Material gaps on K2022 exhibitors list

London - Arlanxeo will not be exhibiting at the K2022 international plastics & rubber expo in October, while question marks remain over the involvement of at least one other major polymer supplier. 

In a statement to ERJ, Dutch-based synthetic rubber supplier Arlanxeo confirmed that it would not be returning as an exhibitor to this year’s staging of the triennial Dusseldorf show

“We have decided not to exhibit at the K-Fair 2022 with a physical Arlanxeo booth, instead we will replicate physical events in the online world to help us to stay connected with our customers,” it said.

Explaining that the Covid pandemic had made the world “more digitally connected,” Arlanxeo said it had adapted to this way of connecting with customers while also reducing its carbon footprint.

“We are committed to support the development of the global rubber industry while seeking new opportunities to meet and engage with our customers,” stated Arlanxeo.  

Arlanxeo is, however, to sponsor the Gummi Strasse (Rubber Street) rubber-technology focused section of K2022, which takes place 19-26 Oct, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Also missing, at least from the current K2022 exhibitors list, is Dow which includes silicone rubber and elastomer materials in its extensive polymer portfolio. 

The US-based group has yet to reply to any of ERJ’s enquiries about its intentions regarding the world’s largest plastics & rubber expo.

While DuPont will be exhibiting, it will be interesting to see exactly which materials/products feature on its K stands, given the ongoing changes at the company.

DuPont’s $5.2-billion acquisition of Rogers Corp is due for completion by 30 June, while the $11.0 billion sale of most of its Mobility & Materials business to Celanese Corp. is set to close by the yearend. 

“DuPont Performance Materials is exhibiting at K Show later this year, but not the Healthcare Liveo [business unit],” a DuPont spokeswoman said in a written statement.