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is organizing a “Women in Plastics” event at on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 4 p.m. as part of the special “Plastics Shape the Future” venue in Hall 6, in Düsseldorf, Germany. The event brings together international female industry players at the world’s largest trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, which runs Oct. 8-15, 2025.

The “Women in Plastics” event is designed to promote more diversity in the industry, foster young talent and create better perspectives. It will feature a keynote address as well as a panel discussion, best-practice examples presented by top-level female speakers from all over the world and opportunities for in-depth, face-to-face networking.

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The event will be hosted by Kerstin Sochor, editor-in-chief of “Österreichische Kunststoffzeitschrift.” Participants will have the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and build valuable networks.

“‘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.

Stephanie Kalil, commercial vice president , will serve as the keynote speaker. She is responsible for developing and driving the P&SP net zero and ����ý growth strategy, particularly Dow’s circularity and decarbonization efforts in the region. Prior to this role, Kalil served as the senior global ����ý director for Dow’s polyethylene ����ý.

Kalil earned a bachelor’s degree in ����ý administration with a specialization in international ����ý from Michigan State University (MSU) and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. She is a passionate advocate for employee resource group and promotes greater representation of women in technical and roles.

Event speakers include internationally recognized experts, successful company founders or plastics and rubber industry pioneers. Women visiting the event will have the chance to learn from their personal experiences and career paths, take away valuable tips and discuss current developments in the plastics and rubber industry.

The event also aims to inspire women to enter the plastics and rubber industry, and promote the wide-ranging professional opportunities it offers to young talents. Because women are often still underrepresented in technical careers and leadership roles, organizers say that promoting these opportunities can help the industry overcome the ongoing . Initiatives such as mentoring, networking, positive industry communication and the promotion of equality and attractive working conditions can help create a more diverse industry.

For free registration for “Women in Plastics,” visit
 
K was held by Messe Düsseldorf for the first time in 1952 and is now held every three years. The latest edition of K in 2022  had 3,020 registered exhibitors from 59 countries on 177,516 square meters of exhibition space and 177,486 trade visitors, 71% of whom came from abroad.