With an impressive supporting program, the 30th Fakuma is gearing up for a spectacular industry celebration. From Monday, October 12, through Friday, October 16, 2026, exhibitors and trade visitors from the plastics processing industry will gather in Friedrichshafen for a multifaceted and vibrant fall event. In addition to new products and solutions, there is plenty to experience: the next edition of the roundtable discussion, the award ceremony for the inaugural Fakuma Innovation Award, new ideas from startups, the next Career Friday, and, of course, expert presentations as part of the forum. Last but not least, the first-ever presentation of the Paul Eberhard Schall Medal will be a highlight of the trade show.
Fakuma is a world-class industry gathering for plastics processors. It showcases the entire world of plastics – from injection molding, forming, and extrusion technology to 3D printing, masterbatches, raw materials, and chemicals, all the way to tools, process technology, and recycling. Its leading position in the European market makes the trade show indispensable for all companies that process and distribute plastics.
For the third time, the “Fakuma Round Table” is a permanent fixture on the program. 2026 the discussion will focus on the topic “Strengthening Our Strengths – How Can the European Plastics Industry Bolster Its Resilience?” Experts will explore paths to an economically successful future. The moderated panel discussion will address specific measures in development, production, and administration.
Debut of the “Fakuma Innovation Award”
Fakuma focuses on the future and new solutions that will enable the industry to overcome existing challenges. The first Fakuma Innovation Award will provide groundbreaking impetus in technological, environmental, and economic terms. It offers companies an international stage to present cutting-edge innovations to an interested audience of industry professionals and showcase their innovative strength. Applicants can submit their projects in one of six categories: injection molding, extrusion, recycling, tool and mold making / thermoforming, compounding and materials, and enablers of plastics technology (peripheral equipment). The competition thus reflects the entire value chain of plastics technology – from materials through the processing stage to supporting technologies. The submitted project must be capable of being demonstrated live at Fakuma 2026 – whether as a production-ready product, a functional prototype, or a technology demonstrated in real time.
Another long-standing tradition at Fakuma is the showcase of startup companies. Thanks to an attractive “all-inclusive package,” they have the opportunity to present themselves and their solutions for plastics processing. Anyone with new ideas and products related to industrial plastics processing is invited to introduce themselves to the trade show’s knowledgeable visitors. Participation is of great benefit to young, as-yet-unknown companies, which can capitalize on Fakuma’s highly international character and considerable reach.
Career Friday: A Clear Signal for Recruiting the Next Generation
The “Mold your dreams, mold your future” campaign is once again sparking interest in a career in plastics processing. All interested high school students, college students and young professionals are invited to Career Friday on October 16, 2026. Here, they’ll have a wide range of opportunities to experience the plastics industry firsthand.
