The 30th Fakuma International Trade Fair for Plastics Processing is underway from October 12 to 16, 2026, at Messe Friedrichshafen, Germany.

As plastics manufacturers navigate evolving material requirements, production efficiency targets and demanding end-use applications, selecting the right processing and functional additives is essential to balancing processability, surface quality and long-term performance.

At Fakuma 2026, SILIKE is highlighting seven application areas across plastics processing and polymer modification.

Inside Fakuma 2026: Seven Application-Focused Additive Solutions

From extrusion processing to finished-part durability, SILIKE's exhibition display features technologies addressing different manufacturing and material performance challenges.

Application	SILIKE Technology Focus
PFAS-Free Polymer Processing	Fluoropolymer PPA alternatives for polyolefin extrusion
Wire & Cable Compounds	Processing additives for LSZH/HFFR and XLPE systems
Automotive Interiors	Anti-scratch additives for PP/Talc and PP/TPO compounds
Footwear Materials	Anti-abrasion masterbatches for shoe soles
TPU Processing	Lubrication and mold release additives
Engineering Plastics	Anti-abrasion and friction-modifying additives
Plastic Films & Packaging	Slip and anti-blocking masterbatches

Each solution is developed around application-specific processing conditions, polymer compatibility, and targeted performance requirements.

PFAS-Free Processing Aids for Polyolefin Extrusion

Replacing conventional fluoropolymer-based processing aids requires more than removing fluorine from a formulation. Processors must also consider melt fracture, die build-up, extrusion pressure, surface quality and production stability.

The broader portfolio offers silicone-based and silicone-free options for different processing and formulation requirements.

These technologies are designed to help address melt fracture, sharkskin defects, die build-up, and processing instability.

Suitable grades, dosage levels, and operating windows should be established through application-specific testing, particularly when replacing existing fluoropolymer PPAs.

Silicone Processing Additives for Wire & Cable Compounds

In highly filled LSZH/HFFR cable compounds, high ATH or MDH loadings can increase extrusion torque, melt resistance, die build-up and surface roughness.

For peroxide-crosslinked XLPE compounds, additive selection must also consider scorch behavior and compatibility with the crosslinking process.

Both applications require formulation-specific evaluation to determine suitable processing additives.

Surface Performance Solutions for Automotive, Footwear, TPU and Engineering Plastics

Surface performance is not a single material property. Scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, friction control, and mold release require different evaluation methods and additive strategies.

For PP/Talc and PP/TPO compounds, SILIKE offers anti-scratch additives designed to reduce visible scratch whitening and improve long-term surface appearance.

SILIKE's anti-abrasion masterbatches for shoe soles are developed for footwear compounds based on EVA, TPU, TPR/TR, PVC and selected rubber systems, helping manufacturers evaluate reduced abrasion loss while maintaining an appropriate balance of comfort, flexibility and processing performance.

Silicone-based TPU processing additives can help address mold sticking, difficult demolding, processing friction, and surface quality challenges in selected molding and extrusion applications.

For engineering plastic components exposed to repeated contact or sliding, silicone-based anti-abrasion additives can be evaluated to improve wear behavior and friction performance.

Across these applications, additive selection depends on polymer chemistry, formulation, processing conditions, and end-use requirements.

Slip and Anti-Blocking Masterbatches for Plastic Films

For flexible packaging manufacturers, achieving a low initial coefficient of friction (COF) is only part of the challenge. Stable film handling during storage, transportation, and converting is equally important.

SILIKE provides a comprehensive portfolio of functional slip and anti-blocking masterbatch solutions to address critical film processing challenges, including blocking, COF instability, additive migration, and processing inefficiencies.

The portfolio provides solutions for selected PE blown films, CPP films, and other flexible packaging applications, depending on formulation and performance requirements.

Film manufacturers can evaluate COF stability, blocking resistance, film appearance, and downstream converting compatibility when selecting suitable additives.

Connecting Polymer Additive Technologies with Real Processing Challenges

At Fakuma 2026, SILIKE is exhibiting alongside Safic-Alcan, presenting application-focused polymer additive technologies and exchanging ideas with plastics industry professionals.

For manufacturers considering a new additive or replacing an existing solution, understanding the resin system, formulation, processing conditions, and performance targets is the starting point.

SILIKE's technical team can help identify suitable additive candidates and discuss practical evaluation approaches, including laboratory testing and production trials.

Meet SILIKE at Fakuma 2026

Visiting Fakuma this week? Stop by and discuss your polymer processing or material performance challenges with our team.

Exhibition: Fakuma 2026 — 30th International Trade Fair for Plastics Processing

Can't Make It to Fakuma 2026? Let's Talk About Your Application.

You don't have to attend the exhibition to explore SILIKE's polymer additive technologies.

Whether you're evaluating PFAS-free PPA alternatives, improving extrusion stability, optimizing TPU mold release, or seeking better scratch, abrasion, and film performance, our technical team is available to discuss your requirements.

Share your polymer system, application, and key processing or performance challenges.

We'll help you explore suitable additive options and discuss the next steps for technical evaluation or sample testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

SILIKE is exhibiting alongside Safic-Alcan at Hall B5, Stand B5-5405, Messe Friedrichshafen, Germany, from October 12 to 16, 2026.

SILIKE is showcasing seven application areas: PFAS-free processing aids, cable compound processing additives, automotive anti-scratch technologies, footwear anti-abrasion masterbatches, TPU lubrication and mold release, engineering plastics anti-abrasion additives, and slip and anti-blocking masterbatches for plastic films.

Can manufacturers who are unable to attend Fakuma request technical support?

Yes. Manufacturers can contact SILIKE to discuss their resin systems, processing conditions, and performance targets, and explore suitable additive options and subsequent technical evaluations.