Press release submitted on behalf of K 2025
For more diversity in the industry, to promote young talents and to create better prospects: K 2025, as the world’s most relevant trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, makes a powerful statement with a dedicated event for women. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others and build valuable networks. K will take place from October 8 – 15, 2025, at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.
When women network with each other, they can benefit themselves and ultimately the entire sector. K 2025 will bring international female industry players together in a targeted manner at the trade fair. With the title “Women in Plastics”, an event for the women in this industry will be held at the trade fair for the first time on Sunday, October 12, at 4:00 pm. The venue will be the special show Plastics Shape the Future, organized by Plastics Europe Deutschland. “Like many other sectors, the plastics and rubber industry is still predominantly male. In particular, female leaders are still rare. Even though companies benefit from more diversity, fresh impulses and different perspectives not least also in view of the increasing shortage of skilled labor. “Women in Plastics” at K 2025 wants to draw attention to barriers women face but above all move this sector into focus as an attractive workplace,” says Bettina Dempewolf, Head of Communication at PlasticsEurope Deutschland e. V.
The keynote speaker will be Stephanie Kalil, Commercial Vice President EMEA Packaging & Specialty Plastics at Dow. She is responsible for developing and driving the P&SP net zero and business growth strategy, particularly Dow’s circularity and decarbonization efforts in the region. Prior to this role, Stephanie Kalil was the Senior Global Business director for the polyethylene business at Dow. Kalil holds a Bachelor in Business Administration with a specialization in international business from Michigan State University (MSU) and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. She is a passionate advocate for the Women’s Innovation (WIN) employee resource group in Dow and promotes greater representation of women in technical and leadership roles.
In addition to the keynote speech, “Women in Plastics” will include a panel discussion, best-practice examples presented by top female speakers from all over the world as well as the possibility for in-depth, face-to-face networking. “Women in Plastics” will be moderated Kerstin Sochor, editor-in-chief of “Österreichische Kunststoffzeitschrift”.
Inspiring personalities and role models
All women, the speakers on stage are internationally recognized experts, successful company founders or plastics and rubber industry pioneers. Women visiting the event will have the opportunity to learn from their personal experiences and career paths, take away valuable tips and exchange views on current developments in the plastics and rubber industry.
Promoting diversity and attractiveness of the industry
Another central goal of the event is also to get more women interested in the plastics and rubber industry and to make young talents aware of the wide range of career opportunities. Since women are often still underrepresented in technical careers and leadership roles, promoting these aspects in a targeted manner can make an important contribution to solving the shortage of skilled workers. Measures such as mentoring, networking, positive industry communication, the promotion of equality and attractive working conditions play a central role here.
“Women in Plastics” will be held at K 2025 on October 12, 2025, at 4:00 pm as part of the special show “Plastics shape the Future” in Hall 6. For free registration: www.k-online.de/women-in-plastics
For further information on visiting or exhibiting at K 2025, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: [email protected]; Visit www.k-online.com and www.mdna.com. Follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/mdnachicago/