Guiding Topic of K 2025: “Embracing Digitalisation”
The plastics industry faces global economic and regulatory challenges. Increasing competition, stricter environmental regulations and pressure for a circular economy are increasing the need for innovation. Digitalisation offers new opportunities for more efficient and sustainable production - automated processes, data management and intelligent interconnections are already helping companies to adapt to stricter requirements. According to the BMWK Digitisation Index, the German economy has digitised by 14% over the past five years, with the biggest shifts occurring in the areas of internal processes and collaboration with partners.
A key element of digitalization is artificial intelligence (AI), which 78% of industrial companies consider crucial for their competitiveness. However, many businesses are hesitant to implement it - almost half lack the necessary skills and 91% call for fewer regulatory barriers so as not to hamper innovation. Despite a general consensus on the importance of digitalisation, its practical uptake remains slow.
Digitalisation is emerging as a key factor for a more sustainable and efficient plastics industry. Connected production systems enable real-time optimisation, thereby reducing errors and helping to better respond to market fluctuations. At the same time, they open up space for new business models, such as digital platforms or service. However, funding will play a significant role - according to ZEW research, the plastics industry invests €2.2 billion in innovation, which represents only 1.65% of total innovation spending in the manufacturing industry. On the other hand, up to 63% of companies in the sector are actively innovating products or processes, which is above the industry average. This shows that the appetite to innovate is there, but financial and professional capacity is also needed.
At K 2025, the enormous potential of digitalisation for the plastics sector will be showcased not only at more than 3,000 exhibition stands, but also through special programmes. Highlights include the official "Plastics Shape the Future" event, organised by Plastics Europe Deutschland, or the VDMA Forum, which focuses on current challenges in the sector.
KraussMaffei TechCenter Days are approaching once again – don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit the production and development facilities
5.3.2025 - 2.4.2025 Last year, KraussMaffei held its first-ever TechCenter Days at its new production facility in Parsdorf, Germany. Covering approximately 250,000 square meters, the site features modern manufacturing halls for injection molding machines, PUR and...
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