Full house at the plastics trade fair: the 30th Fakuma is now open!

The 30th Fakuma, international trade fair for plastics processing, has opened in Friedrichshafen. Organised by P. E. Schall, the anniversary edition brings together 1,547 exhibitors in 12 exhibition halls and provides an overview of technologies and solutions for the plastics industry. The event runs until Friday, 16 October 2026. At the opening, the organiser awarded the Paul-Eberhard-Schall Medal for the first time. The distinction, intended for a company with a special connection to both Fakuma and plastics processing, was presented to Loßburg-based Arburg.

"We are grateful and delighted to be able to celebrate this anniversary fair with you," said Bettina Schall, Managing Director of the trade fair organiser P. E. Schall, in her opening address. "Forty-five years is a long time; the world as a whole has changed, and the world of plastics has also undergone fundamental changes. Yet the spirit of this event has remained the same as ever: thematically relevant, pragmatic in its approach, solution-oriented in its aims, and with dialogue always taking place on an equal footing."

Arburg receives the first Paul-Eberhard-Schall Medal

The foundations for Fakuma were laid in 1981 by Paul Eberhard Schall and Eugen Hehl, then Managing Director of Arburg. Their entrepreneurial and personal collaboration focused on promoting technologies, shaping the future of the sector and bringing industry representatives together.

"They set milestones, shaped an industry and, ultimately, through new products, had a far-reaching impact on people's everyday lives," said Bettina Schall. Arburg's current Managing Director, Juliane Hehl, accepted the first Paul-Eberhard-Schall Medal.

"The success story of Fakuma did not originate in a strategy paper," said Prof. Dr. Martin Bastian, Chairman of the Board of SKZ Das Kunststoffzentrum in Würzburg, in his laudatory speech. "It arose from entrepreneurial spirit, from trust, from the value of a handshake, and from people who were prepared to take on responsibility. And that is why it is only fitting that the first Paul Eberhardt Schall Medal should go to the company that has been one of this trade fair's closest partners right from the start."

Twelve companies present since the first edition

The organiser also recognised 12 companies that participated in the first Fakuma in 1981 and remain exhibitors at the current edition. In addition to Arburg, these are Engel Austria, Getecha, Technotrans Solutions, Hasco Hasenclever, Ihne & Tesch, Kistler Instrumente, Werner Koch Maschinentechnik, Mold Masters Europa, Schuma Maschinenbau, Single Group and Wittmann Battenfeld. Bettina Schall presented representatives of each company with an individual award.

"Fakuma is, without question, of great importance to Friedrichshafen. It brings international companies, experts and decision-makers to our city and generates economic momentum far beyond the exhibition grounds," said Simon Blümcke, Lord Mayor of Friedrichshafen.

Klaus Wellmann, Managing Director of Messe Friedrichshafen, recalled the people who shaped the event and highlighted its founder. "As we celebrate the 30th Fakuma today, my thoughts turn above all to the people who have shaped this trade fair," he said. "And there is one person in particular who comes to mind: Paul Eberhard Schall." Wellmann added that the founder, who died in February 2016, would be smiling at the 30th edition and at those who have continued to develop his idea.

Competition, knowledge transfer and recruitment

The programme on the first day includes the presentation of the Fakuma Innovation Award 2026. The competition covers six thematic categories and is intended to provide a platform for new ideas.

On the afternoon of the second day, the third Fakuma Round Table will be held under the theme "Strengthening our strengths". During the moderated discussion, industry experts will examine routes towards a prosperous future for plastics processing companies.

On Friday, 16 October 2026, the "Mold your dreams, mold your future" careers campaign will begin. It will allow school pupils, students and people starting their careers to learn about the plastics industry directly and establish personal contacts.

Throughout the event, young companies will present solutions and ideas for the plastics industry in the Start-up Area from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm each day. Daily specialist presentations within the Knowledge Transfer Forum will also support the exchange of expertise and networking.

Patent information at the exhibition

Experts from the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, DPMA, will be present at Fakuma on Wednesday, 14 October, and Thursday, 15 October 2026. They will provide information at exhibitors' stands on protecting innovations in the plastics industry. Appointments can be arranged at short notice during the event by telephone at +49 151 6755 2912 or by email at info@dpma.de.

"At this special anniversary fair, too, you will experience the tried-and-tested, well-known trade fair concept: topical relevance, reliability and practical application," said Bettina Schall. "Creating something, making a difference, moving things forward together, that is how Paul Eberhard Schall conceived this trade fair 45 years ago, and it is in this spirit that we will all continue to work together. With this in mind, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all!"