Successful IFAT exhibition reflects global growth in the environmental technology industry

IFAT Munich 2024, the trade fair for water, sewage, waste, and raw materials management, which took place from May 13 to 17 at the Munich Messe, ended with an attendance of approximately 142,000 visitors from nearly 170 nations. A record number of international attendees accounted for over half the visitors. There was also a record number of international exhibitors: 55 percent of the 3,211 exhibitors came from outside of Germany. Organisations from 61 countries took part in the trade fair. Taking up 300,000 square meters of space, in 18 exhibition halls; this was the largest IFAT Munich ever.

A delighted Stefan Rummel, Messe München’s CEO, stated, “IFAT Munich provides encouragement and gives us strength for the future. The challenges of our time, such as the climate crisis or the shortage of raw materials, can only be solved with technology. Whether it's the transformation of municipalities towards more climate resilience or industry towards a more circular economy: IFAT Munich is the event which presents solutions for our future.”

The main themes of IFAT Munich 2024 centred around how our planet can deal with climate change and care for the environment by achieving international climate protection targets. The circular economy has a role to play; it can help to effectively reduce the primary raw materials that need to be used. “In an increasingly technological world with ever more complex products, the circular economy is facing immense challenges. At IFAT, we can discuss these issues with customers, partners and new contacts and work on solutions together,” says Thomas Conzendorf, member of the Remondis Management Board.

Communities play a unique role on the path to better climate resilience. They rely on effective technological solutions when dealing with heavy rainfall and flooding, extreme heat, and water shortages. “IFAT Munich 2024 was once again a very good platform for mutual exchange and for advancing developments in various industries. Water and wastewater management, waste and recycling industries are very important for promoting the circular economy and climate resilience. Water, energy, the environment and climate are among the most important issues of our time,” says Rainer Köhler, Chief Sales Officer of Huber SE.

The next IFAT Munich will be held at the Munich Exhibition Center from May 4 to 8, 2026.