Fakuma 2026: 1,547 Exhibitors and 36,278 Trade Visitors

The 30th Fakuma, the international trade fair for plastics processing, took place in Friedrichshafen from October 12 to 16, 2026. According to the organizer, P. E. Schall GmbH & Co. KG, 1,547 exhibitors (2024: 1.639) presented their products and technological developments. A total of 36,278 trade visitors (2024: 36.675) were registered.

In addition to the exhibition, the five-day event featured a supporting program that included innovation awards, panel discussions, technical presentations and initiatives to promote young talent. For the first time, the trade fair followed a new Monday-to-Friday schedule.

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Innovation Award in Six Categories
The "Fakuma Innovation Award", jointly launched by Schall and the trade publication "K-Zeitung", was presented for the first time. An expert jury awarded first, second and third place in six categories: injection molding, extrusion, recycling, tool and mold making/thermoforming, compounding and materials, and peripheral equipment. A total of 18 companies received awards. The award ceremony took place on the first day of the trade fair (see also plasticker-news dated October 14, 2026).

Start-ups Focus on Bio-based Materials
In the start-up area, 18 young companies presented their developments. According to the organizer, this was the highest number of participating start-ups to date. A particular focus was on bio-based materials made from raw materials such as algae, corn and potato starch. The applications presented included packaging, household goods and medical products. Biodegradability and recyclability were also key topics in material development.

Awards for Long-standing Exhibitors
The organizer honored twelve companies that had participated in the first Fakuma in 1981 and were also exhibiting in 2026. The newly established "Paul Eberhard Schall Medal" was awarded to injection molding machine manufacturer Arburg (see also plasticker-news dated October 13, 2026). Paul Eberhard Schall and Eugen Hehl, then Managing Director of Arburg, had jointly founded the trade fair in 1981. The award was accepted by Arburg Managing Director Juliane Hehl.

Industry Discussion and Promotion of Young Talent
A round table discussion on the second day of the trade fair addressed the resilience of the European plastics industry and areas for action to strengthen its competitive position. Daily technical presentations complemented the program. On the final day of the trade fair, October 16, "Career Friday" offered young people interested in the industry guided tours and insights into technologies and manufacturing processes at plastics processing companies.

The next Fakuma is scheduled to take place in Friedrichshafen from October 11 to 15, 2027.

Fakuma 2027, Friedrichshafen, October 11–15, 2027

More information: www.fakuma-messe.de, www.schall-messen.de

P.E. Schall GmbH & Co. KG Messeunternehmen, Frickenhausen, Germany

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