Around 142,000 visitors from almost 160 countries and regions came to Munich for the 60th anniversary of the world's leading trade fair from May 4 to 7. With around 3,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries, the trade fair achieved new record figures. On 300,000 square meters, companies showcased technologies for water management, recycling and the circular economy - and thus solutions for some of the most pressing problems of our time.

Fragile supply chains, geopolitical tensions and concerns about raw material dependencies are giving the industry an additional tailwind. The circular economy no longer appears to be just an ecological project, but increasingly an industrial policy necessity.

"The next key global industry"

Stefan Rummel formulates this claim proactively: "The record participation at Ifat Munich 2026 clearly shows that the circular economy and water management is systemically relevant and is the next key global industry. This makes Ifat Munich all the more important as a platform. It enables the crucial transfer of knowledge and gives the industry the visibility it needs to enter into dialog with politicians and set the right course."

In fact, the trade fair was also a political meeting place this year. In addition to German state ministers and international delegations, Jessika Roswall also attended the event. Carsten Schneider emphasized the strategic role of the industry: "Ifat is the central platform for this important topic. This is where companies, politicians, local authorities and associations can network and coordinate."

Dr. Johannes F. Kirchhoff also sees the transformation to a resource-efficient economy as a key prerequisite for competitiveness and stability. "With its solutions and technologies, Ifat Munich 2026 has impressively demonstrated how this change can be shaped in practice - solution-oriented, cross-sectoral and globally networked."

Circular economy as a growth model

A study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group on behalf of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) shows that there are considerable economic expectations behind the circular economy.
commissioned by the Federation of German Industries, which was presented at the trade fair.

According to the study, the circular gross value added in Germany could more than double from the current 60 billion to up to 125 billion euros by 2045. The cumulative additional value added could reach up to 880 billion euros. At the same time, recycling and reuse could replace between 20 and 40 percent of strategic raw material imports in the future.

The figures show what is now at stake: the circular economy is no longer being discussed solely in terms of climate protection, but as an instrument for securing industrial value creation.

Closed loops instead of new dependencies

Accordingly, topics such as resource efficiency, closed material cycles and resilient supply chains dominated the trade fair.

Thomas Conzendorf, CEO of Remondis, says: "Ifat shows that we in Germany are not only able to defend a world-leading position in the circular economy, but even expand it. The number of exhibitors is now higher than before coronavirus. So we are working in a real industry of the future. This should encourage us all to look to the future with confidence and positivity."

In addition to the circular economy, water infrastructure also became more of a focus. Extreme weather, water shortages and cyber attacks on critical infrastructure are increasing the pressure to act. Systems that are more resilient and flexible are needed.

"Ifat Munich 2026 has once again impressively demonstrated how valuable it is as the world's leading trade fair for the exchange and further development of key future topics," explains Rainer Köhler, Chief Technology Officer of Huber SE. "The water and wastewater industry as well as the waste and recycling sector play a key role when it comes to sustainably strengthening the circular economy and climate resilience. Water, energy, the environment and climate are among the most pressing issues of our time - and this is precisely where Ifat provides important impetus."

International sector on course for growth despite crises

Despite the energy crisis and geopolitical conflicts, the trade fair remained international in character. More than half of the exhibitors and visitors came from abroad. After Germany, the most important exhibitor nations included Italy, China and the Netherlands.

Philipp Eisenmann, Exhibition Director of IFAT Munich, comments: "In its 60th anniversary year, Ifat Munich not only impressively demonstrates how strongly it is anchored internationally, but also records top values and efficiency gains for visitors and exhibitors with a shorter duration. Contrary to the trend in many other sectors, environmental technologies are a relevant growth market - and Ifat Munich has been the central platform for this for six decades."

The next Ifat Munich 2028 will take place in Munich from May 29 to June 1, 2028.