 to 15 October 2025 under the motto ‘The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible’. The trade fair is considered the leading international trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. K not only presents innovative technologies for raw materials, machines and processing solutions, but also brings together experts from a wide range of industries – from mechanical engineering to the automotive and packaging industries to medical technology. Since its inception in 1952, the trade fair, which is held every three years, has been regarded as an international platform where experts can exchange ideas and make contacts. Around 3,100 exhibitors from 63 countries will take part in K 2025. Three years ago, 177,486 trade visitors attended K, 71 per cent of whom came from abroad. Thomas Franken, Director K, Portfolio Plastics and Rubber at Messe Düsseldorf since 2020, spoke to us about the importance of the trade fair for the industry and its future.

Mr Franken, what is special about K in 2025?

K in Düsseldorf will once again cement its position as the most important global trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. With around 178,000 square metres of net exhibition space, it has been fully booked for a year now, which is equivalent to around 25 football pitches. 3,100 exhibitors from 63 countries will showcase the global plastics and rubber industry along the entire value chain in 18 exhibition halls and on the outdoor grounds. The range of products and services on offer includes machinery and equipment, raw materials and auxiliary materials, semi-finished products, technical parts and products made of reinforced plastics.

In 2025, one aspect of K will stand out in particular: the fact that K in Düsseldorf is not only a performance barometer for the global industry, but also offers guidance, especially in the current challenging global economic times. No other trade fair provides such a wealth of impetus for the future of the global plastics and rubber industry. It offers innovation, inspiration, solutions and plenty of space for new contacts and exchanges across national borders and continents.

What are the most important topics in the industry right now?

The plastics industry is currently undergoing a transformation process in which the shift towards a resource-efficient and sustainable industry is a top priority. That is why this year's K motto is ‘Green, smart, responsible’. The three core messages reflect the key issues facing the industry: ‘Shaping the Circular Economy’ refers to the fact that the industry is increasingly focusing on a sustainable circular economy that promotes reuse, recycling and the reduction of plastic waste. ‘Embracing the Future’ highlights the great potential offered by the digitalisation of the industry. Digitalisation not only increases the efficiency of machines and products, but also enables important aspects of sustainability, such as the tracking or sorting of materials when they are returned to the cycle. The third core message is ‘Caring about people’. This emphasises the social responsibility of the industry. This includes the responsible use of resources as well as the promotion of young talent and skilled workers in order to offer them future prospects in the plastics and rubber industry.

How will these topics be reflected at K in October?

The circular economy will be a central element of the VDMA forum. It brings the motto ‘The Power of Plastics!’ to life with running machines for plastics recycling and recyclate processing, for example. The joint special show by Plastics Europe Germany and Messe Düsseldorf, ‘Plastics Shape the Future’, offers insights into the transformation of the industry – with daily changing topics, panel discussions, pitches and slams. In addition, there will be the Young Talents Lounge for the first time, where young people can learn about plastics training in a practical way. Another highlight: the premiere of Women in Plastics on K Sunday – a networking format that raises the profile of women in the industry and brings them together.

What technological innovations will be presented in Düsseldorf?

Many companies are keeping their world premieres under wraps until shortly before the trade fair. But one thing is clear: K 2025 will showcase advances in mechanical engineering, materials development and digitalisation. I am convinced that artificial intelligence will also play a central role at K – in increasing efficiency, optimising processes and promoting sustainable solutions.

What impetus for the future can be expected from K 2025?

We are currently experiencing a period of great global uncertainty. K is coming at just the right time, because it has enormous appeal. It will present the plastics and rubber industry as a future-oriented driving force and enable people to look beyond their own horizons. In addition, international exchange will deepen existing business contacts and create many new ones, as well as enabling intensive dialogue that will lead to new partnerships and forward-looking projects across borders. In view of the profound changes in the plastics industry, K 2025 offers an ideal platform for actively setting the course for the future together.

Where will the ‘Power of Plastics’ lead in the coming years?

Plastics are increasingly recognised as enablers for sustainable solutions – for example, through CO2 savings in lightweight construction, better insulation in the building industry or longer shelf life for food, to name just a few areas. The material still has enormous potential, which the industry will exploit in a targeted manner in the coming years.

Mr Franken, thank you very much for the interview!