Future-oriented topics - Start-ups with novel approaches
Fakuma will also give new impetus to the goal of sustainability. This means designing products holistically and promoting recycling and degradability. "Design for recycling", for example, is becoming more tangible in the way products get made. The increasing use of circular rather than fossil raw materials is also a key aspect. Sustainable solutions for packaging, recycling compounds and metal substitutes will be on show, as will grinding and crushing machinery, cooling systems and energy-efficient tool temperature control technology, process monitoring and data acquisition systems, and innovations in industrial 3D printing. Trade visitors can expect to see ground-breaking ideas on how to tackle the specific challenges facing the industry in the start-up area and exhibitor forum. Fakuma has traditionally been a platform where processors can get answers to their questions and learn how to improve their operations and position themselves optimally for the future.
The big goals: greater efficiency and sustainability
Efficiency is clearly a key focus at Fakuma 2024 on several levels: even greater energy efficiency, absolute resource efficiency, consistent process efficiency, and even greater plant operating efficiency. The challenge is performing many tasks simultaneously. But at a time when there is a shortage of skilled labour and costs are rising, plastics processors need to pull out all the stops to realise their potential. This is the only way that they will be able to survive in a competitive environment. This is why we can also expect to see exciting innovations in injection moulding technology. In addition to increasing efficiency, the goals of process stability, reproducibility and minimising set-up times are also driving development. After all, the ultimate goal is to achieve the lowest possible unit cost. Plastics processors achieve this through technical and organisational measures, as well as investment. The exhibitors at Fakuma have the right solutions to address these needs.
Products in the material cycle: "From cradle to cradle"
Also eagerly anticipated is the presentation by Prof. Dr Michael Braungart at the opening press conference, which will focus on the ‘cradle to cradle’ design concept. Braungart’s aim is to develop products and production processes in such a way that waste is no longer a problem. Material consumption should not only be harmless to people and nature - more than that, it should also be useful for other material cycles. Products should function in such a way that there is no unnecessary waste, but only useful raw materials - with materials serving as ‘nutrients’ in closed cycles.
"Together with all of our exhibitors and trade visitors, we are very much looking forward to Fakuma 2024," says Bettina Schall. "It promises many interesting approaches and new paths in the field of plastics which are important for both the industry and society. The trade fair will help bring the issues of production efficiency and sustainability to life and take them to a new level. Come join us - you are cordially invited!"
