— By Plasteurope.com staff — 

This year’s Fakuma plastics trade fair attracted 36,278 visitors. The 30th edition of the industry event, which took place in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from 12 to 16 October, recorded around 1.1% fewer visitors than the previous edition two years ago. The decline in the number of exhibitors was even more pronounced – down by 5.6% to 1,547.

Trade fair organiser P.E.Schall (Frickenhausen, Germany; www.schall-messen.de) nevertheless described this year’s industry gathering as a “resounding success”. It was accompanied by an extensive supporting programme, which included the KI.PIE Group Summit, a panel discussion featuring expert discussions on the future viability of businesses, Career Friday aimed at promoting young talent, and the presentation of an award to 12 companies that had already been exhibitors at the inaugural Fakuma in 1981.

The atmosphere at this year’s trade fair on Lake Constance, however, was rather mixed. Among the points of criticism that had repeatedly been raised in the past was the poor accessibility of the venue in Friedrichshafen. Yet, unlike at previous Fakuma trade fairs, many manufacturers this year also complained about the limited number of business-related discussions.

“Not much business, but plenty of meet-and-greets,” was how one exhibitor summed up his impression of the trade fair. Another attributed the fact that the aisles were nevertheless relatively well filled with visitors at times to the effect of the free admission tickets, which trade fair visitors were able to obtain in unlimited numbers from exhibitors for the first time.

Several stand operators also complained about the high costs and the sharp rise in ancillary expenses. Criticism was also levelled at the changed schedule of the trade fair, which had opened its doors from Monday to Friday for the first time – instead of from Tuesday to Saturday as had previously been the case. As many visitors had only arrived on Monday or Tuesday, the first day of the fair in particular felt very quiet – one exhibitor even described it as a “total flop”. Furthermore, some participants felt that the fair should generally be shorter: “It could be more condensed,” explained a plastics processor exhibiting at the fair.

“The trade fair is changing,” was the conclusion drawn by a masterbatch supplier. However, this might also be down to the way in which younger generations now do business – more via digital channels, less through face-to-face contact. “I’m still happy to be here,” he said nevertheless. The next Fakuma is scheduled for 11 to 15 October 2027.