Fakuma – a special place!

A statement on the Fakuma international trade fair for plastics processing by Christopher Vitz, Regional President Europe Central at ENGEL.

“Fakuma is celebrating its 30th anniversary – this translates into progress, partnership and innovation since 1981 in an industry that thrives on technological advancement both within itself and in other sectors. For us at ENGEL, Fakuma has always been an important European platform – a place where plastics processing is not only showcased, but rather advanced collectively as well.

During the course of these more than four decades, our industry has undergone enormous transformations: from the traditional linear economy to closed cycles, from energy-intensive processes to highly efficient electrical systems, and from manual processes to highly digitalised, networked production environments. Topics such as the circular economy, recyclability, energy efficiency and digitalisation, as well as the image associated with plastics and the growing demand for qualified personnel, are currently dominating our agenda.

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 is what makes Fakuma so unique.

In particular in economically challenging times, the significance of this meeting place becomes even more apparent. Investment decisions must be made more carefully than ever before – and Fakuma offers the ideal setting for just that: real applications, real technology, real comparability.

At ENGEL, we look back on many positive experiences at Fakuma – an intensive exchange of ideas, ambitious projects and broad-ranging receptiveness to new approaches. We expect the anniversary event in 2026 to once again provide strong impetus for the entire plastics industry.

We want to actively take advantage of this venue: as an opportunity, as a stage, as a driving force for innovation and sustainable progress. But above all for an exchange of views on equal terms. For the 30th time, Fakuma will demonstrate what’s possible when an industry works together.”