Exploring the latest in materials, manufacturing and mobility design at K Fair.
Mid October our product engineers Erwin Heijblom and Dennis Melkert attended the K 2025 show in Düsseldorf. Just like in the previous edition in 2022, we were once again amazed by its sheer scale.
With 17 halls filled with products, materials and most impressively, the massive machines running live production on-site. Watching these complex systems create parts in real time never fails to captivate us. Below are some of our highlights we came across on the fair this year.
As bicycle enthusiasts, innovative bike components always catch our attention. In this case, ENGEL has developed a method to manufacture cockpit handlebars from plastic instead of the traditional aluminium, significantly reducing production time. This is achieved by combining local reinforcement with continuous fibre-reinforced tapes and employing fluid melt technology to produce lightweight, hollow structures. This was one of the projects showcased at the Power of Plastics Forum.
The stand of Röhm was another great example for the mobility sector. Showcasing the versatility of its PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds at K 2025. The company highlights high-performance PMMA solutions for automotive lighting. Examples of the Volkswagen-Emblem or full automotive taillights from for example Opel and the LS7 from IM Motors. Great to see how much is possible in the design of these light solutions.
One of the projects we collaborated on at MODYN was showcased at SABIC’s impressive booth. The Powerwall model we helped design and visualize was proudly on display. SABIC’s exhibit, themed “Connecting Everyday Life”, offered an immersive experience, showcasing how its innovative materials enhance everyday living. From home and transportation to shopping and healthcare.
In between all the impressive heavy machinery, the fair was full of examples of opportunities for CMF in different plastic products.
From innovative in-mold labeling solutions to advanced coatings, surface wraps, and a wide spectrum of Expanded Polypropylene colors (EPP). All of these can be used to elevate the visual quality of different plastic parts used in products we design. Great inspiration, showing that there is a lot more possible than just playing with different mold textures.
Now that we mentioned EPP, a material we come across quite often these days in child bike seats, car seats, cargo bikes and more. It was great to see loads of different possibilities within this material.
One of the most impressive examples we found at the booth of T. Michel, showing the IMPFC technique which combines EPP with a thin layer of PP. Due to PP and EPP, being a mono compound system, it is even 100% recyclable. As we only visited the fair for one day, we most definitely missed a lot. If you visited the show as well and have another highlight, please share with us.
We invite you to visit our sample library at the MODYN Studio in Geldermalsen!
We’d love to welcome you for a tour through our curated collection of materials, finishes, and prototypes, a space where innovation and craftsmanship come together. Our sample library is designed to inspire designers, engineers, and clients alike, showcasing the latest in CMF, mobility and product design. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, exploring collaboration opportunities, or simply curious to see how we work, we’d be happy to host you.
Let us know when you’d like to stop by, coffee’s on us!
Dutch Design Week 2025 Trend Report
