IFAT, the world’s largest trade fair for environmental technologies, is taking place this year in Munich, Germany, from 13 to 17 May 2024.
With more than 3,000 exhibitors, including over 60 from the UK, and an anticipated 120,000 visitors, Exhibition Director, Philipp Eisenmann, explains why the UK water industry should be crossing the Channel to visit this year’s event.
Munich 2024: Adapting to the results of climate change
The world is experiencing more and more extreme weather – whether heavy rain, storms or heat waves. The need for an ecological transformation towards greater climate resilience and climate protection is obvious. Environmental technology makes a valuable contribution to this, and that’s what makes IFAT Munich so important as the world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management.
Once again, the trade fair promises to be a central hub for the exchange of knowledge and ideas to tackle the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. From recycling methods and digitalisation strategies to material flow management, the focus will be on the opportunities and challenges for industries as well as municipalities and authorities.
Over the years, IFAT Munich has become increasingly diverse and comprehensive. However, it is important that the trade fair maintains two clear focal points: Water and waste water, and recycling and the circular economy. Of course, a lot is changing within these areas. New processes are being added and trends are evolving. Keywords such as digitalisation and artificial intelligence are now playing an important role, as are new forms of energy such as hydrogen. Exhibitors are showing vehicles that run on hydrogen or technologies that produce hydrogen from wastewater.
These are trends that the organiser wants to give space to, and so IFAT Munich has its finger on the pulse of the times, responding to technical innovations, but also to changes in the political framework and constantly adapting key themes.
The programme of events in 2024 sets new standards
This year’s key theme is: Adapting to the results of climate change. Special emphasis has been put on the role of communities on the path to better climate resilience and the valuable contribution waste management makes to protecting the climate. These key topics will be discussed at IFAT Munich in various formats with interesting guests.
The world’s leading trade fair will be opened by Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke and the Bavarian State Minister for the Environment and Consumer Protection, Thorsten Glauber. On the second day of the trade fair, the programme includes the top-level discussion on the circular economy. A panel on the Green Deal with top EU politicians is planned for Wednesday. Other highlights include the “Day of Resilient Communities” on Thursday with lectures, expert panels and guided tours, as well as the panel “Future of Living – Adapting to the results of climate change” with star architect Daniel Libeskind and Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development at Oxford University and founding director of the world-leading research group Oxford Martin School on Friday.
Blue, Green and Orange Stage: A chance to experience focus topics live
The highlights of the event programme are the three different stages. Associations, partners, companies and ministries will be involved with presentations, panel discussions and expert talks.
The Blue Stage will focus on water as one of the world’s most important resources. How can we adapt our water use to climate change? How do we maintain our sewer networks efficiently? How can water be reused without compromising quality? And is climate-friendly hydrogen production the way forward?
Circular economy & resource efficiency, material flow management, logistics and mobility in municipal technology and waste management are the topics that will be highlighted on the Orange Stage. How do we manage the transition from a throwaway society to a holistic circular economy that takes into account the entire life cycle of products? What are the key solutions?
On the Green Stage, exhibitors will not only present ideas, but also real products, solutions and innovations. It is ideal for anyone who wants to get to know a company that is looking for a specific solution.
In addition, IFAT Munich will once again offer “technologies to experience”: live demos on the open-air site or the competitions in the atrium will show people and machines in action.
For comprehensive details, and to book your entry ticket, visit https://ifat.de/en/
