From 12 to 16 October 2026, Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance will once again become the beating heart of the plastics processing industry. Fakuma, the international trade fair for plastics processing, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a five-day event set to bring together exhibitors and trade professionals from across the globe.
What started in 1981 with just 76 exhibitors has grown into one of Europe’s leading platforms for plastics processing. Over three decades, Fakuma has established itself as a key meeting point for machine manufacturers, processors and technology providers, consistently combining strong international participation with a distinctly practical, application-oriented focus.
“Fakuma has evolved into a significant European platform for plastics processing”, says Dr. Christoph Schumacher, Vice President Global Marketing at Arburg, a long-standing exhibitor at the show. He describes the fair as a “heartfelt passion” and highlights its ideal location and strong emphasis on real-world industrial solutions.
According to Dr. Friedrich Kastner, CEO of the Next Generation Analytics Group (NGA) and member of the exhibition advisory board, Fakuma’s success lies in its ability to reflect an industry in constant transformation. “Today, the show is one of Europe’s most important plastics events – not only as a technology marketplace, but as a source of inspiration for a sustainable, energy-efficient and digitally connected plastics industry.”
Over the years, the sector’s priorities have shifted from linear value creation models to a circular economy approach. Energy efficiency, digitalisation, advanced recycling technologies, the public perception of plastics and the shortage of skilled workers now dominate the agenda – challenges that Fakuma aims to address by showcasing practical solutions and systemic strategies for greater sustainability.
The entire spectrum of plastics processing is covered
Fakuma is no longer just an injection moulding trade fair, but rather a leading extrusion and recycling platform as well, that covers the entire spectrum of plastics processing. Industry players praise the special user benefits as well as the unique spirit of this practical trade fair with its lively atmosphere. “Fakuma is a special place for us: people meet here on equal terms, partnerships are forged and decisions are formulated that shape production strategies for years to come. Its informal atmosphere brings out the unique spirit of Fakuma”, adds Christopher Vitz, regional president for Central Europe at Engel. Fakuma has always been an important European platform for the company: a place where plastics processing is not only showcased, but rather advanced collectively as well.
Expert Visitors Value the User-Oriented, Friendly Atmosphere
Especially in economically challenging times, the industry meet is becoming increasingly important. Due to the fact that investment decisions are being considered more carefully than ever before, companies are seeking precisely tailored applications and value the opportunity of making comparisons at trade fairs like Fakuma, which focus on a direct exchange of information and personal networking. “Fakuma is about practical applications. Discussion takes place here on an equal footing. Numerous projects and developments are initiated in Friedrichshafen,” states Michael Wittmann, managing director of the Wittmann Group. “Fakuma has built up strong global momentum with this spirit, while retaining its local character and relaxed atmosphere. We have customers in Brazil who travel to Lake Constance to attend every Fakuma trade fair, because they value the combination of technological innovations and the relaxed atmosphere that provides space for in-depth discussions”.
The entire world of plastics in five days
The 30th Fakuma will take place from Monday the 12th through Friday the 16th of October, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, once again transforming the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Centre into the home of a major family celebration. The trade fair highlight is regarded as a showroom presenting the entire world of plastics – from injection moulding, forming and extrusion technology, as well as 3D printing, masterbatches and raw materials, right on up to tools, process technology and recycling. Whether raw materials, processing machines, peripherals or automation solutions are involved, the portfolio of topics supports the plastic processing industry in meeting today’s and tomorrow’s challenges and remaining economically successful on the market. The autumn event will be accompanied by an attractive and exciting supplementary programme on all five trade fair days – with world-class expert presentations as part of the forum and the third edition of the round-table discussion, as well as Career Friday for young professionals.
“We’re very pleased with the great interest expressed in the anniversary edition of Fakuma,” says Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “We will, of course, reflect on how it all began 45 years ago. But above all, we want to look to the future and focus on new solutions that will empower the industry to master current and future challenges. Fakuma is traditionally a trade fair where performance and expertise are showcased. Consequently, we can expect to see stimulating, pioneering initiatives – from technological, ecological and economic perspectives.
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