Fakuma 2026 reports record international participation

The 30th Fakuma international trade fair for plastics processing brought together 1,547 exhibitors and 36,278 trade visitors at the fully booked Friedrichshafen Exhibition Centre from 12 to 16 October 2026. During the five-day event, companies presented developments in plastics processing, while the supplementary programme included technical discussions, award ceremonies, expert presentations and activities for young people. International exhibitors accounted for 51.2% of the total, the highest proportion recorded by the event to date. The share of visitors from outside Germany also reached a record level of 42%. According to the organiser, exhibitors reported concrete contracts and the launch of projects that had previously been placed on hold. The final day was organised as "Career Friday", with guided tours and insights into technologies and manufacturing processes intended to introduce young visitors to career opportunities in the plastics industry.

"The feedback from everyone involved has been overwhelming," said Annemarie Schur, Fakuma project manager at trade fair organiser P. E. Schall. "Career Friday was a brilliant finale. Many young visitors eagerly participated in the various activities. Our thanks go out to all of the companies whose support has helped pave the way for the future."

International participation and investment priorities

Representatives of exhibiting companies highlighted the quality of trade visitors and the role of direct discussions in developing projects. "Personal interaction is particularly valuable," said Dr Friedrich Kastner, CEO and managing partner of the NGA Group. "Direct dialogue with customers and partners often gives rise to specific ideas that form the basis for new solutions and long-term partnerships."

Stefan Glöckner, managing director of injection moulding machine manufacturer Dr. Boy, also referred to the benefits of discussing issues openly with trade visitors and addressing new market challenges. "This allows us to work together on the development of concrete solutions." Michael Wittmann, managing director of Wittmann Technology, said the main focus in 2026 was on investment and long-term security. "Quick return on investment and competitive unit costs are what really make the difference."

Awards mark the 30th edition

Bettina Schall, managing director of Schall trade fair organisers, presented personalised awards to 12 companies that participated in the first Fakuma in 1981 and continue to exhibit at the event. The recipients were Arburg, Engel Austria, Getecha, Technotrans Solutions, Hasco Hasenclever, Ihne & Tesch, Kistler Instrumente, Werner Koch Maschinentechnik, Mold Masters Europa, Schuma Maschinenbau, Single Group and Wittmann Battenfeld.

Juliane Hehl, managing partner of Arburg, received the first Paul Eberhard Schall Medal. Paul-Eberhard Schall and Eugen Hehl, then managing director of a manufacturer of plastics injection moulding machines, jointly launched Fakuma in 1981. The medal was presented during the opening ceremony.

Prof. Dr Martin Bastian, CEO of the SKZ German Plastics Center in Würzburg, said in his laudatory speech: "Fakuma’s success story was not conceived in a strategy paper. It arose from entrepreneurial spirit, from trust, from a handshake being enough and from people who were prepared to take on responsibility. And thus it’s only fitting that the first Paul Eberhard Schall Medal should go to the company that has been one of this trade fair’s closest partners right from the start."

The first Fakuma Innovation Award was also presented during the anniversary edition. P. E. Schall launched the competition in cooperation with media partner K Zeitung to recognise technological developments and cooperation in plastics processing. An expert jury selected 18 companies for first, second and third places across six categories: injection moulding; extrusion; recycling; tool and mould making and thermoforming; compounding and materials; and peripheral equipment. The awards were presented on the afternoon of the first day.

Start-ups present biomaterials and bioplastics

The start-up area included 18 young companies, the largest number recorded at Fakuma. Their solutions covered several areas of the plastics industry, with biomaterials represented in applications including packaging, household goods and medical devices. Exhibitors presented bioplastics based on renewable raw materials such as algae, maize and potato starch. The organiser described these materials as biodegradable and recyclable, and indicated that improvements in performance, quality and application range could increase their relevance.

The programme also included the Fakuma Round Table under the theme "Building on Strengths". Participants were Eva Söhnlein, managing director of the Geiger Group; Dr Johannes Kilian, vice-president of Process and Application Technology at Engel Austria; Günther Klammer, CTO at Next Generation Holding; and Michael Weigelt, managing director of TecPart, the Association for Technical Plastics Products. They discussed further areas for action concerning the future viability of the industry. Daily expert presentations at the forum provided additional opportunities for knowledge transfer, technical exchange and networking.

"We’re grateful and pleased that we’ve been able to celebrate this anniversary trade fair with everyone involved," said Bettina Schall. "It was a fantastic industry event filled with valuable professional exchanges and numerous meaningful encounters. The new schedule, with the event running from Monday to Friday, was well received. And the familiar and highly valued spirit of Fakuma was also evident across the board again this year: thematic relevance, pragmatic focus, solutions-oriented approach and discussion conducted on an equal footing. We’ll continue down this path by promoting technology, shaping the future and bringing people together. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the 31st Fakuma from the 11th through the 15th of October, 2027."