The plastics industry is one of the main sectors for development in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Düsseldorf, as the capital, is of exceptional importance. The city has long been an industrial hub and has one of the best developed industrial infrastructures and boasts a robust value chain of plastic manufacturers, processors, and machinery producers. A great deal of its success lies in the support from world-class research institutions, industry networks, and trade fairs, which enables Düsseldorf to lead advancements in materials, production processes, and sustainability.
Düsseldorf’s plastics industry benefits greatly from a well-integrated ecosystem that includes processors, manufacturers, and recyclers, as well as a strong network of research and service providers. The **kunststoffland NRW** association, headquartered in Düsseldorf, plays a central role in shaping the region’s plastics industry. Supported by the state of NRW and the European Union, this state competence network connects businesses, universities, and research institutes along the entire plastics value chain. The association offers consulting services, networking opportunities, and industry-specific events, which only strengthens the performance and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector. In line with the European Union’s plastics strategy, kunststoffland NRW is at the forefront of efforts to establish a sustainable circular economy. The association actively promotes resource efficiency, energy conservation, and innovative recycling practices, ensuring that NRW remains a leader in future-oriented plastic solutions.
We also can’t discount the contributions of the K trade fair, which for over half a century has ranked as the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. Held every three years, K serves as the sector’s most important platform for business, networking, and technological advancements. In 2019, for instance, the trade fair achieved record-breaking attendance, attracting 3,333 exhibitors from across the globe and welcoming 225,000 trade visitors.