Fakuma: ‘Practical trade fair with a unique spirit’

Dr Friedrich Kastner expects the anniversary edition of Fakuma 2026 to provide a boost for the plastics processing industry – technologically, ecologically and economically. The CEO of the NGA Next Generation Analytics Group’s appeal to all stakeholders is to use Fakuma as an opportunity and as a platform for exchange and a showcase for innovative strength. Dr Friedrich Kastner emphasises the industry as a community that stands together and develops solutions even in challenging times.

The 30th Fakuma will take place in 2026, marking an extraordinary success story. For decades, Fakuma has been an established, reliable meeting place for an industry that undergoes continuous change like nearly no other sector. Today, the trade fair is deemed one of the most important plastics events in Europe, not only as a technological marketplace, but also as a driving force for a sustainable, energy-efficient and digitally networked plastics industry.

The issues that shape us have changed over the years: from the clearly linear value creation of the early years to a consistent circular economy. Energy efficiency, digitalisation, modern recycling technologies, the image associated with plastics and the shortage of qualified personnel are currently dominating our agenda. Not only does Fakuma reflect these developments – it accelerates them as well. It presents practical solutions, holistic approaches and systemic strategies that will make our industry fit for the future.

Fakuma’s special advantage lies in its relevance to actual applications. Participation at Fakuma is a must for exhibitors who want to showcase their capabilities. The NGA Group has been doing this consistently for decades and presents live demonstrations of state-of-the-art systems and production lines at every Fakuma trade fair – a contribution that, in our view, is decisive for ensuring that the trade fair remains exciting and practical for all participants. It provides visitors with direct insights into technologies, processes and innovations that could very soon become productive reality. And for the entire industry, it reflects our performance capabilities and our creative drive.

It’s no longer just an injection moulding trade fair, but rather a leading extrusion and recycling platform as well, that covers the entire spectrum of plastics processing. Fakuma is distinguished by its unique spirit: a practical trade fair with a lively, welcoming atmosphere that focuses on a direct exchange of ideas and personal networking. It’s about solutions, genuine interest and progress that can be experienced directly. This is exactly the spirit that makes Fakuma so valuable – and so successful.

In 2026, I’m expecting momentum that will make us even stronger as an industry – technologically, ecologically, and economically. My appeal to all involved parties is thus: let’s grasp Fakuma as an opportunity … as a platform for exchanging ideas, as a showcase for our innovative strength and as a community that stands together and develops solutions even in challenging times!