War in Ukraine, interrupted supply chains, shortage of skilled workers and, last but not least, the ongoing Corona pandemic – Achema 2022 took place under difficult general conditions. Nevertheless, the organisers of the tradition-steeped event drew a positive conclusion after five days.
Whether in laboratory or pharmaceutical technology, plant construction or classic process technology – the stands in the halls were well attended and there was a lively hustle and bustle in the exhibition halls.
Good discussions with customers
„The need for personal exchange was huge after such a long time,“ emphasised Jürgen Nowicki, Chairman of the Achema Committee and CEO of Linde Engineering. „The exhibitors we spoke to had a successful fair with many good conversations directly related to projects or investments.“
Have had to fight hard
Dr Thomas Scheuring, Managing Director of Dechema Ausstellungs-GmbH, is also very satisfied: „As probably never before, we have had to fight hard for the success of this very special Achema. Despite all the headwinds, we nevertheless managed to put on an Achema that exceeded the expectations of the vast majority of exhibitors. This success makes us proud and is also a credit to our team and all the exhibitors who have remained loyal to us.“
Dr Bjön Mathes, Deputy Managing Director of Dechema Ausstellungs-GmbH adds: „Achema 2022 also lived up to its claim to be the world‘s leading trade fair for process technology.“
Drop in important key figures
This year, a total of 2211 exhibitors from 51 countries used the exhibition under the Frankfurt Messeturm to present their new products and services for the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. At the previous event in 2018, there were 3737 exhibitors from 55 countries.
There was also a significant drop in the number of visitors: while around 145,000 trade visitors came to Frankfurt for Achema 2018, this year a good 70,000 people from 127 nations were drawn to the metropolis on the Main. About every second trade fair participant came from abroad.
Focus themes met with great interest
The three focus topics of Achema 2022 also met with great interest. At the „Digital Lab“, the smart laboratory of tomorrow could be experienced at the stands in the area of laboratory and analytical technology as well as at the associated action area.
Many new developments in the exhibition halls took up the focus topic „Modular and Connected Production“: The trend towards designing production lines in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries with the greatest possible flexibility and fully networking them was reflected in numerous innovations on the stands in the most diverse exhibition groups.
Digital safety
With the focus theme „Product and Process Security“, Achema 2022 also took up the topic of digital security, which is becoming increasingly important for many companies in times of Industry 4.0, networked production and in view of the high threat level posed by cyberattacks: Over 330 exhibitors presented their products and services on this topic, which also forms the link to the new „Digital Hub“ exhibition group as a central meeting place for digital experts and participants.
Higher attendee numbers at the congress
The complete integration of the Achema Congress into the exhibition was also very well received. In the congress programme, the hydrogen topics as well as lectures on sustainability, the circular economy and digitalisation met with particularly great interest.
„The dovetailing of the congress and exhibition was a complete success,“ says a delighted Dr Andreas Förster, Managing Director of Dechema e. V. „With an audience of more than 20000, visitor numbers are significantly higher than at the last Achema in 2018, which had more participants overall. We will expand the concept with a view to the next Achema.“
See you again in 2024
The next Achema, leading international trade fair for the process industry, will be held in Frankfurt/M. from 10 to 14 June 2024.
Dechema Ausstellungs-GmbH, Frankfurt/M.
