The global crisis caused by the Ukraine war actually has a high impact on the economic situation for the energy- and raw material-intensive chemical industry. As a consequence, many companies that were optimistic that they had overcome the trough of the corona crisis despite the already rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions last year, now expect sales to increase in 2022. As the prices for oil and natural gas almost exploded, 70 % of the companies report serious problems for their business. This was the result of a member survey conducted by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) in March. As a result, the VCI has withdrawn its previous estimate for 2022 as a whole.
The crisis clearly shows how important a change in energy policy and the introduction of sustainable processes are. Especially since supply chain problems and the challenges posed by climate change will also remain.
Renewable energies and green hydrogen therefore will be big topics at this year’s Hannover Messe. Starting on page 14, you can find some of the products and solutions offered by Hannover Messe exhibitors. But without digitisation, which is the second major theme of the trade fair, the plants in the process industry will continue to remain below their capabilities. Read more about Ethernet-APL as data highway into the field in our cover story on page 18. And last but not least the sustainable use of resources will be the major topic of Ifat Munich, which will be held from May 30 to June 3, 2022 at the exhibition center in Munich. You can find our trade fair preview on page 32.
Daniela Held, Editor
