Plastics Europe and Fraunhofer CCPE want to join forces at the K 2025 trade fair on October 9, 2025, to showcase ways of achieving a sustainable circular economy with plastics.
 

According to a statement by the Association of German Plastics Manufacturers, Plastics Europe Germany, and the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE, the Circular Thursday theme day, which will take place in Hall 6, Booth C40, as part of the special show “Plastics shape the future,” will be dedicated to the circular economy and sustainable innovations. Against the backdrop of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which came into force in February 2025, and planned and potentially upcoming amendments in areas such as end-of-life vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, and the construction sector, Circular Thursday will discuss the fundamentals of a successful circular economy. Expert talks with one association representative and two industry representatives on stage and in discussion with the audience will address topics such as:
 

• How high is the recycling potential in the individual industries?
• What technologies are needed?
• What framework conditions does recycling need to become competitive?
• What is the significance of other raw materials such as biomass or CO₂?

 
According to the information provided, a panel discussion on the complementarity and prospects of mechanical and chemical recycling under the current competitive conditions is planned for the afternoon. The day will be moderated by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Renner, Head of Fraunhofer CCPE and Director of Fraunhofer UMSICHT. He says: "I am convinced that Germany can do circular economy. The technological foundations are in place; now we just need to integrate research and application more closely. That is precisely the goal of Circular Thursday.“ Dr. Christine Bunte, CEO of Plastics Europe Germany, invites all interested parties to participate and explains: ”Circular Thursday is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements in the circular economy to date and discuss how we can further accelerate the transformation."
 
The world's leading trade fair, K 2025, will begin in Düsseldorf on October 8, 2025. Further information on the trade fair and the special show “Plastics shape the future” as well as the Circular Thursday program is available at: Plastics Shape The Future – K 2025
 
Sources:

• Press release Plastics Europe, Fraunhofer CCPE (3.6.2025)
• Graphik: © PED