Top Injection Molding Trade Shows 2026 - Poland, Europe, China

Introduction

Injection molding trade shows represent a key event for every company operating in the processing industry. In 2026, we can expect an exceptionally rich calendar of international events – from local meetings in Poland, through prestigious European exhibitions, to gigantic expositions in China.

In this guide, we present the most important injection molding trade shows 2026 in three key regions. You'll learn when and where the biggest industry events will take place, what business opportunities they offer, and how to effectively prepare for participation to maximize return on investment.

Why will 2026 be groundbreaking?

The year 2026 will be the first full trade show year after the recovery period of the manufacturing industry. Plastics processing trade shows in 2026 will bring a full agenda of topics related to automation, zero emissions, and investment financing – all in the context of growing ESG and Industry 4.0 requirements.

Key trends at 2026 trade shows:

• Automation and robotics – presentations of integrated injection molding cells with robots and vision systems
• Energy efficiency – electric and hybrid injection molding machines with energy consumption monitoring systems
• Sustainable materials – solutions for working with PCR and PIR recyclates in accordance with EU directives
• Production digitalization – integration with MES/ERP systems, predictive maintenance, digital twin
• Investment financing – presentations of leasing models, grants, and support programs

Trade show selection criteria

When choosing injection molding trade shows 2026, it's worth following several key criteria:

1. Visitor profile

Will decision-makers from your target industry appear at the trade show? Check statistics from previous editions regarding represented sectors – automotive, medical, packaging, or consumer electronics.

2. Lead potential vs. costs

Compare booth costs, logistics, and human resources with the expected number of business contacts. For small companies, regional trade shows may bring better ROI than large international events.

3. Presentation opportunities

Will there be an opportunity for live machine demonstrations? Do organizers offer thematic zones, conferences, or webinars that will increase your company's visibility?

4. Location and accessibility

Geographic proximity to target customers, transportation accessibility, and hotel infrastructure are factors affecting attendance at your booth.

Trade shows in Poland

Poland offers two key events for the injection molding industry, attracting exhibitors and visitors from across Central and Eastern Europe.

Plastpol 2026 Kielce

Plastpol 2026 will take place on May 19-22, 2026 at Targi Kielce exhibition center. This is the 30th anniversary edition of the largest international plastics and rubber processing trade show in Poland. The event has evolved from a local exhibition into one of the most important industry events in Europe.

Key Plastpol 2026 data:

• Date: May 19-22, 2026
• Location: Targi Kielce, Poland
• Scale: 600-800 exhibitors from approximately 30 countries
• Reach: Europe, Asia, Middle East, North America
• Industries: packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, medical, home appliances

At Plastpol 2026, you'll be able to see live demonstrations of injection molding machines, extruders, and complete production lines. The trade show includes national stands from Switzerland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany, as well as technical seminars and industry discussions.

Who is Plastpol for? Ideal for manufacturers of injection molded parts from the SME sector in Poland and CEE, material suppliers, and automation integrators. Excellent opportunity for establishing local partnerships and presenting solutions for Eastern European markets.

Innoform 2026 Bydgoszcz

Innoform 2026 is an international cooperative trade show for the toolmaking and processing industry, which will take place on March 3-5, 2026 in Bydgoszcz. As the only trade show in Poland dedicated to the mold-making industry, Innoform focuses on tool shops, injection mold manufacturers, and advanced machining technologies.

Key Innoform 2026 data:

• Date: March 3-5, 2026
• Location: Bydgoszcz Exhibition Center, Bydgoszcz
• Profile: tool shops, injection molds, metal processing
• Target industries: automotive, electronics, home appliances, packaging, medical

More information on the Innoform website. Exhibitor registration for the 2026 edition is already open.

Who is Innoform for? Particularly valuable for injection mold manufacturers, tool shops, CAD/CAM system suppliers, and companies offering precision machining technologies. Bydgoszcz is the center of Poland's "Tool Valley".

Europe 2026: Fakuma, Equiplast, Interplas

Europe offers three flagship injection molding trade shows that attract tens of thousands of professionals from around the world.

Fakuma 2026 Friedrichshafen

Fakuma 2026 – the 30th edition of the international plastics processing trade show – will take place on October 12-16, 2026 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. This is one of the most prestigious European events, known for its high technical level and strong representation of premium manufacturers.

Key Fakuma 2026 data:

• Date: October 12-16, 2026
• Location: Messe Friedrichshafen, Germany
• Scale: over 1,600 exhibitors (data from 2024)
• Profile: injection molding machines, extrusion, automation, Industry 4.0

Official website: Fakuma. Fakuma is dominated by German and Swiss premium machine manufacturers, including Arburg, Engel, Wittmann Battenfeld, Netstal, and KraussMaffei.

Who is Fakuma for? Ideal for companies seeking high-end technologies in automotive, medical, and precision molding sectors. High participation costs, but also high-quality business contacts.

Equiplast 2026 Barcelona and Interplas 2026 Birmingham

Equiplast 2026 will take place on June 2-5, 2026 at Gran Via Exhibition Center in Barcelona, Spain. The trade show is organized by Fira Barcelona and focuses on the theme "Rethinking Plastic" – sustainable production, recycling, and alternative materials.

More at: Equiplast.com

Interplas 2026 is the leading British plastics trade show, which will take place on June 2-4, 2026 at NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom. The event attracts over 12,000 professionals and 500+ exhibitors.

Details: InterplasUK.com

Who are Equiplast and Interplas for? Equiplast is an excellent option for companies operating in Southern European markets and focusing on sustainable solutions. Interplas is the gateway to the British and Irish market.

China 2026: Chinaplas and Die & Mould China

Chinese plastics processing trade shows are the largest in the world in terms of number of exhibitors and visitors. In 2026, two key events will take place in Shanghai.

Chinaplas 2026 – the 38th International Exhibition of Plastics and Rubber Industries will take place on April 21-24, 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai.

Key Chinaplas 2026 data:

• Date: April 21-24, 2026
• Location: NECC Hongqiao, Shanghai, China
• Scale: biggest players in the global market – Haitian, Engel, Borch, Jwell, Yizumi
• Thematic zones: 17 zones, including dedicated Injection Molding Solutions zone

Official website: Chinaplas Online

Die & Mould China 2026 (DMC) is the 16th edition of the precision manufacturing trade show, which will take place on July 1-4, 2026 also at NECC in Shanghai. The trade show organized by the China Mold Industry Association focuses on injection molds, machining technologies, and automation.

More information: DMC Expo

Who are Chinaplas and DMC for? Chinaplas is a must-have for global companies and those considering entering the Asian market or establishing partnerships with Chinese suppliers. DMC is an excellent opportunity for tool shops and mold manufacturers seeking precision machining and automation technologies.

Preparation timeline for 2026 trade shows

Effective participation in injection molding trade shows 2026 requires careful planning. Here is the recommended timeline:

T-6 months: Strategy and budget

• Selection of priority trade shows based on business objectives
• Budget approval (booth, logistics, materials, delegation)
• Booth reservation – best locations are reserved first

T-4 months: Content preparation

• Booth design and ordering construction
• Preparation of promotional materials (catalogs, videos, presentations)
• Planning live demonstrations of machines or products
• Pre-event campaign: invitations for key customers, social media, newsletter

T-2 months: Logistics

• Hotel reservations for the team
• Organization of transport for exhibits and materials
• Training of trade show team on products and communication
• Preparation of lead management system (CRM, forms, business card scanners)

T-2 weeks: Finalization

• Confirmation of reservations and installation schedule
• Final invitation campaign
• Preparation of information packages for visitors

T+1 week: Follow-up

• Lead categorization (hot/warm/cold)
• Sending follow-up materials and offers
• ROI analysis: number of leads, conversions, cost per lead
• Management report with conclusions for the future

Summary

Injection molding trade shows 2026 offer exceptional opportunities for business development, establishing partnerships, and presenting innovations. From local events in Poland, through prestigious European trade shows, to gigantic expositions in China – the 2026 calendar is full of opportunities.

Key takeaways from the guide:

• Plastpol 2026 in Kielce (May 19-22) – largest trade show in Poland, ideal for CEE market and regional partnerships
• Innoform 2026 in Bydgoszcz (March 3-5) – only mold-making trade show in Poland, for tool shops and mold manufacturers
• Fakuma 2026 in Germany (October 12-16) – premium technologies for automotive and medical, 30th anniversary edition
• Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai (April 21-24) – largest trade show in the world, gateway to Asian market
• Planning with 6-month lead time – crucial for maximizing ROI and securing best locations
• Follow-up strategy – 60-70% of lead value is generated within 2 weeks after the trade show
• Selection based on customer profile – small companies can achieve better ROI at regional trade shows than at international giants

Participation in properly selected injection molding trade shows is an investment that, with proper preparation, brings measurable returns in the form of new customers, technological partnerships, and insights into the latest industry trends.

If you're planning participation in plastics processing trade shows 2026 or seeking support in selecting appropriate events and developing a strategy, contact TEDESolutions experts. As an authorized partner of Tederic, we offer comprehensive consulting, support in organizing trade show booths, and presentations of the latest electric and hybrid injection molding machine technologies.

Also see our articles on injection molding machines, Industry 4.0 automation, and sustainable production.