Fakuma 2026 anniversary injection molding technologies
The plastics industry is preparing for a milestone event. Fakuma 2026 will not simply be another edition of one of the world’s most important plastics processing exhibitions — it will mark the 30th anniversary edition of the event.
From October 12–16, 2026, the exhibition center in Friedrichshafen will host what organizers describe as a five-day celebration for the international plastics community, combining technology, networking, innovation, education and career development.
Unlike traditional trade exhibitions that focus mainly on products and machinery, Fakuma 2026 is expected to create a broader ecosystem around the future of plastics manufacturing.
Fakuma 2026 Quick Information
Event Overview
Event: Fakuma 2026
Edition: 30th Anniversary Edition
Industry: Plastics Processing
Location: Friedrichshafen, Germany
Venue: Messe Friedrichshafen
Dates: October 12–16, 2026
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily
Expected Exhibitors: More than 1,900 companies expected across the plastics value chain
Why Fakuma 2026 Is Different
The anniversary edition introduces a much larger supporting program beyond machinery and technology displays.
Visitors can expect:
- expert forums
- innovation awards
- industry round-table discussions
- networking opportunities
- career development initiatives
- recognition of industry pioneers
The objective is not only to showcase technologies, but also to encourage discussion around future challenges and opportunities for plastics manufacturing.
The New Fakuma Innovation Award
One of the biggest additions for the 30th edition is the launch of the Fakuma Innovation Award.
The award was created to recognize technologies that can provide meaningful contributions in:
- technological advancement
- sustainability
- manufacturing efficiency
- economic value
Projects may be submitted in six categories:
- Injection molding
- Extrusion
- Recycling
- Tool and die making / thermoforming
- Compounding and materials
- Plastic technology enablers and peripheral systems
The initiative aims to create an international stage where companies can demonstrate innovation and technological leadership.
Injection Molding Remains at the Center of Attention
Injection molding continues to be one of the core technologies at Fakuma.
Expected topics include:
- smart molds
- cavity pressure monitoring
- AI-assisted process optimization
- energy-efficient machine technologies
- high-cavitation systems
- digital manufacturing systems
- predictive maintenance
Manufacturers are increasingly focused on:
- reducing cycle times
- improving repeatability
- lowering production costs
- minimizing waste
These objectives are accelerating adoption of intelligent production systems.
Sustainability and Circular Economy Technologies
One of the major themes expected at Fakuma 2026 is sustainability.
The industry increasingly faces pressure to improve:
- material reuse
- energy efficiency
- recycling technologies
- process optimization
- environmental performance
Recycling and circular economy technologies are expected to receive significant attention during the anniversary edition.
Career Friday Returns: “Mould Your Dreams, Mould Your Future”
Another important initiative returning in 2026 is Career Friday.
Under the theme:
“Mould Your Dreams, Mould Your Future”
students, young professionals and future engineers will have the opportunity to learn more about careers in the plastics industry. The initiative aims to address one of the industry’s largest challenges: attracting future talent.
For companies across plastics manufacturing, this may become one of the most important long-term investments in industry development.
A New Industry Recognition: The Paul Eberhard Schall Medal
The anniversary edition will also introduce the Paul Eberhard Schall Medal for the first time.
The recognition will be awarded to a company that has played a pioneering and influential role within the plastics industry.
This new initiative reinforces Fakuma’s broader objective of celebrating technological progress and industry leadership.
Why Engineers and Manufacturers Attend Fakuma
Fakuma continues attracting professionals involved in:
- injection molding
- tooling and mold making
- automation
- robotics
- packaging technologies
- process engineering
- plastics materials
Visitors typically attend to:
- discover emerging technologies
- compare manufacturing solutions
- build supplier relationships
- study future trends
- identify opportunities for efficiency improvements
FAQ About Fakuma 2026
When will Fakuma 2026 take place?
Fakuma 2026 will be held from October 12–16, 2026.
Why is the 2026 edition important?
The event marks the 30th anniversary edition and introduces new initiatives including innovation awards, industry recognition programs and expanded educational activities.
What new features will appear at Fakuma 2026?
Expected additions include:
- Fakuma Innovation Award
- Paul Eberhard Schall Medal
- Career Friday
- expanded expert forums
- round-table discussions
Which technologies will dominate the exhibition?
Likely focus areas include:
- smart manufacturing
- AI
- recycling
- smart molds
- industrial automation
- injection molding technologies
Looking Toward the Future
The anniversary edition of Fakuma appears designed to be more than a traditional trade fair.
It aims to combine:
- technology
- innovation
- talent development
- sustainability
- industry collaboration
As plastics processing evolves toward smarter and more connected manufacturing systems, Fakuma 2026 may provide one of the clearest views into the industry’s next chapter.
