ACHEMA 2024 showcases solutions for a more sustainable and resilient process industry

In June, Frankfurt will once again be the centre of the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries: The 34th ACHEMA will be opened by the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck on June 10. The ACHEMA kick-off will focus on the question of how the process industry can successfully position itself in a changing world. On all five days of the trade show, a diverse programme for young people will also contribute to securing the future of the industry.

The process industry is facing many challenges. The decades-long trend towards greater globalisation is currently being replaced by increasing instability and, in some cases, protectionist tendencies in trade policy. Meanwhile, the shift towards greater sustainability, the development of the hydrogen economy and the endeavour to secure raw materials require new global networks.

How do companies in the process industry position themselves in this environment? What technologies are needed to respond to the new challenges? And what political framework conditions need to be created to enable an economic transformation that meets the global challenge of climate change in particular? These questions will be the focus of this year's ACHEMA opening event on the evening of the first day of the trade show, June 10, 2024 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Room Europa in Hall 4.0.

Robert Habeck, the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, will open ACHEMA 2024 by video. Following the welcome address by Klaus Schäfer, Chairman of DECHEMA e.V., Julia Schlenz, President of Dow Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Friederike Köhler-Geib, Chief Economist of the KfW Group, and Markus Miertz, Member of the Executive Board of SAMSON AG, will share their views on the situation, critically examine exemplary challenges and discuss possible solutions.

Concrete solutions for these and many other challenges will also be the focus of around 2,700 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, who will be presenting a diverse range of innovations and products across twelve exhibition groups and a special show. With more than 1,000 speakers, the accompanying congress and stage programme will also provide impetus for a successful transformation. 

“ACHEMA once again emphasises its role as a central platform and meeting place for all stakeholders in the process industry. With a notable surge in exhibitors and one of the most diverse lecture programmes in recent ACHEMA history, this year's event also offers an unparalleled opportunity for young technical and scientific talent”, says Dr Björn Mathes. CEO of DECHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH.

Diverse programme for (young) professionals, students and school pupils

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the ACHEMA Career Day will take place from 10:00 am in Foyer 5.1/6.1. ACHEMA companies will present themselves as employers on site. Their offers are aimed equally at (young) professionals as well as graduates or young professionals. A job board, which will be set up throughout the week, will present the job offers of all participating companies. As part of a career consultation, young professionals can ask their own personal career questions in 20-minute discussions with HR experts and receive advice. In addition, a full-day supporting programme will take place on the action area: In addition to employer pitches, there will be informative keynote speeches on topics such as as engineer salaries or the impact of AI on the recruiting/application process.

For school pupils, ACHEMA offers two days of events tailored to their needs:

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 11:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 16:30, young people can ask industry and research what we can do about resource scarcity and climate change; leading experts from industry and research will provide first-hand insights. On Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., students of process engineering, chemistry and biotechnology will talk about their day-to-day studies and answer questions from the audience. Young professionals will describe their experiences of starting out in working life and give tips on how to kick off a career successfully. Both events will take place in the Portalhaus on Level 1 in Room Transparenz 1. A Science Rally is being held throughout ACHEMA in Hall 6.0 for students and pupils. More information is available on site at the at the hydrogen flagship projects stand (D75).

In addition, in the Start-up Area in Hall 6.0, companies of tomorrow will present their innovations and welcome the global process industry to their booths. The start-ups here will show here show how science and technology, coupled with ambition and perseverance, can be turned into new services, profitable products and the latest processes.

“As organisers, we actively support the entire industry in overcoming the challenges of the shortage of skilled workers and offer a wide range of formats. From the acclaimed DECHEMAX student competition, focusing on central ACHEMA themes, to bespoke student gatherings and comprehensive career planning for graduates and young professionals, to fostering connections for budding entrepreneurs. The topics of talent and career advancement will once again be in the spotlight at the world's most important industry gathering for chemistry, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology”, concludes Mathes.