International Plastics News for Asia

World premiere of innovative products at K 2013


Incredibly versatile, lightweight, safe, durable, economic and impressively energy-efficient – with their multitude of positive properties, polymers have become part of our daily lives. Plastics move our lives in more ways than one, both in the figurative and the literal sense.That is the very essence that K 2013 wants to convey to exhibitors and visitors at this year's edition.

K 2013 remains world’s biggest trade show for the plastics and rubber industry. It serves as the most appropriate venue for the world premiere of breakthrough technologies, cutting-edge materials and sophisticated products and services. With 3,000 exhibitors from 60 countries, over 200,000 visitors are expected to flock to Düsseldorf, Germany from 16 – 23 October. This is where you can find the latest developments in machinery and equipment, raw materials, components and parts, auxiliaries as well as semi-finished products and reinforced plastic products that will definitely move, and create a big difference, in the world we live today.

Even while the economic situation in Europe is still not all that rosy as the region still struggles from declining production rates in the automotive industry, the slackening construction business, rising energy and raw material prices, a slight improvement in the global economy is expected to provide much-needed boost. Mr. Ulrich Reifenhäuser, President of K 2013, is carefully optimistic. “The present situation is very complex and hard to assess. Some global regions such as Japan show significant growth, others, like the US, are experiencing a slight recovery, and China is anticipating a 7% rise of its economic growth rate for 2013, despite the general downward trend. Meanwhile, Europe’s economies remain weak. Nonetheless, the associations of the plastics and rubber industry are rather optimistic. We anticipate a stable year, at worst, a slight decline, but more likely some growth. We are convinced that K 2013, the most important trade show, will revitalise the industry. Thanks to the abundance of innovations, we are confident that the industry will experience a new impetus!”

Among the companies from 60 countries, suppliers from Europe and particularly from Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France will again be out in strength. The strong German plastics and rubber industry has booked 43% of exhibition space while those from Asia, such as China, India and Taiwan have risen in number stressing the importance of this event in the global plastics and rubber industry. 

Ringier Trade Media Ltd. is covering this year's edition of K. The online K 2013 Coverage will bring the latest news on the show, the highlights and products that exhibitors will show and launch. Check out also Ringier Plastics Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates before and during the show -- all these services are aimed at helping readers make the most of their visit to this show.