PlasticsToday

10/16/2025

K - The World’s No. I Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber concluded after eight dynamic days in Düsseldorf, Germany, surpassing expectations despite challenging economic conditions. Senior Editor David Hutton highlights how the world’s premier plastics and rubber exhibition showcased an industry that is increasingly innovative, international, and sustainability-focused.

With 3,275 exhibitors from 66 nations and over 175,000 trade visitors from 160 countries, K 2025 reinforced its position as the most global platform for the industry. Under the theme 'The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible', the event spotlighted cutting-edge technologies and solutions driving progress in plastics and rubber.

Read David Hutton’s article for a closer look at the exceptional results and key takeaways from this year’s event.

Global plastics exhibition K 2025 in Düsseldorf attracted 175,000+ visitors and showcased sustainability innovations despite economic challenges

10/14/2025

At TestXpo on the campus of testing equipment manufacturer ZwickRoell in Ulm, Germany, Pharmaceutical and Medical Manager for North America James Ritchey provides a brief overview of an insulin pen testing system. The system conducts tests on all the plastic components without having to use the expensive medication. Ritchey describes it as a cost-effective way to test new designs and even new products.

10/13/2025

ExxonMobil brought its customer-centric Signature Polymers program to the K show in Düsseldorf, Germany, for the first time this year. Monomaterial PE-based packaging designed for recyclability, cast stretch films and bags that incorporate post-consumer recycled content, and a virtual reality-based tour of Exxtend technology for advanced recycling are among the featured technologies.

In this brief video, ExxonMobil’s Charles Oke talks about fully recyclable cheese packaging that was developed within the Signature Polymers program. K 2025 runs through Oct. 15 at Messe Düsseldorf.

10/10/2025

Peter Leary, technical sales engineer at Guill Tool & Engineering, demos some of the features of the extrusion tooling company’s universal cam, including its simplified concentricity adjustment and ease of disassembly.

Guill is exhibiting at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany, through Oct. 15 in hall 1, booth C 90.

10/10/2025

Ashley Hood-Morley, senior vice president of industry engagement at the Plastics Industry Association, unveiled the theme of NPE 2027 during a press conference at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany, today. And the theme and catchphrase is: Next Is Now. So now you know.

10/08/2025

The circular economy as imagined by Wes Anderson, perhaps, is delightfully illustrated by this model on display at the Fraunhofer booth (SC05) in hall 7.0 at K2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany. It meticulously shows in 1/87 scale the journey taken by particle foams from their use as insulating materials to their “depolymerization” by by chemical recycling and ending with their sustainable reuse. This model considers both sustainable logistics solutions and circular design, said Fraunhofer. I would add that it’s a lot of fun to explore.

10/02/2025

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) announced today they will merge to form a unified organization representing the entire plastics supply chain — from technical professionals to corporate leaders, and from molecule to marketplace. https://bit.ly/46N8LEV

10/02/2025

The most-viewed September stories in PlasticsToday were — literally and figuratively — all over the map. On the domestic front, a roundup of companies that are making massive investments in US manufacturing resonated with readers. Meanwhile, across the pond, divestment was the big story, as a petrochemicals giant announced it was seeking to exit from Europe’s chemical sector.

Swipe through for a closer look! The article links are included below in numerical order:

1. https://www.plasticstoday.com/industry-trends/exxonmobil-seeks-exit-from-european-chemicals-sector

2. https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/pet-and-rpet-resin-imports-hit-with-reciprocal-tariffs

3. https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/pregis-closing-wisconsin-plant-relocating-operations

4. https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/dow-launches-silicone-based-ppa-as-pfas-free-alternative-for-film-packaging

5. https://www.plasticstoday.com/automotive-mobility/-13-companies-invest-heavily-in-us-manufacturing

09/29/2025

The Trump administration announced last week that it has begun national security investigations that could lead to more import tariffs on a sweeping set of products including medical devices, robotic equipment, and industrial machinery. Unlike previous tariffs imposed via the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, these tariffs enacted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 can be more long-lived, even through changes in presidential administrations. Read all about it: https://bit.ly/3W1eqCF

09/29/2025

While global growth showed surprising resilience in early 2025, the latest OECD outlook signals moderating momentum. For plastics manufacturers, particularly those in the US facing tariff pressures, strategic adaptation is becoming essential. How is your business navigating these changing economic currents?

OECD projects slowing global growth, US faces steeper decline. Tariffs impact plastics industry, with PET exemptions terminated

09/27/2025

Watch our exclusive interview with Noble Plastics President Missy Rogers as she reveals details about their massive expansion to supply First Solar's new $1.1 billion Louisiana facility—a manufacturing plant 11 times the size of the New Orleans Superdome.

This landmark partnership means new jobs for Louisiana as Noble Plastics ramps up production of critical components for First Solar's advanced solar panels.

Don't miss this inside look at how a Louisiana-based custom injection molder is playing a pivotal role in America's clean energy future. https://www.utm.io/ujat5

09/26/2025

At this week's PLASTICS 2025 Size & Impact Executive Briefing, industry leaders Matt Seaholm, CEO of PLASTICS, and Perc Pineda, PhD, Chief Economist of the organization, highlighted how recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts could provide a much-needed boost amid ongoing trade uncertainties.

What factors do you think will have the biggest impact on manufacturing industries in the coming year? Share your insights below.

Plastics Industry Association officials said lower interest rates could provide relief as manufacturers navigate uncertain trade policies.