The ACHEMA fair in Frankfurt am Main finally closed its doors on June 14, 2024. With more than 100,000 participants from 141 nations, the organizers are claiming this year’s event as the most international of its kind to date. The trade fair also helped set the right tone for a more sustainable process industry. German Minister of Economics, Dr. Robert Habeck, had already intimated the enormous potential of chemical and pharmaceutical engineering, biotechnology, and environmental technologies for a more sustainable future in his opening speech at the world’s leading trade fair.

Making energy generation more efficient

GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG was also keen to show how the company is making its own contribution to transforming the economy and the process industry. The metal mesh solutions from GKD that are used to boost efficiency in the energy generating sector received a great deal of interest. These special meshes for hydrogen electrolyzers and fuel cells serve as the electrode material and gas distribution panel, improving hydrogen and oxygen generation reactions. The innovative technologies from GKD were recognized as groundbreaking by many in attendance, including prospective clients.

Challenges in water management

GKD also presented innovative solutions in the field of water management. These are the VORTEX separation unit, which efficiently separates microfibers, as well as CAPTURION, the new filter system for storm sewers that filters out tire debris, i.e., microplastics, from rain water as it flows into drains. The industry professionals in attendance clearly appreciated both of these innovations as future solutions with massive potential.

Process belts from GKD, which are known for their outstanding characteristics and quality, can also be found in applications throughout the chemical and food industries. Among other things, the experts from the Process Belts division used ACHEMA to showcase belt types such as the self-controlling TRACKMATIC™ belt. The thermostable metal belt mesh can be adjusted for specific processes and therefore used successfully in a very wide range of applications. The metal mesh solutions from the VACUBELT range for vacuum filtration also attracted keen interest. Visitors and experts from GKD discussed how the mesh can increase process efficiency in various fields of application.

New trade fair stand design

GKD’s new trade fair stand, offering around 100 square meters of space, was subdivided into the areas of Healthier, Cleaner, and Safer – in keeping with the company’s vision FOR A HEALTHIER, CLEANER, SAFER WORLD. The modern design and the exhibition models, some of which were also new, attracted numerous visitors who were keen to learn more about the pioneering solutions.

Peter Witz, Director Market Segment Industrial & Filtration in the GKD Group, explained, “we’ve received a great deal of positive feedback on the solutions we presented. Indeed, many company representatives confirmed that our solutions are precisely what their industry needs based on current requirements. We would like to thank all of our visitors for making the trip, engaging in such interesting conversations, and for the new partnerships we were able to establish.”