The plastics and rubber industry is dynamic, highly innovative and a key player when it comes to the circular economy, climate protection and digitalization. In October 2025, more than 3,200 exhibitors from throughout the world will present the world’s most comprehensive ranges of forward-looking manufacturing, processing and finishing technologies at K in Düsseldorf.
At the latest K three years ago, the production units presented in live operation by machine manufacturers, raw material producers and processors at the Düsseldorf exhibition halls thrilled just under 178,000 trade visitors from 167 nations.
In addition to its leading trade fair serving as the innovation hub for the entire sector every three years, global players in the plastics and rubber industry require appropriate platforms for direct market entry in growth regions. So far Messe Düsseldorf has pooled its activities under the service brand Global Gate, which will now become the K-Alliance.
“The previous name especially emphasized Messe Düsseldorf’s function as a door opener for entering promising sales markets,” says Thomas Franken, director of K who goes on to explain, “The designation K-Alliance now places a clearer focus on the strong partnerships and alliances that our constantly growing, worldwide network of trade fairs related to plastics and rubber stands for.”
“K-Alliance stands for the international strategy of Messe Düsseldorf, for our performance promise and customer-focused service. In the international exhibition business, it is key to create professional communication platforms for global players. Here, Messe Düsseldorf’s portfolio ensures ideal offerings – both with K in Düsseldorf and around the globe. Our own events and strategic alliances with leading trade fairs for the plastics and rubber industry provide the sector with tailor-made opportunities.”
At present, the K-Alliance comprises 11 trade fairs throughout the world. This year will still see Pack Print Plas Philippines being held from 18 to 20 September, and Plastics & Rubber Indonesia, from 19 to 22 November. Plastindia, Plastics & Rubber Vietnam, Chinaplas, plast alger (Algeria), Colombiaplast (Colombia), Plastics & Rubber Thailand and Central Asia Plast World (Kazakhstan) in 2026 as well as Arabplast (United Arab Emirates) will be held in 2027 again.
The latest member of the K-Alliance is Saudi Plastics & Petrochem, which will be held from 12 to 15 April 2026 concurrently with Saudi Print & Pack in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
