‘K’, the world’s largest trade show for the plastics and rubber industries, takes place every three years in Düsseldorf. And this year the time has come again – K 2019 will be on from October 16–20. Initial press releases indicate that the global discussions about excessive plastic waste in the oceans pose a major challenge to the exhibitors to present their products – and particularly the latest innovations – in such a way as to convince users and consumers that in the future they will be able to deal with this material in a sustainable and ethically acceptable manner. Plastics and rubber are of primary importance to designers, as they can be processed using a number of different methods and thus offer a wide range of design options. For several years now, K has also been focusing on designers as customers. This year the trade show is offering a microsite dedicated to industrial design entitled Materials and Design. It is managed by Chris Lefteri, who will be supplying articles and interviews. Lefteri was one of the first authors and speakers to establish “material and design” as a theme in the design industry. At K 2019 he will be offering curated tours for interested visitors.
