Plastics, Circularity and AI

Every three years, Düsseldorf becomes the global hub for plastics. K2025 is the world’s largest industry gathering. A perfect occasion for the ELEMENTS editorial team to focus on plastics. We explore the topic from three completely different perspectives — and all three show: plastics can be one of the best solutions for the future when used and recycled properly.

K Fair 2025 - We go beyond with plastics solutions

AI by our side

From a helpful tool to a true partner: Evonik is taking the next leap in artificial intelligence. The AI system AIChemBuddy actively supports researchers in the lab. Tailored specifically by Evonik and fed with relevant data, measurements, and experimental results, AIChemBuddy can now suggest next steps in research and significantly accelerate development processes. The system also has a very low energy demand. Read in ELEMENTS how effectively AI is helping our researchers.

On good terms with AI

From the End to a New Beginning

Plastics are superior materials in thousands of applications. But they become truly sustainable only when, at the end of their use, they don’t end up in the environment, waste, or incineration — but in new products. Ideally, reuse is considered already during the development and manufacturing of plastic products. In a circular economy, the end of one use should always be the beginning of the next. Read in ELEMENTS about the processes and solutions Evonik is developing — and where they’re already being used.

As Good as New

Our superhero

Polyamide 12 is a particularly high-quality plastic for demanding applications. Evonik has developed ways to offer this versatile material with a significantly reduced CO₂ footprint. Through mass balancing, customers can help determine how “green” their Polyamide 12 should be. Especially in the lifestyle segment — such as premium sunglasses — sustainable materials are in high demand. And more and more new markets are opening up. Discover deep insights into PA12 on our ELEMENTS page.

Invisibly green