Smarter Planning Made Simple – K Assistant Supports Visitors And Exhibitors

K in Düsseldorf now offers the AI-supported chatbot ‘K Assistant’, a virtual companion that provides exhibitors and visitors with targeted information around the clock – individually, multilingually and intelligently. This innovative service reflects how K, the world’s leading trade fair for plastics and rubber, continues to evolve with digital tools that enhance visitor and exhibitor experiences.

K Assistant is available to assist anyone interested at their official website. Whether you need initial information on hall plans, exhibitor offers, the supporting programme or services, the chatbot ensures you are perfectly prepared for an optimal trade fair experience. By combining artificial intelligence with user-friendly navigation, it makes planning a visit to Düsseldorf smoother than ever before.

‘With K Assistant, we are offering an innovative service that enables visitors and exhibitors to plan their trade fair visit even more efficiently,’ explains Thomas Franken, Director K at Messe Düsseldorf. ‘Digital tools such as the chatbot are an important step towards offering our customers modern and user-friendly support.’ His statement underscores how Messe Düsseldorf is actively using AI not only as a trend topic at K 2025 but also as a practical tool to benefit participants before and during the show.

More than just a chat – what the K Assistant can do:
•Available 24/7: The AI chatbot is available to users at any time of the day or night, ensuring maximum planning freedom. This means international visitors across all time zones can instantly access reliable information without waiting for office hours.
•Intelligent answers instead of mere search results: The ‘K Assistant’ thinks for itself – it analyses questions in context and provides structured, precise information instead of long lists of hits. By doing so, it mirrors how a personal guide would respond, cutting down research time for professionals attending the fair.
•Language diversity for global target groups: Visitors and exhibitors from all over the world benefit from the multilingualism of the system, which communicates in numerous national languages. This feature is especially valuable given that K traditionally attracts more than 3,000 exhibitors from over 60 nations and over 220,000 visitors from all continents.

The friendly symbol for the K Assistant can always be found at the bottom right-hand corner of their official K website, making it easy to access at any time. It is seamlessly integrated into the platform, ensuring both first-time attendees and long-standing industry professionals have a reliable digital companion at their side.

In addition to digital support, practical visitor information is already available. K 2025 will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Wednesday, 8 October to Wednesday, 15 October 2025. A day ticket costs 60 euros, while a three-day ticket is available for 125 euros. School pupils and students benefit from discounted entry at 20 euros for a day ticket, reflecting K’s commitment to engaging future generations with the plastics and rubber industries.

Beyond tickets and AI tools, the trade fair will also provide networking opportunities, live machinery demonstrations, conferences, and guided tours focused on key topics such as circular economy, digitalization, and climate protection. With services like the K Assistant, attendees can easily find and select highlights most relevant to their professional interests, ensuring a productive and inspiring visit.

https://www.k-online.com/

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Continuing the VALERAS Journey with New Additive Solutions at K 2025

At K 2025, BASF will showcase the evolution of its VALERAS portfolio, highlighting how its additive solutions and services are enabling sustainability across the plastic lifecycle. First introduced at K 2022, VALERAS has developed into a robust platform that addresses plastic circularity, durability, and carbon transparency. The portfolio underscores BASF’s commitment to not only offering products but also creating value-added services that support the plastics industry in transitioning towards a circular economy.
Over the past three years, VALERAS has expanded significantly, building on BASF’s decades of expertise in plastic additives, stabilizers, and application know-how. By combining sustainability-driven innovations with real-world solutions, VALERAS has become a recognizable brand in the plastics sector. Its development reflects BASF’s strategy of aligning product performance with pressing global challenges such as waste reduction, improved recycling, and climate neutrality.
This year, BASF will also feature two new innovations added to its portfolio:
• To support organic farming, TINUVIN NOR 112 enhances greenhouse film performance against harsh agrochemicals, further strengthening BASF’s NOR platform for sustainable plasticulture. With agriculture relying heavily on greenhouse films to increase crop yields, the ability to withstand both UV exposure and chemical degradation is vital for long-term sustainability. Tinuvin NOR 112 not only boosts durability but also contributes to reducing replacement cycles, which means fewer plastics consumed and less waste generated.
• The latest advancement to expand the NOR portfolio is a new hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) solution currently in development, with more information to be revealed at K 2025. HALS stabilizers are among the most important technologies in extending the life of plastics by protecting them against light-induced degradation. This upcoming solution is expected to set new benchmarks for agricultural and industrial applications, reinforcing BASF’s role as an innovation leader in the field of stabilizers.
The NOR platform itself has long set the benchmark in agricultural plastics by offering customized, high-quality solutions for the changing needs of plasticulture. For instance, Tinuvin NOR 211 AR and 112 AR are cost-effective options that can handle strong sunlight, heat, and chemicals, making them ideal for regions with harsh climates. On the other hand, Tinuvin NOR 356 is recognized globally for its excellent durability and performance, offering superior crop protection in demanding conditions. These solutions help film manufacturers ensure long-lasting protection, easy processing and compliance with organic farming standards. Importantly, with strong resistance to agrochemical contaminants, a dust-free form and the absence of critical hazard labels, BASF’s stabilizers stand out as a trusted choice for agricultural film applications, giving farmers reliability while supporting environmental goals.

K 2025: A Platform for Progress and Exchange
BASF will use K 2025 not only to showcase innovation but also to foster dialogue. Through #OurPlasticsDialogues, BASF brings together external partners from the industry and internal experts in additives to exchange insights and explore collaborative solutions to industry challenges. These dialogues go beyond product presentation and focus on co-creation, enabling stakeholders to tackle issues such as recycling infrastructure gaps, the quality of recycled plastics, and the challenges of balancing performance with sustainability.
By positioning itself as both a solutions provider and a thought leader, BASF reinforces the idea that meaningful industry transformation requires collaboration across the value chain — from raw material suppliers to converters, brand owners, and recyclers. K 2025 provides a global stage for this engagement, as it remains the world’s most influential trade fair for plastics and rubber, attracting stakeholders from across all continents.

Plastic Additives-Focused Dialogues at the BASF Stand
BASF will highlight how additive technologies are enabling transformation across multiple industry sectors. These include:
• A closed-loop agricultural packaging solution with Cleanfarms and McKenzie/Snyder, showcasing the role of Irgastab in enhancing recycled content. This collaboration demonstrates how effective stabilizers make it possible to repeatedly recycle plastics without sacrificing performance, an essential factor in achieving circularity.
• A partnership with Shouman Group that has helped position the company as a trendsetter in Egypt’s plasticulture market through early adoption of Tinuvin NOR 211. This highlights how BASF’s expertise not only supports local markets but also empowers regional leaders to modernize their agricultural practices with high-performance additives.
• A collaboration with Takazuri Ltd. to deliver climate-resilient roofing solutions in Eastern Africa using post-consumer materials and tailored additive packages. This project is particularly important in regions facing extreme weather conditions, where the durability and resilience of plastic-based infrastructure can make a direct impact on communities.
Each of these examples illustrates how BASF is using its VALERAS portfolio and broader additive know-how to create practical solutions with measurable sustainability benefits.

“K 2025 provides a timely opportunity to share the progress we have made in enhancing sustainability across the plastics lifecycle – not only through the broader VALERAS portfolio, but also through the new solutions we are introducing this year,” said Dr. Achim Sties, Senior Vice President, Plastic Additives. “These advances are the result of strong partnerships and shared ambition. They show what is possible when innovation meets collaboration – and we look forward to meaningful exchanges at K that will help us shape the future of plastics together with our customers and industry partners.”
By emphasizing partnerships, innovations, and sustainability-driven strategies, BASF demonstrates how plastic additives are not merely performance enhancers but enablers of a circular, durable, and climate-smart plastics economy. The presentation of VALERAS at K 2025 thus marks another milestone in BASF’s journey to integrate sustainability into every stage of the plastics value chain.

https://www.basf.com/global/en

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Zelio E-Mobility Reports Strong H1 FY26 Performance With Revenue Up 77% And Profit Rising 69%

● Consolidated revenue reaches INR 134.78 crore with PAT at INR 11.87 crore
● Standalone revenue jumps 77% YoY to INR 133.3 crore; PAT climbs 69% YoY

Zelio E-Mobility, a rapidly expanding electric two and three wheeler manufacturer that has been doubling its growth year over year, has announced its H1 FY26 financial results, marking one of its strongest half-year performances to date. In its first reporting cycle following a successful SME IPO, the BSE-listed EV manufacturer reported consolidated revenue of INR 134.78 crore and net profit of INR 11.87 crore, reaffirming its position as one of India’s few consistently profitable EV players.
The consolidated results for H1 FY26 include contributions from its newly incorporated subsidiary, Zelio Auto Components, established in May 2025. The subsidiary marks a strategic shift toward deeper localisation, improved cost efficiencies and stronger margin control which will become increasingly important as the company scales production volumes. On a standalone basis, Zelio delivered robust performance with revenue rising 77 percent year on year to INR 133.3 crore and profit after tax increasing 69 percent year on year to INR 11.8 crore, compared to INR 7 crore in the same period last year. Sequential PAT rose 33 percent, highlighting operational improvements and consistent demand across the company’s dealer network.
Total standalone income reached INR 134.3 crore, which includes other income of INR 98 lakh. Expenses increased 78 percent year on year to INR 119.9 crore, driven by higher production, inventory expansion and network growth. Despite elevated costs, Zelio maintained solid margins which remains a rare achievement in India’s cost sensitive EV market. On a consolidated basis, total assets stood at INR 85.33 crore and net worth reached INR 38.55 crore, supported by a lean capital structure and disciplined financial management. Operating cash flow for the half year was INR 10.20 crore while capital expenditure of INR 5.23 crore was deployed toward tooling, machinery and upcoming manufacturing facilities.
This performance follows the company’s INR 78.34 crore SME IPO which closed with 1.5 times oversubscription. Zelio raised INR 62.83 crore through the fresh issue while promoters divested shares worth INR 15.50 crore through the OFS route. As of 14 November 2025, approximately INR 36 crore of unutilised IPO proceeds remain parked in fixed deposits with the Bank and are earmarked for capacity expansion and new facility development. A major priority has been strengthening its manufacturing backbone.. The Board has also approved leasing of new industrial premises in Odisha which will strengthen its access to eastern India’s fast growing EV market.
Zelio continues to scale its national distribution network. The company now operates through 337 plus dealerships across 20 plus states, with strong penetration in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets where demand for affordable slow speed EVs is rising rapidly. Its mass market portfolio includes EEVA, Gracy, Legender, Mystery, XMen and the Tanga e Loader and is focused on customers who want simple, practical and cost efficient mobility. The recently launched Little Gracy, targeted at riders aged 10 to 18, has gained encouraging traction and reflects the growing opportunity in the non RTO EV segment.
Investor confidence remains high, with the company’s share price closing at INR 367.70, up 5% percent on the BSE today. Commenting on the results, Kunal Arya, Managing Director, Zelio E-Mobility, said, “Our H1 FY26 results demonstrate the strong fundamentals of our business and the trust that our customers and investors place in us. As we expand capacity, deepen localisation and strengthen our network, our focus remains on disciplined execution and delivering reliable and accessible electric mobility to customers across India.”
With strong half year financials, healthy liquidity, growing manufacturing capabilities and increasing localisation through Zelio Auto Components, the company is well positioned for an even stronger second half. Zelio enters FY26 to FY28 with accelerating momentum and continues to emerge as one of India’s fastest growing, most stable and operationally efficient mass market EV brands.

https://zelioebikes.com/

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Guided Tours Bring Focus and Insights to Visitors at K 2025

When the international plastics and rubber community gathers in Düsseldorf for K 2025, visitors will not only find the world’s leading trade fair for the sector, but also a new way of navigating its scale and complexity. Alongside the 3,000+ exhibitors from more than 60 countries, the organisers are once again offering thematically focused guided tours on selected days of the show. These tours are carefully designed to combine expert commentary with curated booth visits, helping participants gain a structured overview of the latest developments in their chosen field of interest.

The tours will be offered in German and English, and participation is free of charge, making them accessible to both local and international attendees. Registration can be completed through the official K 2025 website, where detailed schedules and routes are listed. The trade fair itself will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tickets to K 2025 are priced at €60 for a day pass and €125 for a three-day ticket, with reduced rates of €20 per day available for pupils and students.

Materials and Design: Innovation at the Intersection of Creativity and Technology

One of the most popular guided formats will be the Materials & Design Tour, led by internationally recognised designer and materials specialist Chris Lefteri. Lefteri has long been regarded as a bridge-builder between creative design and industrial application, and his tours at previous editions of K have attracted strong interest from product developers, brand owners, and design professionals.

This route takes participants directly to exhibitors pushing boundaries in innovative material solutions, sustainable design concepts, and cutting-edge industrial technologies. At each stop, Lefteri highlights not only the functionality of the products, but also their sensory and emotional qualities—factors increasingly valued in consumer-driven markets. With sustainability becoming central to product innovation, the tour emphasises how plastics can be developed and designed to balance performance, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.

For many attendees, this curated tour serves as an eye-opener, showing how material choices can influence everything from brand storytelling to circular product lifecycles. Lefteri’s commentary offers a global perspective on where design is headed and how plastics can remain relevant in an era that demands creativity without compromising ecological goals.

Digitalisation, Smart Processes, and Recycling: The Future of Intelligent Manufacturing

Another major theme of the guided tours addresses the digital transformation of the plastics industry. Here, participants are introduced to exhibitors showcasing intelligent production processes, automation technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence into manufacturing workflows. With efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainability as primary drivers, these tours focus on how digital tools are reshaping production environments.

A central stop on this tour is the VDMA Power of Plastics Forum, which will take place outdoors and feature six thematic pavilions. Here, machinery and equipment manufacturers will conduct live demonstrations, turning theory into practice by showing how plastic waste can be converted into high-quality re-granulate and then processed into circular-ready products. These hands-on displays not only highlight the feasibility of recycling at scale but also underline the economic potential of circular economy models.

Participants will also encounter exhibitors applying data-driven transparency, process optimisation, and closed-loop recycling systems. For decision-makers and engineers alike, this tour represents a concentrated snapshot of how digitalisation and sustainability are converging in practice.

Young Talents: Guiding the Next Generation

The Young Talents Tour is specifically designed for students, apprentices, and young professionals who are considering a career in plastics and rubber. What makes this format unique is that it is led by young professionals from within the sector, offering a peer-to-peer exchange that feels approachable and authentic.

During the tour, participants are introduced to vocational pathways, study opportunities, and career prospects that exist within the industry. Stops at selected exhibitors illustrate how diverse the field has become—ranging from material science and mechanical engineering to digitalisation, recycling technologies, and design. The programme also includes visits to the VDMA Power of Plastics Forum, where practical demonstrations help contextualise future job roles.

For the next generation of professionals, this tour is more than just orientation; it is an invitation to become part of an industry in transformation. With companies worldwide investing heavily in sustainable and digital innovation, demand for new talent is rising sharply. The Young Talents format addresses this need directly, making it a valuable bridge between education and industry.

Why Guided Tours Matter at K 2025

With its immense size and global scope, K 2025 can be overwhelming even for experienced visitors. The guided tours offer an efficient way to focus on what matters most, whether that is sustainability-driven design, digital production technologies, or career opportunities. By combining expert guidance with first-hand exhibitor visits, participants save time, gain deeper insights, and leave with a clearer understanding of where the industry is heading.

Moreover, the tours reflect the broader ethos of K 2025, which is built around the theme “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible.” They emphasise plastics not simply as a material, but as a medium for innovation, circularity, and global solutions to resource challenges.

For designers, engineers, and young professionals alike, the guided tours are more than just an add-on to the fair—they are a curated learning experience within the world’s most important plastics event.

https://www.k-online.com/

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Hon’ble Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates Oben Electric’s 75th Showroom In Nagpur

Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated Oben Electric’s 75th showroom in Nagpur, marking a major milestone for India’s homegrown and R&D-driven electric motorcycle manufacturer. Located in Hanuman Nagar, the new showroom is complemented by a dedicated Oben Care service center, providing customers with convenient access to reliable maintenance and expert after-sales support. This addition further strengthens Oben Electric’s presence in Maharashtra, where demand for the Oben Rorr EZ Sigma continues to grow rapidly.

With this launch, Oben Electric now operates 7 showrooms across Maharashtra. The company has already expanded to 75 showrooms and service centers across India and remains on track to scale its network to 150+ showrooms and service centres by the end of this financial year. It also maintains a strong presence in key Indian cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Kochi, Jaipur, Amritsar, Hyderabad, and Lucknow, driven by rising customer demand and accelerating EV adoption nationwide.

Commenting on the launch, Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Oben Electric, said, “We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from riders, which continues to drive our efforts to expand Oben Electric’s nationwide presence. The launch of our 75th showroom in Nagpur reinforces our commitment to making premium commuter electric motorcycles more accessible. Backed by a customer-first approach and robust in-house R&D, we remain focused on delivering not just innovative products but a complete EV ecosystem that enhances ownership.”

The Oben Rorr EZ Sigma, available in 3.4 kWh and 4.4 kWh variants, delivers a range of up to 175 km IDC, features three ride modes (Eco, City, Havoc), and achieves a top speed of 95 km/h. Powered by Oben’s patented LFP battery technology, it offers 50% higher heat resistance and twice the lifecycle durability, ensuring reliable performance across India’s diverse climates. With price starting at 1.16 Lakh Rorr EZ Sigma available in 3.4kWh & 4.4kWh variants, brings a premium, smart-riding experience within reach of everyday commuters. It also features a convenient Reverse Mode, a 5-inch colour TFT display with navigation, call & text alerts, and app connectivity through the Oben Electric App for live tracking, smart notifications, and remote lock access, delivering a seamless, connected ride. Rorr EZ Sigma is also available on Flipkart and Amazon.

In line with its customer-centric philosophy, Oben Electric offers 24/7 Customer Support and fast service resolution, maintaining a 90% issue-resolution rate within 72 hours. Each showroom houses an Oben Care service center staffed with platinum-certified technicians, ensuring expert maintenance for all in-house developed components including batteries, motors, and vehicle control units.

www.obenelectric.com

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