Around 142,000 visitors from almost 170 countries and regions came to IFAT Munich 2024, according to the organizer Messe München GmbH. This corresponds to the record level of 2018. The proportion of international visitors was over 50 percent and thus higher than ever before. The number of international exhibitors also reached a new record: 55 percent of the 3,211 exhibitors came from abroad. Companies from a total of 61 countries and regions took part. With 300,000 square meters of space, this year’s world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management was also the largest of all time.
Industry underlines innovation leadership
“IFAT Munich gives us courage and strength for the future,” says Stefan Rummel, Managing Director of the trade fair. “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 where we see solutions for our future. I am delighted that IFAT Munich has attracted more attention than ever this year, from politics and business, associations and companies.”
For the Chairman of the IFAT Munich Advisory Board, Dr. Johannes F. Kirchhoff, this year’s event was “an absolute highlight. Where else can you meet the most important representatives of the industry from all over the world in just five days? I am very impressed by the large number of technologies and innovations that were presented here. The environmental technology sector is undoubtedly one of the most innovative industries at the moment – this was clearly demonstrated here at IFAT Munich.”
“Enormous challenges for the circular economy”
How the world can adapt to climate change and actively protect the environment, for example by achieving international climate protection targets, were the predominant issues at IFAT Munich this year. The circular economy plays a key role, as it effectively means that fewer (primary) raw materials need to be used. “In an increasingly technical world with ever more complex products, the circular economy is facing enormous challenges. At IFAT, we can discuss these with customers, partners and new contacts and develop solutions together,” says Thomas Conzendorf, member of the Remondis Management Board. “IFAT is an important forum for us as a group of companies because it combines the relevant topics and issues of the water and recycling industries in the best possible way.”
Adaptation to climate change is imperative
Municipalities play a special role on the path to better climate resilience. When it comes to dealing with heavy rainfall and flooding, extreme heat and water shortages, they rely on effective technological solutions. “IFAT Munich 2024 was once again a very good platform for mutual exchange and for advancing developments in various industries. The 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, CEO of Huber SE. “My personal impression of this year’s IFAT is very positive. We at Huber had many interested visitors from the areas relevant to us at our stand: Sewage plant operators, sewage treatment plant operators, planners, engineering offices, representatives from local authorities and industry and many more from Germany and abroad.”
Environmental technologies a global issue
The importance of the topics and environmental technologies presented at IFAT Munich is also demonstrated by the increased internationality, especially from overseas. “In terms of exhibitors, China ranked third this year with strong participation. China is also in the top ten in terms of visitors,” explains Philipp Eisenmann, Exhibition Director of IFAT Munich: “We have also seen strong growth in the number of visitors from the USA, Australia, India, Japan and South Korea. Environmental technologies and solutions are the growth market worldwide and IFAT Munich is THE platform.”
The next IFAT Munich will take place from May 4 to 8, 2026 at the exhibition grounds in Munich.
Picture at the top: More than 140,000 visitors from around 170 countries and regions came to the world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management. Photo: IFAT
