K 2019 is set to once again be the performance barometer and global innovations marketplace for the entire industry. As part of its programme of side events, K 2019 also extends an invitation to debates on current and explosive topics of relevance to plastics – particularly at the Special Show organised by PlasticsEurope in Hall 6, Booth C40.
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Special Show: ‘Plastics shape the future’ at K 2019
This show already complements the extensive ranges on display for the tenth time and will come under the heading of ‘Plastics shape the future’ as it did in 2016. The programme of this forum, arranged by the German plastics industry, brings together high-level representatives from politics, science, business and society.
‘Plastics shape the future’ sees itself as a central forum for the exchange of information, ideas and opinions for everyone. Centre stage this year will be the innovative power of materials and the industry in terms of resource-saving processes, digitalisation, functionality, renewable energies, circular economy and sustainability.
Also featuring will be such critical issues as marine plastics, the throw-away mentality associated with plastic packaging, and the use of finite resources for production.
Plastics: the backbone of K
The backbone of the Special Show will be themed days with lectures, keynotes and panel discussions, partly in German, partly in English. Experts from science, industry, politics, local authorities and from NGOs will provide information and discuss economic, social and ecological challenges and approaches.
The line-up of participants will be as international as the trade fair audience itself. With a focus on marine litter, this ranges from CEOs to NGOs reacting to the current mega-trends in society.
A preview of the future of robotics and Artificial Intelligence will come from young researchers at the FabLab Lübeck e.V. At their own stand they will demonstrate daily where we are headed when additive manufacturing and robotics are connected with plastics by showcasing their work with a human robot.
The organisers will also bring back the chemist and entertainer Dr Gerhard Heywang with his exciting plastics experiments.
The ‘Golden Sunday’ will see the Special Show sparkle with ‘sporty glamour’ wherein several Olympic-medal winners, World Champions and European Champions in canoeing representing ‘Team Kunststoff’, the sponsoring initiative launched by plastics producers in Germany, will be in attendance at K, on hand to answer questions and pose for photos.