Fakuma 2026 in Friedrichshafen: Fraunhofer ICT brings recycled and bio-based materials
Fakuma, the plastics processing trade fair, runs October 12–16. Fraunhofer ICT is showcasing three applications, from truck parts to electric-motor cooling.
Fakuma, one of Europe's major gatherings for the plastics processing industry, is taking place this year from October 12 to 16 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The fair focuses particularly on injection molding and industrial production technologies.
Among the participating institutions, Fraunhofer ICT is showing three applications at its booth in Hall B2.
A truck part made from recycled and bio-based material
The first item at the booth is the front element of a refuse collection vehicle demonstrator. The part is made from a PLA-based compound developed by the institute. The same project also developed recycled materials for extruded parts such as wheel arches and dashboards.
Integrated cooling in an electric motor
The second item is an electric motor segment coated with thermoset molding compounds. The thin-walled insulating coating is intended to improve heat management and cost in tight installation spaces.
Lightweight trays from PBS foam film
The third application is the thermoforming of extruded PBS (polybutylene succinate) foam film into three-dimensional lightweight structures. The target is sustainable packaging and protective parts.
What does this mean for a molder?
As recycled and bio-based materials enter the field, topics like drying, regrind ratio and process window gain more importance. Viscosity and moisture sensitivity in these materials can differ from classic raw materials; when trying a new material for the first time, it's worth checking our drying guide and viscosity test articles.
For program and participant details, see the source page and the fair's own website.
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