EnviroFALK establishes new industry dialogue for pharmaceutical water treatment

DECHEMA-Haus, Frankfurt am Main: A fully booked hall demonstrated impressively how strongly the pharmaceutical industry is driven by the topics of compliance, digitalization, microbiology, and sustainability.

With expertise, practical relevance, and a touch of humor, Prof. Dr. Hans-Curt Flemming enthused the participants of the EnviroFALK Pharma Water Summit. His lecture highlighted the importance of a solid understanding of microbiological processes in pharmaceutical water treatment.

Prof. Dr. Hans-Curt Flemming, internationally renowned expert in biofilm research, demonstrated in his lecture "The microbiological reality remains decisive" why microbiological correlations will continue to play a central role in the safe and sustainable operation of pharmaceutical water systems.

With valuable insights from planning practice, Jochen Schmidt-Nawrot from CRB Group demonstrated the requirements that modern pharmaceutical water systems must meet and how projects can be implemented efficiently and sustainably.

Questions, different perspectives, and practical insights shaped the panel discussion. It became clear: the demands on pharmaceutical water treatment are increasing, as is the importance of professional exchange.

Regulatory requirements are increasing, digital technologies are transforming operational and approval concepts, and sustainability is increasingly developing into a strategic decision criterion. How operators of pharmaceutical water systems can meet these challenges was the focus of the first EnviroFALK Pharma Water Summit at the DECHEMA-Haus in Frankfurt.

The professional event brought together experts from the pharmaceutical industry, planning, plant operation, and water technology. The focus was on current developments around compliance, Water for Injection (WFI), online monitoring, microbiology, as well as water and resource efficiency. Dr.-Ing. Eva Bitter, Managing Director of EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems, moderated the program, overseeing the presentations, discussions, and Q&A sessions, and facilitated exchange between speakers and the audience.

Compliance and WFI: Between regulatory requirements and technological progress

The event was kicked off by Jochen Schmidt-Nawrot (CRB Group GmbH) with his presentation “Pharmaceutical Water between Compliance and Interpretation”. He examined the practical implementation of regulatory requirements and the challenges they pose for operators of pharmaceutical water systems.

Following this, Ulrich Träger, Managing Director of EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems, presented current developments in the production of Water for Injection (WFI) using membrane processes. The focus was on the potential of modern technologies to enhance energy efficiency, sustainability, and operational safety. “The demands on pharmaceutical water systems are continuously increasing. At the same time, energy efficiency and resource conservation are gaining importance. Modern technologies enable these goals to be combined without compromising quality and safety,” explained Ulrich Träger. The subsequent discussion showed how actively the industry is currently pursuing the further development of regulatory requirements and new technologies.

Data and online monitoring: The foundation of reliable decisions

Fritz Röder (Merck Healthcare KGaA) demonstrated how digital solutions are transforming pharmaceutical water treatment in his presentation on online monitoring and data-based release strategies. Subsequently, Sandro Bauer (ifm electronic gmbh) and Florian Löwe (EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems GmbH) presented new approaches for smart pure media systems. The focus was on intelligent sensors, digital transparency, and modern maintenance concepts. The speakers emphasized that reliable data form the basis for safe decisions. At the same time, discussions explored how digital tools can support operators in better understanding processes, early risk detection, and more efficient plant operation.

Prof. Dr. Hans-Curt Flemming: Microbiological reality remains crucial

The presentation by Prof. Dr. Hans-Curt Flemming, one of the world’s leading experts in biofilm research, drew particular attention.

Under the title “Biofilms, the microbiological reality”, he made clear that microorganisms and biofilms remain central challenges in pharmaceutical water systems despite digitalization and automation. With scientific depth, vivid practical examples, and a touch of humor, he conveyed complex relationships in an understandable and practical manner. The numerous questions from the audience and lively discussions during breaks demonstrated how highly microbiological issues are regarded as critical for the long-term safe operation of pharmaceutical water systems.

Sustainability becomes a strategic factor

In addition to quality and compliance, resource efficiency also took center stage at the summit. Cornelius Nellessen (EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems GmbH) showcased concrete examples of potential water consumption reductions in pharmaceutical plants. Additionally, Niclas Pörtner (EnviroChemie GmbH) presented concepts for water reuse and explained how established solutions from other industrial sectors are increasingly relevant for the pharmaceutical industry. The discussions highlighted that sustainability today goes far beyond ecological issues and is increasingly influencing investment, operational, and future-oriented decisions.

Pharma Water 2035: What decisions need to be made today?

The event concluded with a panel discussion “Pharma Water 2035 – From Regulation to Reality” featuring Jochen Schmidt-Nawrot, Ulrich Träger, Fritz Röder, and Dr. Manssur Ansari. Together, the experts discussed how operators can set the course today for long-term safe, economical, and sustainable pharmaceutical water systems. Key questions included which technologies will gain importance, how regulatory requirements will evolve, and what role sustainability will play in future investment decisions.

For a humorous moment, Ulrich Träger’s answer to the question of what advice is most important when purchasing a pharmaceutical water system to ensure it remains reliable in ten years: “Watch the equipment manufacturer very carefully.” Behind the audience’s smile was a clear message: long-term success begins with careful planning, high quality, and choosing competent partners.

Successful premiere with a signaling effect

In addition to technical presentations, participants especially valued personal exchange. In discussion rounds, Q&A sessions, and coffee breaks, current challenges and future developments in pharmaceutical water treatment were discussed intensively. Moderator Dr.-Ing. Eva Bitter summarized positively: “The questions from the audience and the openness of the discussions showed how great the need for practical exchange in the industry is. Formats like this promote new perspectives and joint solutions.”

The strong response and active participation underscored the importance of open industry dialogue. With the Pharma Water Summit, EnviroFALK created a platform that combines knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and new perspectives for pharmaceutical water treatment.
Further information, a recording of the event, and a photo gallery are available at www.envirofalk-pharma.com.