Fakuma 2026 – Final Report  "It was a wonderful industry celebration."

Fakuma 2026 was all about its 30th anniversary. Two awards helped create a spectacular setting. Despite a slight decline in the number of exhibitors and visitors, the organizer is very satisfied. 

From October 12 to October 16, 2026, 1,547 exhibitors showcased their innovations and new developments for plastics processing at the 30th Fakuma. This figure was once again lower than the previous year’s total (2024: 1,639). A total of 36,278 visitors (2024: 36,675) traveled to Fakuma 2026 in Friedrichshafen.

The organizers are nevertheless satisfied, thanks in part to the wide-ranging supporting program. The final day of the trade show, designated “Career Friday,” served as a closing highlight with its campaign to promote young talent and sent a strong signal for the future of the plastics industry. “The response from all sides was overwhelming,” emphasizes Annemarie Schur, Fakuma project manager at trade show organizer P. E. Schall. 

Award for Longtime Supporters 

Bettina Schall, managing director of the trade show company Schall, presented a personal award to 12 companies that participated in the very first Fakuma in 1981 and are still among the current exhibitors today. This honor was bestowed upon 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. 

A special award—the first Paul-Eberhard-Schall Medal – was accepted with great pleasure by Juliane Hehl, Arburg’s current managing director. Paul Eberhard Schall and her father, Eugen Hehl—then managing director of the manufacturer of plasticinjection molding machines, had jointly launched Fakuma in 1981. 

The award was presented in a festive atmosphere during the trade show’s opening ceremony. Prof. Dr. Martin Bastian, Chairman of the Board of “SKZ Das Kunststoffzentrum” in Würzburg, emphasized in his laudatory speech: “Fakuma’s success story did not originate in a strategy paper. It arose from entrepreneurial spirit, from trust, from the value of a handshake, and from people who were willing to take on responsibility. And that is why it is only fitting that the first Paul Eberhard Schall Medal goes to the company that has been one of this trade show’s closest partners from the very beginning.”

A Flurry of Innovations at the First Fakuma Innovation Award

The first Fakuma Innovation Award, presented on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the trade show . The goal was to recognize technological excellence, innovative strength, and teamwork within the plastics processing industry and to showcase them on a platform that celebrates these achievements. A total of 18 companies were honored, taking 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place in each of the six thematic categories: injection molding, extrusion, recycling, tool and mold making / thermoforming, compounding and materials, and peripherals.

A strong startup community, particularly in the field of bioplastics

Throughout the trade show, 18 young companies—more than ever before!—showcased new solutions and ideas for the plastics industry in the Start-up Area. Biomaterials were strongly represented, for example, for packaging, household goods, or medical devices. Bioplastics made from natural and renewable resources such as algae, corn, or potato starch are biodegradable and recyclable, and help prevent plastic waste in the environment. 

According to the official final report, this year’s “Fakuma Round Table” also provided strong impetus for the future viability of companies. “Strengthening Our Strengths” was the theme of the expert panel on the second day of the trade show, during which 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—Association for Technical Plastic Products—discussed areas for action. 

“We are grateful and delighted that we were able to celebrate this anniversary trade show with everyone involved,” says Bettina Schall, summarizing Fakuma 2026. “It was a wonderful industry celebration featuring valuable professional discussions and many pleasant encounters. Here’s to the new schedule, with the trade show running from Monday through Friday, received positive feedback. And the familiar and much-appreciated spirit of Fakuma was once again evident this year: thematic relevance, a pragmatic focus, a solution-oriented approach, and dialogue always conducted on an equal footing.” 

The next Fakuma will take place from October 11 to 15, 2027. (me)