The international Fakuma trade fair, dedicated to plastics processing, will be held for the 30th time from 12 to 16 October 2026 in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance. The event is positioned as one of the key meetings of the European plastics processing industry and covers a broad range of technologies and products, from injection moulding, forming and extrusion, through 3D printing, masterbatches and raw materials, to tooling, process technology and recycling. The organisers announce that the anniversary edition will be accompanied by an extensive supplementary programme including an expert discussion, a new industry award, startup presentations, recruitment activities aimed at young market participants and technical presentations at the forum. The programme also includes the first presentation of the Paul Eberhard Schall Medal, which is intended to be one of the main highlights of this year’s edition. Fakuma originated from an event launched in 1981 with 76 exhibitors and, according to the organisers, has developed into a major European platform for plastics processing.
For companies active in plastics processing and distribution, the fair is intended to remain a venue for presenting solutions ready for implementation and for practical knowledge exchange. The organisers emphasise the working character of the event and its focus on specific industrial applications. Alongside the exhibition, discussions, technical presentations and industry meetings are to take place, together forming a coherent substantive package for visitors. The exhibition grounds will be open for five days, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Discussion on the resilience of the European plastics industry
One of the central programme elements will be the third edition of “The Fakuma Round Table”. This year’s discussion will focus on the topic “Building on strengths, how can the European plastics industry enhance its resilience?”. A panel of experts is to discuss strategies leading to an economically successful future for the sector. In the announcement, reference is made, among other things, to the need for more stable cost structures, less dependence on volatile crude oil markets and a consistent move towards a circular economy.
According to the organisers, the discussion is also to address reconciling economic conditions with environmental requirements and social challenges. The moderated panel discussion will focus on specific measures in development, production and administration. All interested trade fair participants will be able to follow it.
Premiere of the Fakuma Innovation Award
The anniversary edition will also mark the debut of the Fakuma Innovation Award, prepared by the trade fair organisers in cooperation with K-Zeitung. The award is intended to promote solutions of technological, environmental and economic significance, while also creating an international platform for companies to present new developments to a specialist audience.
Entries may be submitted in six categories covering injection moulding, extrusion, recycling, tool and die making and thermoforming, compounding and materials, as well as plastics processing technology enablers, meaning peripheral equipment. As the organisers emphasise, this structure reflects the entire value chain in plastics technology, from materials and processing methods to ancillary technologies.
A condition of participation is the possibility of demonstrating the submitted project live at Fakuma 2026, either as a production-ready product, a working prototype or a technology demonstration. Participation in the competition is free of charge, and entries may be submitted online until 6 September 2026. All projects are to be assessed by an independent expert jury. The award ceremony is scheduled for the first day of the trade fair.
Startup area and activities for young talent
The presence of startups will also remain a permanent element of Fakuma. The organisers state that young companies will be given the opportunity to present their plastics processing solutions in a format that includes a comprehensive participation package. Entities developing new ideas and products related to industrial plastics processing are invited to participate. According to the organisers, the international nature of the fair and the broad reach of the event are particularly important for less well-known startups.
Career Friday, organised on 16 October 2026 together with the trade fair advisory board and Plastics Europe Germany, will also continue. As part of the “Mould Your Dreams, Mould Your Future” campaign, pupils, students and young professionals are to be given the opportunity to learn about the plastics industry from a practical perspective, establish contacts and become familiar with production technologies presented by international exhibitors. Special events dedicated to entry paths into the industry and modern manufacturing methods are to be organised at exhibitor stands.
Bettina Schall, managing director of the trade fair organiser P. E. Schall, said: "Fakuma’s anniversary edition will provide all exhibitors and visitors with an exceptional accompanying programme. The Innovation Award supports achievement and innovation, the career campaign opens up new prospects, and the startup area will surprise us with ground-breaking ideas." She added: "We can expect many valuable conclusions from this year’s Round Table discussion. In addition, on the occasion of Fakuma’s 30th anniversary, we will for the first time award the Paul Eberhard Schall Medal to a company that has played a pioneering and influential role in the industry."
Scope of the exhibition and event setting
Fakuma is intended to combine the exhibition with technical communication, discussion and knowledge sharing. According to the organisers, innovations ready for use in production operations will be presented there. The venue remains Friedrichshafen, located on Lake Constance near the meeting point of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The organisers point out that the region has a developed network of high-tech companies serving many industrial sectors.
Access to the exhibition grounds is to be facilitated by connections offered by AIR Uniqon, serving the compact Friedrichshafen Airport, FDH.
