Rajoo Engineers, a leading Indian manufacturer of extrusion machinery, reflected on its recent participation at K 2025 in Düsseldorf in early October, noting both the event’s enduring global relevance and the evolving nature of international trade exhibitions.
Speaking about the experience with Packaging South Asia, Khushboo Doshi, managing director of Rajoo Engineers, said the show provided valuable networking and collaboration opportunities, but attendance patterns and visitor engagement appeared to be changing compared with earlier editions. Having participated in K since 2001, Rajoo Engineers has witnessed the fair’s transformation over more than two decades.
Doshi observed that this year’s edition saw fewer visitors, particularly from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa — regions traditionally well represented at K. The trend, she suggested, may be linked to broader economic factors in Europe, rising costs for exhibitors and visitors alike, and the growing appeal of regional shows such as Plastindia and Chinaplas, which are drawing increasing international participation.
While Rajoo Engineers’ booth attracted attention for its next-generation extruder and virtual technology demonstrations, Doshi noted that the cost of participation — including logistics, energy, and accommodation — had risen significantly in recent years. These factors, she said, are prompting companies and visitors to be more selective about which events to attend.
Rajoo Engineers chose to display an assembled extruder rather than a live-running machine this year, citing focus on sustainability and high operational costs of running equipment in Germany. Nonetheless, the exhibition proved productive for the company, serving as a platform to strengthen existing partnerships, explore technology collaborations, and engage with potential customers and industry peers.
Doshi said while major international exhibitions such as K remain critical for showcasing innovation and connecting the global plastics and packaging community, the organizers should consider evolving market realities and the participation challenges faced by companies from developing economies. She noted that issues such as scheduling, travel costs, and overall affordability could have a direct impact on visitor turnout and the return on investment for exhibitors.
Despite these headwinds, Rajoo Engineers remains optimistic about the future of international collaboration in the plastics sector. The company continues to focus on advancing its extrusion technologies and expanding its global footprint through partnerships, sustainable manufacturing practices, and customer-centric innovation.
Doshi added that for the next edition of K, greater inclusivity in planning and responsiveness to exhibitors’ concerns could help sustain the show’s global appeal. As the industry adapts to changing economic and environmental conditions, events like K will continue to play a vital role in shaping the dialogue around innovation and sustainability in plastics manufacturing.
