Award for a novel technique to recover phosphorus
The IFAT has had a great track record – from the first time it was held in 1966 (147 exhibitors / 10,200 visitors) all the way through to the latest event. Around 138,000 visitors from more than 170 countries travelled to Munich this year to attend the IFAT, which was held between 30 May and 03 June. With the number of participants once again increasing, it can clearly be seen just how important the IFAT has become for the environmental technology sector over the last 50 years. Once again, REMONDIS was at the forefront with a newly designed stand and new recycling processes. One of these – TetraPhos for recovering phosphorus from sewage sludge ash – was presented with the coveted GreenTec Award on the evening before the exhibition opened.
A visit to the IFAT is a must
The number of different nationalities attending the world’s largest trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management was once again impressive this year. Ludger Rethmann, Board Chairman at REMONDIS, is in no doubt “that the IFAT continues to be the undisputed leading exhibition for recycling, water and industrial and municipal services. The fair attracts people from all over the world, spreading its message of how our planet’s natural resources could be used more sustainably right across the globe.” The ‘Top Ten’ nationalities visiting the IFAT this year (following Germany) were Austria, Italy, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Denmark and Turkey. There was also a significant increase in the number of visitors from Australia, China, Israel and Singapore. In fact, a good 47 percent of all those visiting the fair came from abroad. A total of 3,097 exhibitors (1,695 national / 1,402 international firms) from 59 countries showcased their latest innovations at the event which covered an area of 230,000 square metres. Never before had the share of international exhibitors (45%) been so high.
Fewer and fewer raw materials for more and more people – how can this dilemma be solved? What would appear to be a conundrum of ‘squaring the circle’ is in fact the huge task facing the recycling and water sectors, who showcased their innovative solutions at the IFAT in Munich. REMONDIS attended the event as always and was presented with an award for one of its innovations
The share of international visitors has grown considerably
Distinguished guests at REMONDIS’ stand
REMONDIS welcomed prestigious guests from Germany and abroad to its stand at the IFAT in Munich. These included Johannes Remmel, Environmental Minister of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, who was clearly impressed by the company’s latest innovations. REMONDIS International invited the Deputy Minister of the Building Industry and HCA of the Russian Federation, Andrey Tchibis, to Munich who also took this opportunity to present the latest Russian recycling laws during the BDE Forum. The minister, who is responsible for the development of this key industry in Russia, took part in discussions, with REMONDIS’ support, to explore how the Ministry for the Building Industry and HCA of the Russian Federation and the German recycling sector might be able to work together in the future.
Andrey Abramenko (left), Head of the Clearing & Waste Management Department of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Organising Committee, during his visit to REMONDIS’ stand at the IFAT in Munich. On his right: Swetlana Bigesse and Hendrik Vonnegut, Managing Directors of REMONDIS Russia
One of the highlights: REMONDIS’ award
One particular highlight for REMONDIS this year was winning a GreenTec Award for TetraPhos, its innovative process to recover phosphoric acid from sewage sludge ash. This process was developed and patented by REMONDIS together with its public sector partner HamburgWasser, where a large pilot plant has been set up in Hamburg Harbour. The IFAT is a perfect platform for presenting such innovations as well as a great networking opportunity for partners and customers working within the industry. The event will, therefore, continue to be the leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management in the future as well.
Ulrike Scharf, Bavarian State Minister for the Environment and Consumer Protection, spoke to REMONDIS board members and managing directors at the IFAT about the challenges of protecting the environment and curbing climate change. On her left: Andreas Bankamp, Managing Director REMONDIS Aqua
A few impressions of the IFAT
Image credits: Image 1: shutterstock, 439115830, photo taken by: Alexander Raths
