Environmental technologies are proving resilient even under challenging economic conditions. This is the conclusion of a long-term analysis by IFAT Munich, which evaluated exhibitor surveys from the past 13 years. In collaboration with the Gelszus Messe-Marktforschung institute, companies were regularly surveyed about the current economic situation in their industry and their expectations for the coming years.
Critical present, stable future expectations
The analysis shows that the current economic situation has been viewed with increasing concern since 2018. At the same time, the industry's expectations for the future remained remarkably stable throughout the entire period. Neither economic fluctuations nor global crises such as the pandemic led to a major slump. Instead, companies continue to anticipate rising investment in infrastructure, resource efficiency, and the circular economy.
Circular economy as a bridge to industry
The results are also relevant for industrial users—such as those in surface and coating technology. Topics such as water and chemical management, recycling of process media, energy-efficient plant technology, and the recycling of metals and coating materials are central components of circular value creation. As a result, environmental technologies are increasingly becoming the focus of production and surface treatment companies that need to make their processes more resource-efficient and resilient.
IFAT Munich 2026 provides impetus for circular processes
Against this backdrop, IFAT Munich 2026 (May 4 to 7, 2026) will specifically address the transition from linear to circular value creation models with the theme "Circularity is a must." Recycling, resource conservation, and efficient infrastructures are not only understood as ecological necessities, but also as economic and strategic factors—especially for energy- and resource-intensive industries such as surface technology.