Irpen

Cellular Polycarbonate - Modular Systems

Fakuma 2024

Fakuma 2024

The doors have just closed for the 29th edition of Fakuma 2024, one of the most renowned events in Europe when it comes to processing and innovation in plastic materials. At this fair specialized in injection processing machinery and raw materials (virgin and recycled), technological innovations have been presented relating to processes, machines and tools for the production and transformation of plastics. Visitors were able to learn about automation techniques integrated with handling and assembly systems, which allow for flexible, sustainable and efficient production systems.

The event was held at the Friedrichshafen fairgrounds (Germany). The installation was attended by a total of 36,675 visitors, had 12 pavilions + 2 lobbies and a total of 1,639 exhibitors. The high presence of international exhibitors, 47.5% (778) were from outside the German country (previous year: 44.0%), has been a highlight for the organization, as representatives from several countries such as China (170), Italy (142), Switzerland (81), Austria (77) and Turkey (51) attended.

For manufacturers and users, issues such as increasing efficiency, process stability, reproducibility and minimizing preparation times are priority issues. For this reason, plastic processors are implementing all imaginable technical and organizational measures, as well as investments, to improve their competitiveness and adapt to industry 4.0.

In Fakuma 2024 round tables and press conferences were held on various topics, such as digitalization in industry. On the other hand, part of the venue was dedicated to startups and technological advances focused on sustainability and efficiency in production processes. Among the novelties presented, innovative solutions were found for recycling and the replacement of fossil materials with recyclable ones.

Other issues addressed were energy efficiency and the reduction of injection mold configuration times, with a focus on minimizing unit costs. The presentation at a press conference, of the “Cradle to Cradle” concept by Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, was another key point of the fair, where waste-free material cycles were discussed.

This year the fair has included outstanding activities such as Career Friday. The fair's promoters, the exhibitors' council and exhibitors organized a campaign for students and young professionals under the slogan “Shape your dreams, shape your future” in order to inform young people about professional opportunities in the plastics industry and, at the same time, to transmit knowledge about the subject. Many of the participating exhibitors gave very positive feedback on this activity. For example, the plastics manufacturers association Plastics Europe Deutschland highly rated the campaign to attract young talent. “Educational work is essential to introduce young people to science and technology.

That's why it's so good to be able to offer students a practical vision of real life through a fair,” says Alexander Kronimus, CEO of Plastics Europe Deutschland. In twelve guided tours of the fair organized by the association, students were able to experience up close how plastics are produced, processed and recycled, from granulate to final product and vice versa. “I hope that today we have once again succeeded in inspiring many students to consider training or studying a technical profession,” says Tanja Rühl, head of training at Plastics Europe Deutschland.