Trade article on K 2028

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• 10.06.2025

  K 2025 looks to Southeast Asia: Innovation engine for global supply chains

  K 2025 looks to Southeast Asia: Innovation engine for global supply chains This article is available in the following languages: Deutsch English A catalyst for global supply chain stability Southeast Asian countries, collectively known as the ASEAN, have shown the ability to adapt prosper amid economic uncertainty. The region’s plastics manufacturing sector, in particular, has leveraged its strategic position within global supply chains and its diversified industrial base - including automotive, bio-plastics, medical devices, packaging, and chemicals. While the plastics market in the regionis already growing due to a booming manufacturing sector, rising consumer goods demand and increasing urbanisation, it may also benefit a windfall of sorts given the tariffs being imposed in the US by President Donald Trump on imports to the US. Since the tariffs threaten supply chains and will increase costs for US manufacturers, it is expected that US companies will seek out other sourcing locations, perhaps even to Asia. Preliminary growth reports suggest that Southeast Asia’s plastics sector will register a turnover of 32 million tonnes this year and grow by 4% to almost 39 million tonnes by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence. Regional EV growth accelerates In recent years, Southeast Asia has intensified its efforts to ramp up policies for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), in response to the growing global take on carbon emissions reductions. According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the region's per capita CO₂ emissions remain among the lowest in the world at 3.9 tonnes—well below China (7.1) and the United States (14). With strong growth potential in production and natural resources, Southeast Asia’s EV market is set to grow from US$1.5 billion in 2025 to US$6 billion by 2030, with a 32% CAGR, according to Mordor Intelligence. Thailand, known as the "Detroit of Asia," is pushing ahead, aiming for 30% production by 2030 (725,000 cars, 675,000 motorcycles). The country has also significantly reduced excise tax for electric cars from 8% to 2% and offers import duty reductions of up to 40%, attracting manufacturers like China’s BYD, which recently opened its first Southeast Asian EV plant there. “Next door” neighbour Malaysia is "walking the talk" as it recently launched its first locally produced battery electric vehicle, called e-Mas, manufactured by national car brand Proton in collaboration with Chinese automaker Geely. Proton has also established a new R&D centre in China to accelerate EV development. As the world’s top nickel producer, Indonesia is focusing on battery production. In 2023, the country produced 55 million tonnes of nickel – 42% of the global supply. It is staying on track to produce 140 gigawatt hours (GWh) of batteries by 2030, and last year, launched its first US$1 billion EV battery plant in Karawang, West Java, capable of powering 150,000 EVs annually. Meanwhile, the Philippines remains in the early planning stages. This is despite the transport sector contributing over 50% of outdoor air pollution in urban areas like Metro Manila. The shift to EVs is seen as a critical solution for improving urban air quality. Despite strong growth potential, Southeast Asia’s EV industry still faces key challenges - , including high costs of EV batteries, shortages of parts, lack of EV experts and skills programmes, electricity grid challenges and inconsistencies in EV charging standards and installation guidelines, says the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. The US-ASEAN Business Council highlights foreign direct investment as crucial for overcoming these barriers and accelerating EV adoption in Southeast Asia. Medical technology filling the prescription for growth Southeast Asia’s medical devices sector is expanding rapidly, driven by rising healthcare demand, an aging population, and technological advancements. The market is projected to reach US$12 billion by 2025 and US$16 billion by 2029 (+7.5% CAGR), according to Statista. Southeast Asia’s rapid integration of advanced technologies, such as automation, telemedicine, AI-driven healthcare solutions and robotics, plus healthcare infrastructure expansion – new hospitals, care facilities, and strengthening of medical workforce support -- will amplify the need for increased capital flow and business opportunities. Malaysia is emerging as the fastest-growing market, focusing on ultrasound machines, MRI machines, in-vitro diagnostics, as well as orthopaedic and dental implants, according to Fitch Solutions.  Vietnam is strengthening its position by investing in facilities that manufacture plastic-based medical consumables, while the Philippines and Indonesia are focusing on domestic demand for PPEs and medical supplies. In Singapore, the market for medical devices is experiencing rapid growth due to the government's focus on enhancing healthcare infrastructure and promoting innovation in the medical technology sector. However, the market faces regulatory hurdles, such as the recently introduced Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme for Medical Devices, which may increase compliance costs for manufacturers and limit market access to unlabelled products. Hotspots for sustainable plastics solutions In terms of sustainable plastics, Malaysia and Thailand are leading the Southeast Asian market. Malaysia utilises empty fruit bunches (EFBs) and palm oil waste to produce bio-plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), polysaccharides, lignin, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) through microbial fermentation. The country positions itself as a strong competitor to Thailand in sustainable plastics, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council. On the other hand, Thailand, exports 90% of its bio-plastics to markets including Italy, the Netherlands, China, South Korea, and the US. Major investors in Thailand include French energy major Total and Dutch biochemical giant Corbion’s joint venture, Total Corbion PLA, which manufactures sugarcane-based PLA, and has scaled up production from 75,000 to 100,000 tonnes/year, running at nameplate capacity. Similarly, NatureWorks, a joint venture between Thailand’s PTT Global Chemical and Cargill, is building a 75,000 tonne/year-PLA facility in Nakhon Sawan Province, to be in full production this year. It will be an integrated plant with production sites for lactic acid, lactide, and polymer, to support the Asia Pacific region in sectors such as 3D printing, nonwovens for hygiene, compostable coffee capsules/food serviceware, tea bags and flexible packaging.  Furthermore, Brazilian biopolymer producer Braskem and Thailand’s SCG Chemicals have set up a joint venture, Braskem Siam Company, and are touting the production of the “first of its kind in Southeast Asia” bio-ethylene and bio-based polyethylene to support regional and global demand. Meanwhile, PTT MCC, a joint venture between PTT Global Chemical and Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, has since 2017 produced bio-polybutylene succinate (bio-PBS), which consists of a succinic acid derived from sugar/cassava and 1,4-butanediol. Challenges to the growth of bio-plastics in Asia Though the market for bio-plastics in Asia is driven by growing environmental concerns and changing consumer preferences, especially in the packaging sector, its growth could be hindered by a variety of factors. A key barrier is the lack of coherent government policies related to bioplastics production, usage, and waste management. This regulatory uncertainty makes it difficult for stakeholders to plan strategically or invest in value chain improvements. Another major deterrent is the high costs involved, especially in the processing of sugarcane and cassava bio-plastic resins. In addition, the region has only a limited number of bioplastics manufacturers, most of which operate on a small scale. Unlike conventional plastics, which benefit from mature infrastructure and economies of scale, bioplastics remain structurally disadvantaged. The price volatility of agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane and corn also adds to economic uncertainty, as prices are strongly influenced by weather conditions and harvest yields. Meanwhile, not all bio-plastics are biodegradable, and even those that are may require specific conditions to decompose effectively. For instance, some biodegradable plastics require industrial composting facilities to break down, and these are not widely available in most Asian countries. Boom in recycling investments in Southeast Asia As plastic waste increasingly pollutes Southeast Asia’s environment, there is a growing emphasis on plastic waste recycling. Indonesia, where only 10% of plastic waste is currently recycled, is targeting a 70% reduction in marine plastic through a government-backed US$18 billion strategy (2017–2040) to expand collection, boost recycling capacity, and improve disposal systems.      Key initiatives include a 36,000-tonne/year rPET facility by PT Alba Tridi Plastics Recycling (a joint venture with Alba Group Asia) and a large-scale PET recycling plant in East Java by Danone-Aqua and Veolia. Indorama Ventures is also building a site in Karawang to recycle 2 billion PET bottles/year and has secured a US$200 million IFC loan to expand facilities in Nakhon Pathom and Rayong (Thailand).  Thailand has strong demand for recycled plastics and a national recycling infrastructure, especially in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Rayong—though it still relies on the informal sector for collection. In Rayong, Indorama and Austria’s Alpla jointly produce 30,000 tonnes of food-grade rPET and 15,000 tonnes of rHDPE annually. SCG and Dow target 200,000 tonnes of plastic recycling per year by 2030 through advanced sorting technologies. In Malaysia, the country’s national petrochemical firm, Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad, in partnership with UK-based Plastic Energy Limited, is building an advanced chemical recycling plant in Pengerang, Johor. Expected to be operational by 2026, the facility will process 33 kilotonnes/year of end-of-life plastics. Vietnam generates around 3.7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, yet only 11% is recycled. However, this is changing. Duytan Recycling, in cooperation with Ajinomoto Vietnam under the EPR scheme, collected and recycled 94 tonnes of plastic in 2023 and aims to increase its PET recycling capacity from 60,000 to 100,000 tonnes by 2026. With Vietnam’s strategic location, low labour costs, and tax incentives, it is an attractive hub for recycling operations and fresh investments. Chinese recycler Intco Recycling Resources is investing US$60 million to expand its facility in the country to produce recycled plastics for decorative building materials, primarily for export to Europe and the US. Intco has six plastics recycling bases, including a facility for food-grade recycled plastics in Malaysia. In 2024, UK-based Cedo acquired Vietnamese recycler Vinatic, boosting its global recycling capacity to 100 kilotonnes. The move strengthens Cedo’s footprint in Asia and complements its operations in the Netherlands. Elsewhere, countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar face surging plastic consumption but lack sufficient recycling systems. In Phnom Penh alone, 10 million plastic bags are used daily, underscoring the urgent need for action. Fifty exhibitors from Southeast Asia will be participating in K 2025. Malaysia is the most strongly represented country with 15 exhibitors, followed by Thailand and Singapore with 11 exhibitors each. K 2025 will be open daily from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm from Wednesday, 8 October, to Wednesday 15 October. 1-day admission tickets cost EUR 60, 3-day tickets are EUR 125. School pupils and students pay EUR 20 for a 1-day ticket.   About K in Düsseldorf: K was held by Messe Düsseldorf for the first time in 1952 and is now held every 3 years. The latest edition of K in 2022 registered 3,020 exhibitors from 59 countries on 177,516 m² net exhibition space and 177,486 trade visitors, 71% of whom came from abroad. For more information go to www.k-online.com.   .media-module.media-module--custom-6759329 { background-color: #eeeeee; } Press contact: Dr. Cornelia JokischTel.: +49 211 4560 998JokischC@messe-duesseldorf.deWe would appreciate a sample copy of any reprints. DOCX Press release (Word) PDF Press release (PDF) .shariff .twitter a { display: flex; align-items: center; background-color: #000; } .shariff .twitter a:hover { background-color: #000; opacity: 0.65; } .shariff .twitter a span:first-of-type { margin: 0.5rem; } // Toggle twitter icon const toggleIcon = ()=>{ const twitterEl = document.querySelector('.fa-twitter') if(twitterEl) { clearInterval(tryToToggle) } // Add X icon twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon') twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon--x') // Remove fa icon twitterEl.classList.remove('fa') twitterEl.classList.remove('fa-twitter') } // Try to toggle every 50 ms, until twitterEl exists const tryToToggle = setInterval(()=> toggleIcon(), 50) .media-module.media-module--custom-6759337 { background-color: #eeeeee; } If you would like to receive regularly press releases about K events, you can subscribe to our press mailing list. This mailing list is explicitly addressed to journalists and media representatives. Press Mailing List

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• 02.06.2025

  How do we communicate the value of sustainability through colour, materials and finished in plastics?

  How do we communicate the value of sustainability through colour, materials and finished in plastics? This article is available in the following languages: Deutsch English Français Italiano Español An assessment by Chris Lefteri, internationally recognised expert in the field of material design and organiser of the guided tours at K 2025. Credit: Chris Lefteri There’s a paradox at the heart of designing the aesthetics of products with sustainable materials. If you replace a less sustainable material with a more sustainable material but do the job so well that the newer, more responsible version is visually indistinguishable from the original, less responsible version, the question becomes: where does the sustainability story go and how do you communicate your wonderful achievement?  If the bio-based, recycled, low-carbon or whatever flavour of environmentally responsible material you’ve used looks like the original plastic, it’s difficult to communicate the sustainability of it, because the end result looks exactly the same. Visually, there’s no difference. The paradox at the core of what we as designers do is: in our quest to be sustainable, the sustainability story itself often vanishes. Or does it? It’s an important question to ask because so much importance is placed of the environmental angle and making it a feature of the product story - by product I mean anything from car interiors, appliances, sports goods, consumer electronics, etc.  A lot of our work as designers is about replicating our existing knowledge of common plastics and processes but now having to think about it in a responsible, sustainable way. Instead of electroplating plastics to create shiny premium finishes, for example, we might use some sort of recycling-compatible process instead, where the end result is very similar, if not identical, to the original way of doing things. But do we simply want to replicate what we have always done (metallised plastics, shiny surfaces) in a more sustainable way? Or do we actually want to do things differently, capturing the imaginations of consumers and getting them excited about a new way of doing things? From a strictly environmental point of view, progressive aesthetics are less of a concern so long as everything is achieved in a more responsible way. But are we missing a big opportunity to do something actually very different? Shouldn’t we challenge expectations of what is good and desirable CMF (colour, materials & finishes)?  We’ve long accepted that materials like wood and metal carry their own natural imperfections—knots in timber, patinas on brass or copper—and we even celebrate them as marks of authenticity, age, and beauty. So why don’t we do the same with injection-moulded plastics? Some pioneering brands are starting to rewrite the aesthetic of plastic. The Microsoft Xbox Remix Special Edition Controller is a perfect example. Made from post-consumer recycled plastics, its surface shows subtle swirls, flow lines, and colour variations—visible traces of the recycled content. Instead of covering these “defects,” Microsoft chose to manifest them, making each controller visibly unique.  The Steelcase Perch stool takes this idea further. Produced from hard-to-recycle e-waste plastics, its finish is full of colour inconsistencies and ghosting lines caused by the irregular melting behaviour of recycled material. Rather than trying to improve the quality of the recycled plastic, Steelcase embraced the imperfect surface—and went even further by donating the most “messy-looking” stools, produced during colour transitions, to social innovation partners. They framed these unpredictable aesthetics as a reflection of real-world complexity and change.  These examples point to a new opportunity: to shift how we define beauty in plastic and embrace an aesthetic language where the marks of manufacturing processes and raw materials aren’t hidden—but become a badge of value and honesty.  When it comes to more high-end products, where traditional notions of luxury play a crucial role—the challenge is even greater. There’s often a strong desire to maintain familiar, high-end aesthetics such as that of metallic surfaces, which can make it harder to introduce new, visibly sustainable materials. In addition to looking for sustainable solutions to established materials and finishes like chrome, for example, should we be finding different sustainable processes to denote a new kind of luxury? Should sustainability actually be helping consumers shift their understanding of luxury, rather than just replicate their current one? Some forward-thinking brands are already showing how this shift can happen. Panasonic, for example, developed Nagori—a plastic material made from minerals leftover from the water purification process. Its layered, precious stone-like aesthetic offers a unique, refined look that can easily compete with the most luxurious conventional materials used for accents and details.  Similarly, unidirectional polypropylene (PP) fibres, commonly used in structural composites, bring a new visual language to nonmaterial plastics. Their linear texture introduces a distinctive, high-end aesthetic that could be embraced as a modern marker of luxury—one rooted in material innovation and 100% recyclability.  The trouble is: mainstream materials such as plastics are still so desirable. They’re manufactured to be spotless, pristine and flawless, capturing luxury in an instant. The outcome of 70+ years of designers learning how to use plastics, metals and new finishes. Perfection is still the rule of the day. That’s why virgin plastics and others have such a hold on us; it takes a real mind shift to move away from the steady supply of predictable, high-quality and optimized virgin materials that we have become so used to.  One of the big trends in sustainable materials over the last few years has been speckled aesthetic. Whether from natural fibres or inorganic filler waste, these effects push material storytelling in a better direction. Not only do they celebrate the recycled or bio-based origin of the material, but they also create one-off, unrepeatable aesthetics, giving each product a unique fingerprint tied to its sustainability story.  Several brands, including key players in the automotive industry, have started to embrace this new aesthetic at scale, working closely with material suppliers to develop innovative recycled grades that make sustainability visible. A notable example is the Volvo EX30, which features speckled door panels and upholstery from recycled materials. These distinctive textures have become a defining element of the car’s interior design, earning the EX30 multiple award including the prestigious Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ Award 2024.  Similarly, Dacia, in partnership with LyondellBasell, has introduced speckled plastic components across its vehicle interiors, using post-consumer recycled content. These finishes bring a sustainability-driven aesthetic to cars, making the material’s recycled origin visibly clear—a deliberate shift away from the industry’s long-standing pursuit of flawless, uniform surfaces.  Interestingly, many consumers appear open to this shift. There’s growing enthusiasm for products that visibly signal a move away from polluting, resource-intensive production. But the real resistance often comes from within—from decision makers concerned about non having enough appeal to mass market or from quality control teams who struggle with the lack of clear, measurable standards against which to assess these new, inherently variable materials. What else is there beyond speckling, marbling and degraded surfaces?  One way forward is to bring mainstream and sustainability together in a better way. For example, what if we went the opposite direction from random speckle patterning and made something really consistent, taking into account the parameters of plastic manufacturing, to potentially reach a broader appeal than the current speckles approach, while still using recycled materials? Just as an example, you might have fine evenly distributed waste particles rather than randomly positioned speckles. This would be an evolutionary adjustment where the end result almost looks the same, but the consumer understandsinthe slight difference.  People want to buy products that have a gentler effect on the planet—but they also care how their products look and feel. There is certainly a novelty factor in much of this –sustainability has got some great stories about novelty and innovation to tell. Many consumers are compelled to buy because of the sheer novelty of the item. That’s where we, as CMF designers, come in. Its is the designer’s role to embody desire in a product and to make us fall in love with it, that’s why clients pay for design. In a context of sustainability, our role as designer is not just to make things look good, but to make the sustainability story a joyful, desirable one. It’s about shifting the narrative so that responsible materials aren’t seen as a compromise, but as something aspirational and beautiful.  Of course, this isn’t something we can achieve alone. It will require a collaborative learning curve, where industrial designers, CMF specialists, material scientists, and plastic and finish manufacturers work together more closely than ever before.  Together, we need to forge a new aesthetic language—one that makes sustainability visible, honest, and desirable. That’s exactly the spirit behind the tour I will be leading at the K Show. I’ve curated a selection of the most innovative and forward-thinking solutions in sustainable plastics, materials, and finishes—solutions that are available to all of us, right now, as a starting point in this exciting new journey. My goal is to give designers fresh inspiration, real examples, and the tools to start shaping a future where design excellence and sustainability go hand in hand. It’s time to reimagine what beauty and value look like—starting with the materials themselves. Material Design Tours at K 2025 The Material Design Tours at K 2025 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 11 and 12 October, at 10:30 a.m. each day. They will last 1½ hours and are free of charge. Participation is limited, and you can register here: Materials and Design  About the author: Chris Lefteri is an internationally recognised authority in the field of materials and their application in design. The work of his studio and his publications have contributed significantly to fundamentally changing the way designers and the materials industry view materials. Chris Lefteri Design is based in London and Seoul and works with numerous Fortune 100 companies. The studio is considered one of the world's leading studios in the field of materials and CMF (colour, material, finish). Chris Lefteri studied industrial design under Professor Daniel Weil at the renowned Royal College of Art in London.  About K in Düsseldorf: In 1952 K was held by Messe Düsseldorf for the first time and runs in a 3-yearly cycle. The latest K in 2022 registered 3,020 exhibitors from 59 countries on over 177,000 m² net exhibition space and 177,486 trade visitors, 71% of whom came from abroad. For more information go to www.k-online.com. .media-module.media-module--custom-6736931 { background-color: #eeeeee; } Press contact: Dr. Cornelia JokischTel.: +49 211 4560 998JokischC@messe-duesseldorf.deWe would appreciate a sample copy of any reprints. DOCX Press release (Word) PDF Press release (PDF) JPG Photo 1 JPG Photo 2 .shariff .twitter a { display: flex; align-items: center; background-color: #000; } .shariff .twitter a:hover { background-color: #000; opacity: 0.65; } .shariff .twitter a span:first-of-type { margin: 0.5rem; } // Toggle twitter icon const toggleIcon = ()=>{ const twitterEl = document.querySelector('.fa-twitter') if(twitterEl) { clearInterval(tryToToggle) } // Add X icon twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon') twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon--x') // Remove fa icon twitterEl.classList.remove('fa') twitterEl.classList.remove('fa-twitter') } // Try to toggle every 50 ms, until twitterEl exists const tryToToggle = setInterval(()=> toggleIcon(), 50) .media-module.media-module--custom-6736939 { background-color: #eeeeee; } If you would like to receive regularly press releases about K events, you can subscribe to our press mailing list. This mailing list is explicitly addressed to journalists and media representatives. 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• 20.05.2025

  High-tech rubber in the service of the energy transition

  High-tech rubber in the service of the energy transition This article is available in the following languages: Deutsch English Français Italiano Español Credit: Andreas Wiese/Messe Düsseldorf K in Düsseldorf is the world’s most relevant trade fair for not only the plastics but also the rubber industry. Sustainability and saving resources, however, are also burning issues here that nobody can ignore. One more reason to shed some light on just how important rubber is in “green” applications in the run-up to K 2025.   by Dr. Stefan Albus Our society is faced with completely new challenges due to climate change. Does the material that is rubber, invented over 180 years ago after all, still play a role here? Geothermal Of course! Often it is precisely those materials made of particularly advanced synthetic rubbers that come to the fore here. One such application for rubber of this kind is heat recovery from deeper layers of the earth. After all, geothermal drilling can reach depths of 1,000 to even 3,000 metres. In the process so-called packers are deployed – roughly 1-metre-long downhole devices used to seal the space between the wellbore casing and the drilling tubing; these consist, amongst others, of heat-resistant rubber. In the spaces isolated by these packers temperature or pressure measurements can be taken for example.   Incidentally, in such deep drilling – in geothermal projects but also in the crude oil sector – engines with a spiral rotor in a stator housing are used that are clad with rubber inside. The rubber components used here are virtually a Who’s Who of advanced rubber applications technology: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), NBR-HR (High-Resistance NBR), Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) and even extremely chemical-resistant fluorelastomers – depending on the temperature profile and aggressiveness of the flushing liquids.   Speaking of deep drilling: natural gas is also still considered an interim fuel for comparatively CO2-low energy production. At present, Germany sources plenty of natural gas from the USA where around 88% of this energy carrier are obtained through fracking.   The components needed for this application also include extremely high-performance hoses that can also withstand contact with aggressive liquids, which are injected into the rock to release the gas trapped there. For these, multi-layered products are preferred because their inner layers consist of an acid-resistant synthetic rubber; for the outer layer rubber grades with excellent wear and ageing resistance are used.   One feared hazard in natural gas extraction are uncontrolled, violent releases of gas from deposits, known as “blowouts”. These are prevented with the help of so-called blowout preventers (BOPs), i.e. extremely hard-wearing rubber seals – which also survive contact with hydrogen sulphide and both corrosive and abrasive media. These seals are very expensive and therefore expected to last accordingly. This is why HNBR is a preferred solution.   Biogas and hydrogen In 2021 about 9% of Germany’s total agricultural land was used for producing renewable raw materials for biogas production.   Biogas, however, contains not only the fuel that is methane but also corrosive ingredients such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. This is why such materials as EPDM membranes (Ethylene-Propylene-Dien-Rubber) are used in biogas production plants, alongside their rivals like double membranes from OVC-coated polyester wovens. Both materials have their pros and cons in this application; but EPDM rubber is a little more flexible, and easy to recycle. While the tasks described for highly advanced rubber materials so far might be addressed with half-way “traditional” approaches, things get really tricky with hydrogen. Hydrogen only liquifies under normal pressure at extremely low temperatures. Which is why the sealing materials for a future hydrogen economy should be designed to cover a wide temperature range (-40 to over +80°C). In addition, high pressures are to be withstood. The problem here is that non-polar H2 molecules can permeate and thereby impair conventional sealing materials. If hydrogen gradually deposits in the sealing material explosive decompressions can occur that destroy the sealing gasket. And these sealing gaskets are urgently needed in the hydrogen economy: for electrolysis, in valves or membranes, for transport in tanks and pipelines and, of course, in fuel cells.   In actual fact, truly effective H2-tight rubber sealings are still the subject of current research; probably some progress can be made by a smart combination of gas-tight rubber grades and fillers that obstruct hydrogen swelling and permeation. Qualifying here as basic elastomers are butyl rubber – already relatively gas-tight by definition – or also fluor rubber; additives with a plate-type shape such as layered silicates or graphites can help to additionally reduce gas permeation.   To ease hydrogen transport alternative carrier media have also been under discussion as of late, such as NH3, (gaseous ammonia at room temperature) which is easier to liquify and store. This application also requires low-temperature and especially alkaline-resistant high-performance rubbers. Needless to say, hydrogen already serves its purpose in fuel cells very reliably. But there is no such thing as a “one-fits-all” sealing material for fuel cells. Because there is no such thing as a “one-fits-all” fuel cell: for instance, there are alkaline and phosphoric acid, polymer electrolyte and high-temperature fuel cells. Here, too, elastomer-bonded sealing materials with a high content of special fillers are already used for sealing tasks.   Wind power Wind turbines are growing to ever greater heights. Today, they can achieve nominal outputs of over 10 MW with rotor diameters of 150 to 220 m.   In this application offshore locations, UV radiation, ozone (not rarely present in the surroundings of electrical equipment), salt water and strongly fluctuating temperatures all make high demands on the elastic materials deployed here. On top of this, ultimate flame-proofness is required because nacelles that have caught fire can practically not be extinguished.   These nacelles include components for the vibration isolation and elastic bearing of the generator: rubber buffers can be found at the connections between the rotor blades and the hub where they absorb forces, help minimize vibrations and also dampen noise.   Among the several hundreds of kilos of elastomer materials built into wind turbines, you will hardly find any natural rubber not least because of its problematic resistance to weathering and ozone. Instead, NBR is the preferred option for full-rubber rotary shafts. In radial shaft gaskets you will also often find ozone-resistant HNBR, which, in addition, also withstands temperatures as high as 170°C for short periods. With the corresponding reinforcement HNBR can also be used for large-diameter bearings, and thanks to its oil-resistance even in grease-lubricated main bearings.   The cables transmitting power from offshore wind parks can become very hot. This is why rubber materials with a higher temperature resistance are required, like EPDM in addition to HNBR. And let’s not forget: rubber is not only in demand for operating these systems – it is also already required for the manufacturing of the rotors from glass-fibre reinforced elements with sections of silicon, butyl or EPDM rubber.   Solar systems PV systems, of course, also need sealing gaskets, that keep the modules aligned and prevent water ingress. Vertical sealing gaskets, for example, that keep the offset between several PV modules, are made of silicon rubber or weather-resistant EPDM. However, the pivotal sealing tasks are mostly performed by another material. Solar modules are often encapsulated in ethylene-vinyl-acetate films (EVA). In the process the solar modules are encapsulated in two layers of this material; when the film melts it perfectly envelops the cells. EVA is extremely translucent and weatherproof and boasts a wide processing window; it is not a classical elastomer but can – depending on its EVA content – be considered an “elastomer-similar” material by all means. There are also approaches to replace EVA films from fossil sources with alternatives that contain a percentage of bio-based “sugarcane ethylene”. To make sure the solar panels stay in place on today’s stylish flat roofs, installers like to use EPDM mats. These provide additional support on slippery ground and prevent the modules from shifting over time.   Speaking of buildings: needless to say, heat pumps can hardly do without rubber either. However, this application calls for (weather-resistant) sealing gaskets and hoses which are also sufficiently flexible at lower temperatures; but also for vibration-dampening rubber mats that reduce undesired pump vibration.   So rubber is anything but an “obsolete” material. Without extremely performant rubber grades the energy transition and fight against climate change would not work. At K 2025 Rubberstreet will again serve as the showcase for the innovative power and operational excellence of the elastomer industry. It has already been the first point of contact and orientation for all those seeking information about elastomers (rubber and TPE) at K since 1983. The patronage of Rubber Street comes care of the Trade Association of the German Rubber Industry wdk (Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie).   About the author:Dr. Stefan Albus is a Doctor of Chemistry and freelance trade journalist. His focal themes include polymer chemistry as well as plastic and rubber applications technology About K in Düsseldorf:In 1952 K was held by Messe Düsseldorf for the first time and runs in a 3-yearly cycle. The latest K in 2022 registered 3,020 exhibitors from 59 countries on over 177,000 m² net exhibition space and 177,486 trade visitors, 71% of whom came from abroad. For more information go to www.k-online.com. .media-module.media-module--custom-6706123 { background-color: #eeeeee; } Press contact: Dr. Cornelia JokischTel.: +49 211 4560 998JokischC@messe-duesseldorf.deWe would appreciate a sample copy of any reprints. DOCX Press release (Word) PDF Press release (PDF) JPG Photo 1 JPG Photo 2 .shariff .twitter a { display: flex; align-items: center; background-color: #000; } .shariff .twitter a:hover { background-color: #000; opacity: 0.65; } .shariff .twitter a span:first-of-type { margin: 0.5rem; } // Toggle twitter icon const toggleIcon = ()=>{ const twitterEl = document.querySelector('.fa-twitter') if(twitterEl) { clearInterval(tryToToggle) } // Add X icon twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon') twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon--x') // Remove fa icon twitterEl.classList.remove('fa') twitterEl.classList.remove('fa-twitter') } // Try to toggle every 50 ms, until twitterEl exists const tryToToggle = setInterval(()=> toggleIcon(), 50) .media-module.media-module--custom-6706131 { background-color: #eeeeee; } If you would like to receive regularly press releases about K events, you can subscribe to our press mailing list. This mailing list is explicitly addressed to journalists and media representatives. 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• 04.04.2025

  Plastics and circularity – caught between necessity and potential

  Plastics and circularity – caught between necessity and potential This article is available in the following languages: Deutsch English Français Italiano Español Credit: Andreas Wiese/Messe Düsseldorf K 2025 from 8 to 15 October in Düsseldorf has set itself the goal of addressing the central issues of our times. One of its three Hot Topics reads “Shaping the Circular Economy”. Reason enough to shed some light on the current state of affairs in terms of circularity six months ahead of the world-leading trade fair of the plastics and rubber industry. The world is experiencing a raw material crisis: more than 100 billion tons of raw materials are consumed annually but over 90% of the raw materials used are not recycled. An alarming ratio flagged up by the European Investment Bank (EIB). Rising CO₂ costs, volatile raw material prices and geopolitical insecurities put additional pressure on companies to manage resources more carefully. Circularity is considered the decisive lever for achieving a sustainable future. An analysis by management consultancy Material Economics shows that Europe could save 450 million tons of CO₂ equivalents through closed material cycles by 2030 – this corresponds to 8% of the current emissions. In the long term, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation forecasts that up to 45% of emissions could be avoided by a closed-loop circular economy. This transformation also holds enormous economic potential: according to estimates by consulting group EY, the use of secondary raw materials reduces energy consumption by 20% to 90%, saves large amounts of water and could save European firms up to EUR 465 billion in material costs per year. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) also expects seven to eight million new jobs to be created worldwide by the transition to a circular economy by 2030. More and more use cases show that circularity makes not only ecological but also economic sense. For instance, the German Cabka Group annually produces pallets and crates from some 150,000 tons of recycled plastics by their own accounts – proving thereby how waste can be turned into valuable products. Plastics industry: a key sector with catching up to do The plastics industry plays a pivotal role in this transformation. In 2023 413.8 million tons of plastics were produced worldwide, according to Plastics Europe, but the share of recycled materials continues to be low: only 8.7% of plastics were recycled – most of them by mechanical recycling – whereas the lion’s share was incinerated or landfilled. This is happening even though recyclates hold an enormous potential. Their production requires markedly less energy than the production of new products from fossil raw materials, thereby substantially reducing CO₂ emissions. On top of this, their use increases supply security – a factor of rising importance in times of geopolitical crises. However, recycling is technically demanding – and often more expensive than producing new plastics. After all, post-consumer plastics have to be sorted, cleaned and prepared with great effort. In addition, the legal requirements are strict, high-quality recyclates scarce and many processes energy-intensive – all resulting in higher production costs compared to new plastics. “But nobody wants to pay higher costs,” stresses Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the K Advisory Board. “Plastics are so successful because they are so much better than other materials. But the transition to the circular economy costs money. This cost issue will not be overcome without regulatory requirements.” However, the responses to the question of how the transition to a functioning circular economy will work vary from country to country. Europe looks to regulation While other nations focus on voluntary commitments and market-oriented solutions, Europe regulates by law. Strategies such as the “Circular Economy Action Plan” (CEAP) and regulations such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Single-Use Packaging Directive (SUPD) drive the transition to circularity by means of recycling rate, mandatory recyclate content and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The PPWR shows how this works: since 2025 single-use PET bottles have to contain a minimum of 25% recycled plastic and this percentage will go up 30% by 2030. For manufacturers such as Coca-Cola or  Nestlé this means rebuilding their supply chains, sourcing high-quality recyclates, adapting production – otherwise they run the risk of a sales ban. The SUPD is also having an impact: in Lithuania the return rate of PET bottles shot up from 34% to 92% after the introduction of a deposit system – in as little as two years. Companies face major challenges in the process: the limited availability of high-quality recyclates, the technical complexity of changing over to a recycling-friendly design – not forgetting the short deadlines set for complying with these often complex requirements. Chemical ingredients are also increasingly moving into the focus of the EU. Especially disputed is the handling of PFAS since a ban could make recycling considerably more difficult – because plenty of waste plastics would then be classified as contaminated and eliminated from the circular economy. Wolfgang Große Entrup, Director General of VCI, therefore warns against a blanket ban: “With each individual substance banned in the EU the risk grows that more of our industry players move to less regulated regions. This, however, does not solve the original problem.” Asia: between advances and structural deficits Accounting for 53% of global plastics production Asia is the main player – and the main source of plastic waste. While some countries pursue ambitious recycling strategies, others lack the basic infrastructure. China’s circularity offensive: centrally controlled, consistently implemented For a long time, China was the biggest importer of plastic waste, now the country is recharting its course. By adopting its “National Sword Policy” the country has stopped the imports of unsorted plastic waste and is now driving the expansion of own recycling structures. The 14th 5-year plan focuses on modern collection and sorting systems and promotes both mechanical and chemical recycling. By 2035 the industry aims to be largely decarbonised and have transited to closed material cycles. This strategy is accompanied by the “Circular Economy Promotion Law”, which obliges companies to take back and safely dispose of specific products, and the establishment of the state-owned “China Resources Recycling Group” with the aim of centrally controlling the transformation. Japan and South Korea: driving technology systematically Japan and South Korea are among the pioneers in circular economy – not least due to clear political objectives and early-adopted legislation. In Japan the “Container and Packaging Recycling Act” has already obliged companies since the 1990s to participate in return and recycling systems. This is supported by the “Plastic Resource Circulation Act” adopted in 2022, which promotes recyclate use and prescribes detailed recycling plans for plastic products. South Korea pursues a systemic, technology-driven approach via its new “Act for Promotion of Transition to a Circular Economy Society” (APTCES):  binding recycling rates, clear requirements for sustainable product design as well as targeted regulation for hard-to-recycle products. In addition, companies wanting to place new recycling technologies on the market, are temporarily exempted from restrictions.  Unlike Europe, these two countries are banking on clear responsibilities, hands-on implementation and targeted innovation funding rather than detailed regulation. This approach is supported by high social acceptance and responsibility assumed across the board when it comes to waste separation and saving resources, for example. From India to Indonesia: why the circular economy is faltering In India the “Plastic Waste Management Rules” (PWMR) oblige companies to take back plastic waste. Despite this important step insufficient infrastructure and the varying regional applications of the rules remain a major challenge for a nation-wide implementation. Similar problems exist in Vietnam, where an EPR law was introduced in 2022.  It holds manufacturers and importers accountable for seeing to the recyclability of their products. In Thailand the “Plastic Waste Management Roadmap 2030” pursues the aim of recycling or energetically using 100% of plastic waste by 2027. There are local initiatives in Indonesia but there is no comprehensive national strategy. One objective is to drastically reduce the plastic waste that ends up in the sea by 2040. Despite the progress made in these countries the regional fragmentation of waste management and the lack of infrastructure continue to pose a major challenge. Raising people’s awareness and stronger industry involvement will make or break the success of these measures.  North America: a patchwork of strategies In North America circularity strategies are heavily fragmented. The US is pursuing an approach that comprises both state initiatives and private business measures. 33 US states have established EPR programmes, which oblige manufacturers of single-use packaging to financially participate in waste management. By 2032 100% of packaging is to be recyclable or compostable, and 65% of one-way packaging be recycled. Other states, however, lag behind. There is also another reason why plastic recycling in the USA only has a low uptake compared to the rest of the world, despite modern recycling technologies: “There is neither a national nor a state-wide recycling programme that would cover at least a complete federal state. Instead, individual cities and municipalities decide whether, how and which waste they collect and sort,” explains the German federal economic promotion agency, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI). Canada pursues a more comprehensive approach to promote the circular economy. The government has introduced the “Federal Plastics Registry”, a national registry for plastics to collect data about the production, use and disposal of plastics. It is designed to increase transparency and make for more effective plastic management. The “Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste” aims to reduce plastic waste and establish a circular economy for plastics. It includes measures for reducing single-use plastics and promoting reuse and recycling. Beyond this, a gradual approach is pursued to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastic products and introducing EPR. South America has a long way to go In South America the circular economy is still in its infancy – some 90% of waste ends up at landfills and recycling is only of secondary importance. Chile, Colombia and Brazil have national return and circularity schemes such as Chile’s “Ley REP”, Colombia’s “Basura Cero” initiative or voluntary industry solutions in Brazil. Uruguay banks on consistent waste management with its Integrated Waste Management Act (Ley 19.829) and promotes packaging recycling. Despite various advances and initiatives, however, infrastructure remains insufficient in many South American regions and success will depend on further state investment, international cooperation and stronger awareness raising among the population. Summary & Outlook The circular economy is both an obligation and opportunity alike for the plastics industry. Europe pursues a strictly regulatory approach, Asia combines state regulations with technology offensives while in the Americas the spectrum ranges from ambitious requirements to a patchwork of isolated measures or confidence in the invisible hand of the market. But every circular economy model has its pitfalls: regulation creates clear rules but can lead to excessive bureaucracy and lack of investment – a risk that becomes increasingly perceivable in Europe. “To avoid a slowing down of the transformation we urgently need measures to make investment in the production of circularity-ready plastics more attractive, reduce red tape caused by excessively long approval procedures to name but one, and to return to a level-playing field with our international competitors,” warns Virginia Janssens, Managing Director of Plastics Europe. Market-based approaches promote innovations but do not guarantee nation-wide implementation. Centrally controlled strategies produce fast progress but run the risk of becoming inefficient. One thing is clear: without higher recycling rates and more recyclates the circular economy remains a patchwork. Those learning from each other can combine strengths and compensate for weaknesses. Shaping the Circular Economy at K 2025 At K 2025 enterprises from the different sectors of industry – raw material production, machine building and processing – will flag up the major advances made so far as well as coherent future solutions for the circular economy under the guiding theme “Shaping the Circular Economy”. The numerous K Specials will also pick up on the topic, first and foremost the VDMA Dome. The VDMA (German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) will again host an extensive Forum on the outdoor premises in 2025, this time entitled “The Power of Plastics”. With 12 of its member companies it will demonstrate live on the premises between Halls 10 and 16 just how important technology is for implementing circularity in the plastics industry. In the official Special Plastics Shape the Future in Hall 6, organised by Plastics Europe Germany, the discussion forum on Thursday, 9 October, will come under the motto: “Circular Thursday: Transition – Resilience of the industry – which technologies will make the circular economy work?” For more information on the Circular Economy go to: Circular Economy: Future of the Plastics Industry | K Trade Fair K 2025 will be open daily from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm from Wednesday, 8 October, to Wednesday 15 October. Tickets are available online from 15 April. 1-day admission tickets cost EUR 60, 3-day tickets are EUR 125. School pupils and students pay EUR 20 for a 1-day ticket. About K in Düsseldorf:K was held by Messe Düsseldorf for the first time in 1952 and is now held every 3 years. The latest edition of K in 2022 registered 3,020 exhibitors from 59 countries on 177,516 m² net exhibition space and 177,486 trade visitors, 71% of whom came from abroad. For more information go to www.k-online.com. .media-module.media-module--custom-6606131 { background-color: #eeeeee; } Press contact: Dr. Cornelia JokischTel.: +49 211 4560 998JokischC@messe-duesseldorf.deWe would appreciate a sample copy of any reprints. DOCX Press release (Word) PDF Press release (PDF) JPG Photo 1 JPG Photo 2 .shariff .twitter a { display: flex; align-items: center; background-color: #000; } .shariff .twitter a:hover { background-color: #000; opacity: 0.65; } .shariff .twitter a span:first-of-type { margin: 0.5rem; } // Toggle twitter icon const toggleIcon = ()=>{ const twitterEl = document.querySelector('.fa-twitter') if(twitterEl) { clearInterval(tryToToggle) } // Add X icon twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon') twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon--x') // Remove fa icon twitterEl.classList.remove('fa') twitterEl.classList.remove('fa-twitter') } // Try to toggle every 50 ms, until twitterEl exists const tryToToggle = setInterval(()=> toggleIcon(), 50) .media-module.media-module--custom-6606139 { background-color: #eeeeee; } If you would like to receive regularly press releases about K events, you can subscribe to our press mailing list. This mailing list is explicitly addressed to journalists and media representatives. 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• 25.02.2025

  Guiding Topic of K 2025: “Embracing Digitalisation”

  Guiding Topic of K 2025: “Embracing Digitalisation” This article is available in the following languages: Deutsch English Français Italiano Español The world of plastics and rubber from 8 to 15 October 2025/Credit: Messe Düsseldorf Exploit potential, tackle challenges, shape the future: how digitalisation and AI advance the plastics sectorK 2025, the world-leading trade fair of the plastics and rubber industry, has set out to tackle the central challenges of our time and present concrete solutions from 8 to 15 October in Düsseldorf. This aim is also reflected by its guiding topics. One of them reads “Embracing Digitalisation”. The plastics industry faces major economic and regulatory disruptions worldwide. Rising competitive pressure, stricter environmental regulations and higher demands made on circularity increase the pressure to innovate. On-going digitalisation offers new opportunities for producing more efficiently and sustainably here. Automated processes, data-based control systems and smart connectivity already ease adaptation to stricter requirements in many companies today. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection’s (BMWK) Digitalisation Index 2024 provides an indication of the increasing level of digitalisation and has found that the German economy has become around 14% more digital in the last five years. This has increased especially fast in the category “Processes” which describes both the digital maturity of intra-company workflows and the connection with external partners. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is considered a key milestone in this. According to a Bitkom study, 78% of the industrial companies polled view AI as decisive for their competitiveness while more than half are waiting to see how others get on first. At the same time, 48% lack the necessary AI skills and 91% demand fewer regulatory obstacles so as not to hamper AI innovations. These figures underline that there is broad consensus on the relevance of digitalisation but many firms are hesitant to implement it in practice. Digital key technologies: connectivity and IoT The digital control and connectivity of machines forms the basis for new technologies. “In plastics machinery construction automation has already been ongoing for over 40 years. Now nearly all go one step further and bank on digitalisation,” says Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the Advisory Board at K in Düsseldorf. Cyber-physical systems (CPS) and the Internet of Things (IoT) make it possible to capture and evaluate production data seamlessly in real time. Sensors monitor temperature, flow rate or in-mould pressures, for example, and transmit the values to Cloud applications. An important communication standard for this is OPC UA, which makes for safe and cross-manufacturer data exchange. Rising data volumes lead to questions of data use. According to industrial associations, the so-called “EU Data Act” has created clarity on this now. The new Data Act obliges machinery manufacturers to provide machine users with the data generated during operation in a simple and understandable, machine-readable way. At the same time, predictive maintenance moves into focus because real-time analyses can detect deviations early on and reduce unplanned downtimes. Artificial Intelligence and automation AI adds new dynamism to digital processes as self-learning algorithms analyse large data volumes and optimise processes flexibly. “AI and digitalisation are game changers for the circular economy of plastics. Fully automated manufacturing processes, digital product passports and simulations make for optimised workflows and help save resources across the complete value chain,” says Dr. Alexander Kronimus, Deputy Managing Director at PlasticsEurope Deutschland, in an industry interview. In addition, machine learning accelerates development cycles and improves process control. Digital twins go even one step further: they depict real production lines virtually and deliver structured data on the complete machinery utilisation. Furthermore, they offer the possibility to save machine data and information in a structured and machine-readable format over the complete lifecycle. Digital twins are said to also comply with the requirements of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which was introduced with the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) entering into force in July 2024.  These virtual twins of real manufacturing plants accelerate development cycles and ease maintenance strategies. Optical quality control & AI-assisted sorting In the field of quality assurance camera systems and AI-based image processing support manufacturing processes. They detect shape deviations, surface defects or material impurities during production and ensure consistent quality levels. These technologies allow early defect detection thereby reducing rejects and ensuring a more efficient use of resources. In the wake of stricter environmental regulations and rising customer expectations the fitness of plastics for circularity is also moving centrestage. AI-assisted sorting systems with near-IR sensors (NIR) identify different plastic types, separate high-quality recyclates from impurities and improve the recycling quality. This increases reuse rates and contributes to compliance with regulatory requirements. What’s more, digital systems are closely linked with the DPP, which features comprehensive information about the used raw materials, production processes and recycling paths. These technologies support companies in establishing closed material cycles, reducing environmental burdens and complying with the ESPR. Challenges and skilled labour shortage Despite numerous lighthouse projects progress is faltering in many companies, especially in SMEs. “Many small and medium-sized enterprises have not sufficiently invested in digitalisation since this is associated with substantial costs and dependent on specific skills,” reports Mauritius Schmitz of the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) talking to the Industry Association for Plastics Packaging (IK). Another obstacle is the shortage of skilled staff. Those wanting to introduce automation, AI and IoT technologies require specialists for data analysis and IT security. This staff and skills shortage occasionally slows down implementation even though technical solutions already exist. AR (Augmented Reality) goggles can provide relief here by displaying maintenance instructions or training content right in the staff’s field of vision. This accelerates maintenance and onboarding processes without always having external experts on site. Summary & Outlook  Digitalisation proves to be a catalyst for a more sustainable and efficient plastics industry. Connected production systems make for real-time optimisation thereby reducing rejects rates and buffering market fluctuations more confidently. At the same time, new business models can be developed – in the form of digital platforms and maintenance services, for example. A crucial role, however, will be played by funding. According to the Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) the plastics industry invests EUR 2.2 billion in innovation, a sum that only corresponds to 1.65% of the innovation expenditure of the processing industry as a whole. At the same time, the ZEW points out that 63% of companies in the sector are active in product or process innovations, which exceeds the average of 57% in the processing trade. These figures illustrate that there is a will to innovate but financial and human resources are needed to consistently implement digitalisation projects. At K 2025 the enormous potential that digitalisation holds for the plastics sector will be both highlighted at the over 3,000 exhibitor stands and flagged up at the various Specials that also address the challenges – first and foremost the official K Special “Plastics Shape the Future”, organised by Plastics Europe Deutschland, or also the VDMA Forum. For more information go to www.k-online.com  Click here for the K online magazine: K-Mag - The magazine of K trade fair   K Basics: In 1952 K was held by Messe Düsseldorf for the first time and is held in a 3-year cycle. The latest K in 2022 registered 3,020 exhibitors from 59 countries on 177,516 m² net exhibition space and 177,486 trade visitors, 71% of whom came from abroad. For more information go to www.k-online.com .media-module.media-module--custom-6551731 { background-color: #eeeeee; } Press contact: Dr. Cornelia JokischTel.: +49 211 4560 998JokischC@messe-duesseldorf.deWe would appreciate a sample copy of any reprints. DOCX Press release (Word) PDF Press release (PDF) JPG Photo 1 JPG Photo 2 .shariff .twitter a { display: flex; align-items: center; background-color: #000; } .shariff .twitter a:hover { background-color: #000; opacity: 0.65; } .shariff .twitter a span:first-of-type { margin: 0.5rem; } // Toggle twitter icon const toggleIcon = ()=>{ const twitterEl = document.querySelector('.fa-twitter') if(twitterEl) { clearInterval(tryToToggle) } // Add X icon twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon') twitterEl.classList.add('dim-icon--x') // Remove fa icon twitterEl.classList.remove('fa') twitterEl.classList.remove('fa-twitter') } // Try to toggle every 50 ms, until twitterEl exists const tryToToggle = setInterval(()=> toggleIcon(), 50) .media-module.media-module--custom-6551739 { background-color: #eeeeee; } If you would like to receive regularly press releases about K events, you can subscribe to our press mailing list. This mailing list is explicitly addressed to journalists and media representatives. 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