The Evolution of DKT - Global Hub for Rubber Innovation

DKT, or Deutsche Kautschuk Tagung, stands as a testament to the progress and innovation in the rubber industry. Since its inception nearly a century ago, DKT has evolved into a global hub for rubber technologists, chemists, and business professionals. In this blog, you'll learn about the rise of rubber technology, the foundation of DKT, its growth into an international conference, and why it remains a pivotal event for the industry.

The industrial revolution marked the beginning of significant advancements in rubber technology. The early 20th century saw a shift from harvesting wild rubber to cultivating it on plantations. This transition was driven by the growing demand and increasing technical requirements for rubber, which necessitated innovation and consistency in production.

Natural rubber, while valuable, had its limitations. Its variability posed challenges as industries demanded more uniform and reliable materials. This led to the development and invention of various synthetic rubbers. Pioneering scientists and chemists dedicated their efforts to creating synthetic alternatives that could meet the increasing industrial demands.

In response to the need for collaboration and dialogue among rubber chemists, the Deutsche Kautschuk Gesellschaft e.V. (German Rubber Society) was established in 1926 with 46 participants. Headquartered in a beautiful Wilhelminian-style villa in Frankfurt am Main, this society aimed to foster innovation and knowledge sharing within the rubber industry.

The Birth of the German Rubber Conference

Following the founding meeting, the first official annual conference took place in 1928. By the 1930 conference in Frankfurt, the event had already attracted international participation, marking the beginning of its global relevance. Despite interruptions due to war, the conferences resumed in 1951, emphasizing scientific and technical presentations from experts worldwide.

Initially, the German Rubber Conference catered primarily to scientific and technical experts. However, the 1954 conference in Munich saw increased participation from business professionals. This shift broadened the conference's scope and paved the way for the inclusion of exhibitions, starting with the Hamburg conference in 1956, where 14 exhibitors showcased their products to 600 participants.

The 1960 conference in Berlin marked another significant milestone as it transformed into the International Rubber Conference (IRC). This event, held in the prestigious Congress Centre, introduced a new format with a focus on international collaboration, technical presentations, and networking opportunities. The IRC continues to rotate among different countries annually, fostering global cooperation.

Since 1997, Nuremberg has been the chosen venue for DKT, offering state-of-the-art exhibition halls and facilities. The city's central location and excellent infrastructure make it an ideal host for the event. Each conference sees around 260 exhibitors and over 3,000 visitors, emphasizing the industry's enthusiasm for this premier gathering.

Over the years, DKT has maintained its emphasis on technical presentations, cutting-edge developments, and industry innovations. The event has adapted to changing times while preserving its core values of knowledge sharing and networking. Attendees benefit from insightful presentations, product showcases, and opportunities to engage with industry leaders.

Safic-Alcan Deutschland has been an active participant in DKT since 2000. The company's trade fair stand serves as a meeting point for customers and suppliers, facilitating discussions on technical advancements and industry trends. This interaction highlights the importance of face-to-face meetings and real-time dialogue, which remain unparalleled in fostering business relationships.

Looking ahead, DKT continues to evolve, with this year’s event, which happened in July 1-4, we were very excited to have attended with our global teams, of over 40 people from over 15 different countries and our three co-exhibitors Celanese, Imerys, and Nouryon.

The conference remains a vital platform for rubber industry professionals to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and build lasting partnerships. With each iteration, DKT reaffirms its commitment to driving progress and growth within the industry.

During the DKT event, we hosted a Recruiting Day where Safic-Alcan shared valuable industry insights with students, inspiring and encouraging young talent to pursue careers in the rubber industry.

DKT's nearly 100-year history is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the rubber industry. From its humble beginnings as a national meeting of rubber chemists to its current status as a global conference, DKT has consistently provided a platform for knowledge exchange, technical advancements, and industry collaboration. For rubber industry professionals and event organizers, DKT offers unparalleled opportunities to stay at the forefront of innovation and build meaningful connections.

We will see you again in 2027 to experience firsthand the cutting-edge developments and networking opportunities that define this prestigious event. Together, let's shape the future of the rubber industry.