IFAT India 2022: wide spectrum of technologies for water and waste management

• 35 percent growth in exhibition space over the previous edition
• Presentations by Chief Sustainability Officers from various corporates
• Investments inspired by Clean India Mission

Highlighting a wide range of environmental technology solutions and industry leaders, the 9th edition of IFAT India was held from September 28 to 30, 2022 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The trade show covered 15,000 square meters and featured more than 250 exhibitors from 22 countries, along with pavilions from Germany, Norway, Poland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Environment scientists, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, think tanks and government authorities shared their expertise.

Today, one of the key drivers for environmental technologies in India is the government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan or Clean India Mission. The strong policy focus towards this mission has seen active contributions from corporates, institutions as well as civil society. Therefore, IFAT India 2022 witnessed participation from leading corporates, such as JSW Steel, Zomato and Bisleri.

“IFAT India once again proved to be a meeting place for ideas, innovations and partnerships in India’s water, sewage, solid waste and recycling industry,” says Katharina Schlegel, Director IFAT abroad at Messe München. “This year, we have not only grown by 35 percent in exhibition space but also brought together an extensive spectrum of environmental technologies. IFAT India 2022 has reinforced its position as the leading platform to enable meaningful handshakes and unlock business opportunities for the Indian and global environmental technology community. We are grateful to our industry partners and policy advisors who helped us deliver value for all visitors and participants.”

During the opening ceremony, environmental activist Ramveer Tanwar highlighted the importance of technology solutions and multilateral support in empowering his team to unclog nearly 50 water bodies in North India. He said: “We started out as a small team of enthusiastic youth who manually cleaned local ponds and lakes. But today we have the support of corporates and local governing bodies who help us access suitable machinery solutions, thereby amplifying our efforts for better reach and results. Environmental technologies are upgrading everyday as the climate crises deepens. Therefore, I’m happy to visit IFAT India as I can explore latest technologies, learn from industry leaders, and expand my network to revive more water bodies and wetlands across the country.”

One of the participants in the Polish Pavilion, Bartosz Kubicki, said: “We specialize in recycling e-waste, and we are thrilled to participate in IFAT India after the success we experienced at IFAT Munich over the past few years. I am happy to learn about the vast opportunities in the Indian market and share my knowledge and experience of the e-waste recycling industry in Europe. We had exciting discussions at our booth as well during the conferences and informal meetings. I’m looking forward to more business from India.”