Sustainability, resource efficiency and the circular economy once again took centre stage at IFAT Munich 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for environmental technologies. Held between May 4-7, the event demonstrated that the future of the environmental industry is shaped not only by regulation, but increasingly by the pace of innovation and the strength of international cooperation.
Hosted at the Messe München exhibition centre, IFAT welcomed more than 3,200 exhibitors from 60 countries, showcasing the latest developments in environmental technologies. More than just a technology exhibition, IFAT serves as one of the global green economy’s most important meeting points, bringing together market leaders, researchers and decision-makers across water management, wastewater treatment, waste recovery and energy innovation.
In this highly competitive international environment, Hungarian environmental technology companies once again established a strong and visible presence. HEPA Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA) organized a national pavilion, helping domestic innovators strengthen their international visibility and expand business partnerships abroad.
Hungarian innovations from water treatment to the circular economy
Six Hungarian companies participated at the joint national stand, highlighting the diversity and technological expertise of Hungary’s environmental technology sector.
Euro-Clear Ltd. presented advanced industrial and residential water treatment systems, offering reliable and efficient technologies ranging from water purification to high-capacity industrial solutions.
Euro-Matic showcased its specialized precision-engineered balls, widely used across numerous industries worldwide and contributing to the reliable operation of environmental technology systems.
GeoGold Kárpátia Ltd. represented Hungarian engineering and scientific expertise through its geological and hydrogeological research projects. Its modern geophysical and water exploration methods have already contributed to several international drinking water and environmental protection programs.
Hidrofilt Ltd. introduced industrial water and wastewater treatment technologies designed to provide sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for a wide range of industries.
HWD Recycling Ltd. appeared as one of Hungary’s leading practical examples of the circular economy in action. Specializing in the processing of electronic waste and refrigeration equipment, the company plays an important role in recovering secondary raw materials and supporting resource recycling.
Considerable attention was drawn to the innovative technology developed by Thermowatt Ltd., which utilizes thermal energy contained in wastewater for building heating and cooling. The solution offers not only an energy-efficient alternative, but also a long-term contribution to the decarbonization of urban energy systems. The company’s Managing Director also delivered a presentation within the featured program of the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA). The presentation highlighted that wastewater should not only be viewed as an environmental challenge to manage, but also as a significant and still underutilized source of energy.
Networking and international partnerships
One of IFAT’s greatest strengths lies in its networking opportunities, and Hungarian participants once again played an active role in building international connections.
On May 4 Enterprise Europe Network, organized the “Meet & Pitch - International Water Innovations & Solutions Networking” event, led by Bayern Innovativ. More than 40 companies from nine countries participated in the business matchmaking program focused on the water and wastewater sector. Following short professional pitches, participants engaged in targeted business meetings. Five Hungarian organizations presented their solutions during the program.
Networking activities continued on May 6 at a dedicated business breakfast organized by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and ZENIT, where personal professional consultations and partnership building were in focus.
Hungary’s place on the green industry map
IFAT Munich 2026 once again made it clear that the advancement of environmental technologies is increasingly driven by global cooperation, rapid innovation and practical, market-ready expertise. The participation of Hungarian companies was significant not only from a business perspective, but also in strengthening Hungary’s position as an increasingly visible and respected player within the international green economy.
The Munich trade fair reaffirmed that the technologies shaping a sustainable future are no longer distant promises but already emerging today as export-ready and internationally competitive solutions, many of them developed in Hungary.