Fakuma 2026: Interview "The greatest change is change itself"

The plastics industry is facing significant pressure in terms of costs, investment, and change. Bettina Schall, Managing Director of P. E. Schall GmbH & Co. KG, discusses the role of Fakuma, digitalization and automation, the circular economy, and how the industry can maintain its competitiveness.

45 years of development, 30 issues, and a plastics industry undergoing profound change: Fakuma has evolved from a trade and sales platform into a central hub for knowledge transfer, business, and technical solutions. At the same time, the industry faces significant challenges: high energy, raw material, and labor costs, geopolitical uncertainties, and supply chain issues are increasing the pressure on companies. Digitalization and automation are thus becoming crucial drivers for greater efficiency and competitiveness.

In an exclusive interview with PlastXnow, Bettina Schall explains what expectations trade visitors have of a trade show today, why in-person technical discussions and direct technology transfer remain crucial, and what developments will shape the plastics industry in the coming years.

PlastXnow: Fakuma will celebrate its 30th edition in 2026 and looks back on 45 years of development. In your view, how has the trade show’s identity evolved alongside the plastics industry—and which topics are now dominating discussions in Friedrichshafen that played a much smaller role just a few years ago?

Bettina Schall: Of course, plastics processing technologies have undergone significant changes over the past 45 years. Whereas value creation was once clearly linear in the early years, today the goal of a consistent circular economy takes center stage. The current agenda for companies is shaped by issues such as energy efficiency, digitalization, automation, recycling, and sustainability. The image of plastics has also changed—toward being recognized as a recyclable material. Last but not least, the shortage of skilled workers is now at the top of the list of key issues. Forty-five years ago, the trade show was primarily a platform for trade and sales; today, it has evolved into a hub for knowledge transfer and business networking. It serves as both a technological marketplace and a catalyst for a sustainable, energy-efficient, and digitally connected plastics industry. Practical relevance and a focus on solutions have always been at the heart of Fakuma! These core values have remained unchanged to this day.

Trade shows continue to play a major role in investment decisions. Fakuma, too, serves as a platform for showcasing products, conducting business, and sharing knowledge all at once.

PlastXnow: You mentioned earlier that Fakuma aims to showcase the entire world of plastics processing—from injection molding and extrusion to materials, recycling, and digitalization. At the same time, many companies are under significant cost and investment pressure. What role does a trade show like Fakuma still play today in investment decisions, and what specifically do visitors expect from a trade show appearance?

Bettina Schall: Trade shows continue to play a major role in investment decisions. Fakuma, too, serves as a platform for showcasing products, conducting business, and sharing knowledge all at once. Face-to-face technical discussions and the opportunity to make direct comparisons on site are indispensable. Especially in challenging times, a trade show presence provides a new boost for both sides—suppliers and users alike. Trade visitors expect a clear thematic structure and a wealth of information relevant to their specific questions when attending a trade show. Given Fakuma’s thematic focus and its fundamental structure—practical solutions, holistic approaches, and a systematic methodology—Fakuma promises significant value for visitors.

PlastXnow: The circular economy, energy efficiency, and digital connectivity have become central issues in plastics processing. Numerous technical solutions addressing these topics will be presented at Fakuma. Where do you currently see the biggest changes in the industry—and on which issues do you believe there is still a significant gap between political and societal expectations and industrial reality?

Bettina Schall: The high costs of energy, raw materials, and labor are an existential burden for manufacturing companies—not just in the plastics processing industry. Added to this are geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain issues. All of these factors act as enormous brakes and obstacles. As a result, the industry must increase efficiency at all levels in order to operate profitably and remain competitive in the market. The biggest change is the transformation itself—affecting not only products and systems but also operational structures and processes. Further digitalization and automation are therefore among the most important tasks facing companies.

PlastXnow: In addition to technology and investment, the question of how the plastics industry can shape its future in terms of workforce and economic performance is increasingly taking center stage. That’s why Fakuma is highlighting this theme through initiatives such as Career Friday and the Start-up Area. In your view, what must the industry do to attract young people to the plastics sector while also ensuring its international competitiveness?

Bettina Schall: As already mentioned, further digitization and automation are essential for improving products and systems, as well as structures and processes. Both Fakuma’s career campaign and its startup initiatives help attract young professionals with fresh ideas to the industry and drive modernization forward.

PlastXnow: As you look ahead to the 30th Fakuma and, at the same time, to the next five to ten years of the plastics industry, what developments do you think will have a particularly significant impact on the industry—and, by extension, on Fakuma?

Bettina Schall: Further digitalization and automation are key to charting a positive and forward-looking course. After all, they form the foundation for even greater efficiency across all areas. Through energy savings, reduced consumption of raw materials, the reuse of recycled materials, and optimized processes, we are continuing to move toward a circular economy and sustainable production.