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A Year of Materials: Unmissable Events in 2025

Materials are increasingly at the forefront of discussions, studies, and exhibitions. Whether the focus is on specific sectors or broad themes like sustainability and design, or cutting-edge innovations such as biofabrication, the spotlight on materials is brighter than ever. From the hundreds of events planned globally in 2025, we have curated a selection of the most significant ones in Europe.

Advanced Materials

The year kicks off in March with JEC World, the premier annual event for composite materials.  Held in Paris from 4th to 6th March, JEC World showcases a comprehensive range of offerings, including raw materials, advanced technologies, machinery, semi-finished products, and auxiliary services like software and consultancy. This dynamic sector covers diverse applications, from aerospace and shipbuilding to automotive, heavy industry, and renewable energy.

In April, the spotlight turns to bio-innovation with the Biofabricate Summit, running from 1st to 3rd April. This three-day event features a packed agenda of meetings and conferences highlighting the rapidly growing field of cultured materials. It serves as a nexus for an international community of start-ups, brands, investors, change advocates, and specialized media.

Finally, October sees the return of K 2025, the preeminent triennial trade fair dedicated to plastics and rubber.  Taking place from 8th to 15th October, K 2025 will focus on transformative themes such as the circular economy, bioplastics, and recycling technologies. The event promises a comprehensive showcase of groundbreaking innovations revolutionizing these crucial materials across all areas of industrial production.

Materials & Design

Milan Design Week, running from 7th to 13th April, will spotlight the dynamic relationship between design and innovative materials. The event features both the Salone del Mobile, showcasing traditional wood-furniture and interior design materials, and the Fuorisalone, hosting diverse citywide events, including showrooms and collective exhibitions. Among the highlights is Materially’s “The Scale Of Commitment” at Superstudio Più, Via Tortona 27. This event will emphasize materials and companies committed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing performance through measurable metrics. Attendees can explore a sensorial exhibition of materials and a data-based analysis presented through digital gamified interactions.

Later in the year, Material Matters will take place during the London Design Festival (14th-22nd September) at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf. This annual event focuses on sustainable innovations, research projects, and start-ups, further celebrating the fusion of materials and design.

Packaging Materials

In 2025, Italy will host three major events dedicated to packaging. In March, Cosmoprof-Cosmopack will once again bring together the cosmetics supply chain, showcasing the latest innovations in packaging for this specific sector. From 21 to 23 May, Packaging Première and PCD (Perfume, Cosmetics, Design) continue to be premier events for exploring innovative and sustainable premium packaging solutions. Materially will actively participate as a partner, with a dedicated space, a role on the jury for the Avant-Garde in the Innovative Materials category, and the moderation of live discussions. Later in May, from 27 to 30, ipack Ima will take place in Rho, showcasing industrial packaging solutions. This event covers the entire supply chain, from raw materials to converters, and extending to machinery—including technologies for end-of-life packaging management, such as sorting and recycling systems. The 2025 edition will also feature Pharmintech, focused on specialized packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. The year will close with the traditional Fachpack event in Nuremberg from 23 to 25 September, a key gathering for packaging professionals in Germany. In 2025, Materially’s Innovation Days will continue, offering thematic events designed for training, updates, and networking on specific topics. These events, hosted both onsite at the Materially showroom and online in a new, exciting format, provide valuable opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas such as materials for packaging, interiors, accessories, and more.
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Images: Courtesy of Material ConneXion. Contact us for more information about the library..