May 27, 2025 – The Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre in Germany is set to take a significant step towards sustainability at the upcoming K 2025 International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition. The centre will launch its “Groundbreaking Sustainability Initiative”, which will see the debut of a reusable cup system in all bars and restaurants during the event, setting a new benchmark for environmental protection.
This initiative is a practical implementation of the circular economy concept. The reusable cups, as reported by the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, are made from chemically recycled plastics. During the eight – day exhibition, these cups will be cleaned and reused, ensuring both environmental friendliness and practicality. Any discarded cups will be properly collected and recycled, in line with the goals of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR), thus promoting the development of a circular economy for plastics.
The project is led by Borouge, a leading material supplier. The company provides modified expandable polypropylene (PP) designed specifically for reuse and recycling. These cups are lightweight yet durable. By reducing packaging usage while maintaining the quality of recycled resin, they achieve a low carbon footprint. The PP – based raw materials for the cups are supplied by OMV AG in Austria. The company uses the ReOil chemical recycling technology to convert end – of – life plastics into raw materials, further enhancing the environmental benefits.
Moreover, this pilot project is the result of the combined efforts of multiple partners. Bockatech produces the reusable and recyclable cups through its EcoCore foam injection – moulding technology. MCC Global IML provides in – mould labels that are fully recyclable with the cups. Miko Pac, as a plastic packaging supplier, helps optimize the cup design to meet hygiene, usability, and food safety standards.
In terms of the recycling system, exhibition visitors can deposit used cups in special recycling bins placed throughout the exhibition hall, return them to the restaurants and bars in the exhibition centre, or hand them over to partner booths. The organizers have promised that even if cups are accidentally thrown into regular trash cans, they will still be collected and recycled, ensuring the full implementation of environmental protection measures.
The K 2025 exhibition will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany from October 8 to 15, 2025. This innovative initiative not only demonstrates the plastic industry’s firm commitment to sustainability but also provides a valuable practical example for large – scale events on how to reduce waste. Through the close cooperation of the entire value chain, this project successfully showcases the feasibility and great potential of the circular economy concept in real – world scenarios.