Setting trends in processing technology and sustainable production

Mechanical processing technology is the basis for almost all the everyday products that we use. In 2020, POWTECH, the leading fair for the processing, handling and analysis of powders and bulk solids, will focus among other things on more sustainable ways of manufacturing and doing business in all segments. In this context, modern process engineering embedded into digital environments is the key to more efficient, more sustainable and fully recyclable products. POWTECH 2020 will take place in Nuremberg from 29 September to 1 October, when more than 800 exhibitors will showcase their technologies to production experts from all around the world.

Innovations in mechanical processing technology are used in key segments like chemicals and pharmaceuticals, food production, recycling, non-metallic minerals (pit and quarry), and ceramics and glass production. For all these segments, POWTECH is the pacemaker for improvements in production facilities. “Sustainability, more efficient and flexible manufacturing and the expansion of the closed-loop economy: these are the huge challenges currently faced by the production environment. Such issues affect large, globally operating concerns with a comprehensive brand portfolio as well as SMEs. And they all come to POWTECH to make their processes fit for the future,” says Beate Fischer, Director POWTECH at NürnbergMesse, describing the pulling power of the event.

Networking for experts

At the exhibition, which celebrated its debut in 1971 and will take place in Nuremberg for the 22nd time this year, exhibitors will present their latest developments for mechanical processes like size reduction, agglomerating, separating, screening, mixing, storage and conveying. The last POWTECH in 2019 welcomed 823 exhibitors to Nuremberg, around 40 percent of them from outside Germany. From machinery and equipment manufacturers to vendors of measurement, control and analysis technology and research establishments, all major players from the scene were out in force. They showcased their innovations to more than 14,000 visitors, 94 percent of whom were responsible for or involved in their company’s investment decisions. In an independent poll, 95 percent of exhibitors said that they reached their most important target groups at the fair. As a highly specialised exhibition, POWTECH only attracts highly qualified industry experts, guaranteeing knowledge-sharing and networking at a high professional level. It is quite common for POWTECH visitors to come to the fair with specific issues or investment plans in mind.

Networking Campus: the home of trending issues

In the POWTECH supporting programme experts share their knowledge and inspire collective discussions. POWTECH has created the special Networking Campus platform to cover the trending issues in the process industries. In a relaxed atmosphere, visitors and exhibitors will discuss the issues that are important for the production of the future, including digitalisation, simulation software, life cycle management, energy efficiency and new workplace environments and recruiting. Universities and research establishments also present their institutions at the Networking Campus, while a jobs board allows companies to target young recruits.

Knowledge sharing: explosion protection, innovations and practical tips

Two forums offer a platform for additional presentations: The Expert Forum covers best practices in production with a focus on additive manufacturing and explosion protection. The new Life Sciences Forum will explore topics relating to pharmaceuticals and food production. Every day there are different table top displays from the pharmaceutical segment that also enable pharmaceutical excipient manufacturers to get involved in POWTECH.

The highlight for explosion protection experts is the IND EX Safety Congress on Industrial Explosion Protection, which takes place parallel to POWTECH and provides information on international guidelines for explosion protection. The agenda includes such topics as “Explosion Isolation” or “New Developments in Software for Risk Assessment”. As the ideal complement to the theoretical content of the congress, IND EX e.V. is also organising live explosion demonstrations outdoors, where visitors can experience an impressive display of the risks and protective measures necessary in the event of powder and dust explosions.

The POWTECH supporting programme is developed in cooperation with the APV (International Association for Pharmaceutical Technology) and the VDI-GVC (VDI Association of Process and Chemical Engineering), both of which are the institutional sponsors of POWTECH. The programme also receives support from other associations and the leading trade journals from the sector. Together with the exhibitors, they make POWTECH the world’s leading innovation and knowledge platform for powder and bulk solids technologies. Companies, institutions and experts interested in presenting at the trade fair will find all the information they need at: www.powtech.de/become-exhibitor.

Process engineering worldwide

POWTECH World is a global network of trade fairs and conferences related to mechanical processing technology. The events of POWTECH World form the ideal platform for global knowledge-sharing and new, worldwide business connections. Other forthcoming POWTECH World events:

- IPB China
International Powder & Bulk Solids Processing Conference & Exhibition, 29 to 31 July 2020, Shanghai, China
- POWTECH India
India’s Leading Technology Expo for Processing, Analysis and Handling of Powder & Bulk Solids, 9 to 11 September 2020, Mumbai, India