Germany – With more than 3000 exhibitors and 135 000 visitors, this year’s IFAT trade show held in Munich, Germany last week has again set new records. On the show floor, Recycling International magazine spotted five key trends:
1. The future is mobile. More and more manufacturers of recycling machinery are offering mobile, more flexible equipment.
2. The e-crane seems unstoppable. Brands such as Sennebogen and Solmec showcased their latest electric handling technology, presented as a ‘cost-efficient, safe and emission-free’ solution suitable for indoor use.
3. Globalisation is moving on. The recycling equipment and machinery market has become a world market, with an increasing number of European manufacturers selling beyond their own back yard and highlighting Asia, North and South America, Eastern Europe and Russia as ‘great potential markets’.
4. Let’s work together. ‘Agents Wanted’ signs were spotted at dozens of IFAT stands. A growing number of manufacturers looking for new business opportunities seek cooperation with local agents who ‘really know’ a specific market. To quote just two examples, French company MTB has opened a subsidiary for the German speaking market, ING, while Castulik of Slovakia is looking for agents across Europe.
5. We’re seeing gradual innovation rather than revolutionary products. If one thing was clear during IFAT 2014, it was that most developments represented a step-change in technology, offering faster, cleaner and more cost-effective performance, especially in the field of plastics and e-scrap sorting technology.
Top picture: The Bronneberg team shows off the "Powerbird" alligator shear.
A more detailed review of the IFAT will be featured in our June/July issue.
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