ACHEMA 2024: Shaping the future of the process industries
From 10 to 14 June 2024, ACHEMA will once again be the place to go for the entire range of technologies and services for the process industries. With five innovation themes and the Special Show Hydrogen, the world's leading trade show for process technology will focus on the key challenges facing the industry in 2024.
The process industries are a driver of innovation and growth in the global economy – and simultaneously undergoing a transformation themselves. The “green” transformation is by far the most challenging project in the history of the process industry, with hydrogen potentially becoming a game changer. In many places, digitalisation is seen as the key to innovation across the industry – from plant engineering to the laboratory sector. In addition, fluctuations in supply chains and geopolitical divisions are driving the need for flexible and regional plant projects. That is why ACHEMA 2024 will present concrete solutions with five Innovation Themes, the associated Innovation Stages and the Special Show Hydrogen.
"The ACHEMA Innovation Stages are located in the immediate vicinity of the exhibition and directly in the halls, according to the respective topics covered," says Dr Björn Mathes, CEO of DECHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH, explaining the concept. "Each Innovation Stage will feature keynotes, expert panel discussions and case study presentations from both users and solution providers."
Process Innovation: Making plants future-proof
Innovations in process technology are at the heart of ACHEMA. Process technology today is at a crossroads: While new investments in "green technologies" are growing at an unprecedented pace, it is becoming increasingly complex to maintain operations and keep existing plants in the market. This is where the Process Innovation Stage comes in, with topics such as electrification, making chemical processes more flexible and efficient, and contributions on smart technology, equipment, analytics and operations.
Pharma Innovation: Experience the latest in pharmaceutical technology
Pharma technology is the fastest-growing community at ACHEMA, and the pharmaceutical industry has never been more exciting. As new research and production methods are developed and new sites are established around the world, existing processes must meet increasingly stringent requirements and standards. In addition to numerous other Pharma Innovation topics, biopharmaceutical production will be a particular focus of discussion in 2024.
Green Innovation: On the path to sustainable transformation
Production-integrated environmental protection, efficient industrial water management and the integration of molecular and industrial biotechnology have already become hallmarks of ACHEMA. But Green Innovation by now also means solving the challenge of carbon-neutral production in the process industry, as well as addressing issues around the circular economy, ESG and sustainable investment. As the biggest transformation challenge the chemical industry has ever faced, carbon-neutral production requires a technological leap forward in apparatus and plant engineering.
Lab Innovation: Where value creation begins
The laboratory is the birthplace of world-changing innovations and the traditional guardian of product quality. Success in the lab is determined more than ever by the technologies used there and the interfaces with engineering and production. In addition to lab design, planning, construction and management, advanced bioanalytics and pharmaceutical applications will be examined in depth. At ACHEMA 2024, the Lab Innovation Stage will be coupled with an Action Area dedicated to the digitalised, miniaturised and automated laboratory of the future.
Digital Innovation: Advancing the digital transformation
Digitalisation and the resulting innovations such as advanced analytics or Industry 4.0 technologies continue to be a perennial topic. The complexity of the issues is increasing rather than decreasing: IT vs. OT, connectivity vs. security or smart vs. smart enough – the challenge for operators is to find exactly the right configuration for their business. With this in mind, the Digital Innovation Stage will cover numerous topics around key enablers of innovation today.
Hydrogen Innovation and Special Show Hydrogen
Hyperscaling hydrogen production and infrastructure is one of the key enablers for a clean energy transition and achieving climate goals. Only ACHEMA offers so many solutions for producing, handling, transporting and storing hydrogen. The Hydrogen Innovation Stage covers all aspects relevant to the process industry: rapid scaling of production and infrastructure, power-to-X, industrial applications and sector coupling and many more.
The special show hydrogen presents the previous milestones and future challenges of the hydrogen economy. Experience the latest technologies and innovations for global and regional hydrogen projects in one place and gain insights into pre-competitive collaboration to solve hydrogen challenges.
"ACHEMA is the showcase for process technology worldwide. It is precisely in the field of hydrogen that the central role of the ACHEMA community becomes evident, with its many technologically mature innovations paving the way to the hydrogen economy,” says Björn Mathes. "With its technological diversity, ACHEMA will once again be the central hub in the global innovation network in 2024 and thus the basis for setting the course for the future in the process industries and far beyond."
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.
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.
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.
