K Show 2016 draws investment-orientated visitors

The world’s biggest trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, K 2016, has been met with positive reception from the 3,285 exhibitors.

Thanks to the good economic state of the industry and the positive outlook for the future, exhibitors have been met with trade visitors with a pronounced willingness to invest.

230,000 trade visitors from over 160 countries attended K Show 2016, emphasising the higher percentage of international visitors. There was a large showing of company executives this year with an estimated 60% being involved with their company’s investment decision.

Among the dominating themes at K 2016 were energy, material and resource efficiency. Other areas included new materials, innovative recycling concepts, new application area for organic plastics and additive manufacturing. Dominating lectures, discussions and hands-on demonstrations was Industry 4.0.

Chairman of the K 2016 Advisory Board Ulrich Reifenhäuser said: “The possibilities the Internet of Things brings stimulates strong, serious interest – especially among younger, IT-savvy customers from throughout the world. Industry 4.0 is a theme of the future that will keep us busy for years to come”.

 A line-up of accompanying events at K Show were received positively. The Special Show, a central forum for swapping information was particularly well received. Individual themed days illustrated the impact that plastics have on shaping modern living environments. 

Numerous universities, institutes and sponsoring organisations had the chance to make contact with various exhibitors and visitors at the Science Campus exhibition.

Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, president & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, said: “Just the sheer number of experts visiting K 2016 impressively confirm the appeal and importance of the trade fair – since this number is once again clearly higher than at the previous event in 2013. However, what is more important: the breakdown of trade visitors was of an exceedingly high standard. We can register a constantly good level of demand from Germany and a disproportionately high level of interest from abroad, especially from overseas. It is known the world over that K in Düsseldorf is the innovation platform for the entire sector. A visit here is simply indispensable for everyone wanting to stay ahead of the competition.”