Fakuma 2026: Plastic Industry Meets for the 30th Time at Lake Constance
Circular economy, volatile raw materials markets, cost pressure, and the search for more efficient production processes occupy the plastic industry. From October 12 to 16, 2026, Fakuma in Friedrichshafen will bring together manufacturers, processors, suppliers, and technology providers. This international trade fair for plastics processing takes place for the 30th time this year and combines the anniversary with an extensive expert program.
Fakuma covers the entire process chain in content. The range extends from injection molding, extrusion, and forming technology to 3D printing, materials and master batches, to toolmaking, process engineering, automation, and recycling. The trade fair thus specifically targets companies looking for concrete answers to the pressure in production.
Circular economy and resilience move into focus
The extent to which the framework conditions of the industry have changed is demonstrated by this year's Round Table. Under the title "Strengthening strengths - how does the European plastics industry consolidate its resilience?", industry experts will discuss how companies can become more resistant to rising costs, fluctuating raw material markets, and international dependencies. A possible answer lies in more closed material cycles. Recycling and more efficient use of raw materials are no longer just sustainability issues. They influence costs, supply security, and thus the competitiveness of production. Particularly for European plastics processors, it is therefore crucial to combine ecological requirements with economically viable processes.
Innovation Award celebrates its premiere
On its 30th anniversary, the Fakuma Innovation Award will be presented for the first time. Developments in six categories are awarded: injection molding, extrusion, recycling, tool and mold making or thermoforming, compounding, and materials, as well as peripheral technologies. A special feature: The submitted solutions must actually be shown at Fakuma, be it as a serial product, functional prototype, or live-demonstrated technology. In this way, the award aims to make less abstract visions of the future visible but rather concrete practical maturity. The winners will be awarded on the first day of the fair.
Start-ups bring new ideas into plastic processing
Alongside established mechanical engineers and material manufacturers, young companies are also being given their own space again. In the Start-up Area, they present new products and technologies for industrial plastic processing. Especially in areas such as automation, digitalization, material development, and recycling, smaller technology companies can set new impulses. For established companies, the area also offers the opportunity to learn about solutions early on that may later become relevant for their own production processes.
Career Friday: Young talent directly at the stand
Technological innovation alone is not sufficient if qualified employees are lacking. Therefore, on October 16th, Career Friday will take place again under the theme “Mold your dreams, mold your future". Pupils, students, and career starters can get to know companies, experience production and processing technologies, and inform themselves about entry opportunities. International exhibitors open their booths for this purpose and provide insights into different professional profiles in the industry. In doing so, Fakuma addresses a problem that many industrial companies face: Digitalization and automation change tasks, but do not eliminate the need for technical newcomers.
Anniversary with a look forward
Alongside the expert forum, round table, start-up area, and Career Friday, the first-time awarding of the Paul Eberhard Schall Medal is also part of the anniversary program. A company that has significantly shaped the technological development of plastic processing is to be honored. The retrospective plays only a minor role at the 30th edition. Fakuma started in 1981 with 76 exhibitors and has since developed into an important European platform for plastic processing. In 2026, the focus will primarily be on how the industry can cope with new economic and technological requirements. Fakuma 2026 will take place from October 12th to 16th at the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Grounds, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. For professional visitors, it should be particularly interesting to see which solutions have already moved beyond the pilot status. Because with topics such as recycling, automation, and resource efficiency, in the end, it is not only the technical idea that counts, but whether it can be reliably and economically integrated into industrial production.