Fakuma 2026: 1,600 exhibitors, Innovation Award, Dates

Fakuma 2026 Fakuma 2026: How Friedrichshafen Is Preparing for the Industry Event

2026-09-17 From Stefan Lenz 4 min Reading Time

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The 30th Fakuma will take place in Friedrichshafen from October 12 to 16, 2026. Approximately 1,600 exhibitors from 40 countries will showcase the full spectrum of plastics processing. To mark the anniversary, the trade show organizer P. E. Schall will present the Fakuma Innovation Award for the first time, as well as the newly created Paul Eberhard Schall Medal.

Once again this year, numerous trade visitors are flocking to the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center: From October 12 to 16, 2026, the 30th Fakuma is expected to welcome approximately 1,600 exhibitors from 40 countries to the international trade fair for plastics processing.(Bild: Sound Measurement) — Once again this year, numerous trade visitors are flocking to the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center: From October 12 to 16, 2026, the 30th Fakuma is expected to welcome approximately 1,600 exhibitors from 40 countries to the international trade fair for plastics processing.
(Bild: Sound Measurement)

The Fakuma will be open for five days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. In twelve halls, exhibitors will showcase technologies spanning the entire plastics processing spectrum: from injection molding, forming, and extrusion technologies to 3D printing, masterbatches, raw materials, and feedstocks, as well as tools, process technology, and recycling.

Trade Show Showcases the Entire Value Chain

"We will experience the anniversary edition of Fakuma as an exciting industry celebration with an outstanding supporting program," says Bettina Schall.(Bild: Sound Measurement) — "We will experience the anniversary edition of Fakuma as an exciting industry celebration with an outstanding supporting program," says Bettina Schall.
(Bild: Sound Measurement)

For processors, the trade show thus offers an overview of the industry’s current state of technology. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Bonten from the Institute for Plastics Technology (IKT) at the University of Stuttgart describes Fakuma as a key industry gathering in Baden-Württemberg that provides processors with market transparency while also facilitating personal exchanges with long-standing partners. Magnus Orth, Head of Technical Services and Material Development at Igus, echoes this sentiment: The trade show serves as a catalyst for future developments and strategic directions for companies.

Fakuma Innovation Award Announced for the First Time

To mark the anniversary, the Fakuma Innovation Award will be presented for the first time. The competition covers six thematic categories, including injection molding, extrusion, recycling, tool and mold making, thermoforming, and compounding and materials. Enablers of plastics technology in the field of peripheral equipment are also part of the competition.

Applications were accepted exclusively online through early September. A prerequisite was that the submitted project be on display at the trade show—as a production-ready product, a functional prototype, or a demonstrated technology. An independent panel of experts from academia and industry evaluates the submissions based on their level of innovation, technical merit, economic relevance, and sustainability. The awards ceremony will take place on the afternoon of the first day of the trade show.

“We want to celebrate the 30th Fakuma,” emphasizes Bettina Schall, managing director of the trade show company P. E. Schall, pictured here with the trade show advisory board. The international trade show for plastics processing looks back with confidence on its success story and, at the same time, looks ahead to the future.(Bild: Sound Measurement) — “We want to celebrate the 30th Fakuma,” emphasizes Bettina Schall, managing director of the trade show company P. E. Schall, pictured here with the trade show advisory board. The international trade show for plastics processing looks back with confidence on its success story and, at the same time, looks ahead to the future.
(Bild: Sound Measurement)

New Award Honors Long-Standing Partnerships

During the opening press conference, the trade show organizer Schall will present the newly created Paul Eberhard Schall Medal for the first time. According to the organizer, the award goes to a company that has a special connection to the trade show and has made a name for itself through innovations in plastics processing.

“We want to recognize both the company’s outstanding technological position in the further development of plastics processing and its close ties to our trade show company,” says Bettina Schall, managing director of the trade show company P. E. Schall.

In addition, the organizer honors companies that were among the 76 first-time exhibitors at Fakuma back in 1981 and have participated in the trade show continuously ever since.

Roundtable Discusses the Industry's Future Viability

On the second day of the trade show, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the third edition of the “Fakuma Round Table” will take place at 4:00 p.m. in the East Foyer. Under the theme “Strengthening Our Strengths,” a team of experts will discuss how plastics processing companies can reconcile economic constraints, environmental imperatives, and social challenges.

Participants in the roundtable discussion include: Dr. Johannes Kilian, Vice President of Process and Application Technology at Engel Austria; Josef Hochreiter, Managing Director of Next Generation Holding; Eva Söhnlein, Managing Director of the Geiger Group; and Michael Weigelt, Managing Director of the Association for Technical Plastic Products (TecPart).

Career Friday is aimed at young professionals in the industry

On the final day of the trade show, Friday, October 16, 2026, Fakuma, in collaboration with the trade show advisory boards and Plastics Europe Germany, will once again host Career Friday. Under the motto “Mold your dreams, mold your future,” high school students, college students, and young professionals can learn about the plastics industry through guided tours and connect directly with exhibitors.

“We want to do more than just introduce young people to different career paths—we want to open up real opportunities for them,” explains Bettina Schall. Career Friday is designed to bring talented individuals and companies together directly—in an authentic, practical way, and on equal footing.

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The DPMA Provides On-Site Advice on Intellectual Property Rights

On Wednesday and Thursday, October 14 and 15, 2026, the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) will be at the trade show offering mobile consulting services. According to the DPMA, it is the largest national patent office in Europe and the fifth-largest worldwide. Two experts will be on hand at the booth to provide information to interested visitors on patents, utility models, trademarks, and designs. Appointments can be made on short notice during the trade show by calling +49 151 6755 2912, or in advance by calling +49 89 2195-1000 or emailing info@dpma.de.

The Start-up Area and Forum round out the program

Throughout the five days of the trade show, young companies in the Start-up Area will showcase new solutions for the plastics industry. The accompanying forum will feature daily expert presentations that provide visitors with additional technological insights.

Easier access via Lake Constance Airport

The airline Air Uniqon is adding Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) to its route network. According to the organizer, this will make the exhibition grounds more accessible to guests from Germany and abroad. Friedrichshafen is located on Lake Constance in the border triangle between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Outlook

With around 1,600 participants from 40 countries and a supporting program featuring awards, expert discussions, and initiatives to promote young talent, the 30th Fakuma is focused on a blend of exhibition and networking. “We will experience this anniversary edition of Fakuma as an inspiring industry celebration with an outstanding supporting program,” says Bettina Schall. “We look forward to seeing everyone again in Friedrichshafen.” (sl)