POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2026: International process industry focuses on exchange and future viability

Visitor entrance with visitor flows from the back. Signage POWTECH TECHNOPHARM and Welcome above the entrance ©NürnbergMesse GmbH / Frank Boxler

From September 29 to October 1, POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2026 brought the international processing community together in Nuremberg. 397 exhibitors from 29 countries presented technologies and innovations for the processing and handling of powders, granulates, bulk materials, and liquids, as well as for pharmaceutical production. In a challenging market environment, the international trade fair for process engineering provided space for meaningful discussions and concrete solutions for a sustainable process industry. The focus was on topics such as Pharma Processing, Smart Industry, Energy Efficiency, Recycling, Safety, and The Future of Processing. With an international share of 45 percent among exhibitors and 40 percent among visitors, the fair once again demonstrated its broad international presence.

Approximately 6,000 trade visitors traveled to Nuremberg, primarily from Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey, Slovenia, France, and Japan, alongside Germany. They value POWTECH TECHNOPHARM as an optimal platform to gain inspiration for their own projects, find concrete solutions, get an overview of the market, and expand their network. As a multi-industry trade fair, POWTECH TECHNOPHARM connects different process industries and enables knowledge transfer across industry boundaries. In numerous conversations, the challenges of the future were discussed in terms of intelligent, flexible, and efficient plants.

"The economic conditions currently pose great challenges for many companies across various industries. The passionate discussions during the three days of the fair show us how great the need for personal encounters and a shared platform for the processing community is right now," summarizes Stefanie Leege, Head of Brand Strategy POWTECH TECHNOPHARM, after the event.

The exhibitors confirmed the high quality of visitors and appreciated intensive discussions about specific projects. The proportion of visitors involved in investment and procurement decisions was about 90 percent, as usual. 96 percent of visitors were satisfied with their visit, and 93 percent already plan to attend POWTECH TECHNOPHARM again in 2028.

Internationality remains a key pillar

Robert Hild, Managing Director of VDMA Specialist Association for General Air Technology, summarizes: "POWTECH TECHNOPHARM has once again demonstrated this year what Germany can rely on even in challenging times: the innovative strength of its industry and its clear focus on problem-solving, from climate protection and energy efficiency to clean and safe processes." According to VDMA, exports of general air technology as well as process engineering machinery and equipment developed positively overall in the first half of 2026, albeit with significant differences between countries and regions. While exports of process engineering to China increased significantly, important growth impulses in general air technology came especially from France and Switzerland.

POWTECH TECHNOPHARM also met the demands for broad internationality in 2026: 45 percent of the exhibitors traveled from 29 countries, and 40 percent of the visitors from 66 countries to Nuremberg. "We see this as an important signal that companies from so many countries came to Nuremberg and that the number of exhibiting nations even increased. We want to further strengthen this important international and cross-industry exchange," says Leege. Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim, Managing Director of VDMA Process Machinery and Equipment, also emphasizes: "The current figures show how important international markets are for process engineering. Germany needs better investment conditions and faster approval procedures so that innovative and resource-efficient technologies can continue to be developed here in the future. A broad international presence remains central for companies."

Knowledge and Innovation for Future-Proof Process Engineering

That POWTECH TECHNOPHARM is more than just a product showcase was demonstrated by the extensive supporting program with numerous opportunities for professional exchange and networking. In the EXPERT FORUM, experts provided impulses on topics such as Pharma Processing, Smart Industry, Energy Efficiency, Recycling, and The Future of Processing through 88 technical presentations. The themed pavilions Pharma-in-Focus and Recycling-in-Focus bundled specialized solutions. Additional impulses for innovative solutions along the entire process chain, as well as more efficient, resource-conserving, and safe production processes, were provided by the participating companies at Pavilion DSIV Process Solutions, as well as at the VDMA special exhibition "Clean Air – Smart Processing" and during the VDMA Guided Tours on battery production. Practical insights were provided by daily live demonstrations on explosion protection. Complementing this, the IND EX® Explosion Safety Forum offered space for international professional exchange on safety, standards, and new findings in explosion protection.

Networking and Young Talent in Focus

A central aspect of POWTECH TECHNOPHARM is dialogue and networking within the processing community. The international exchange between associations plays an important role here: representatives from DSIV (German Bulk Solids Industry Association), SHAPA (Solids Handling & Processing Association) from the UK, APPIE (Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering) from Japan, and Techsolids from Spain gathered for the international meeting of bulk solids associations and discussed business and cooperation opportunities in their markets. The WOMEN4PROCESSING networking event once again brought women from the processing industry together. The format was first held at the 2025 fair and was continued after its successful premiere. With the joint booth Young Innovators and the Student Day, POWTECH TECHNOPHARM also focused on the next generation. Guided Tours and career talks connected students and young professionals with companies and experts in process engineering.

Next Meeting Point for the Processing Community: 2028

After three intensive days, attention is already turning to the next edition. The next POWTECH TECHNOPHARM will take place from September 26 to 28, 2028, again in conjunction with the international conference for particle technology, PARTEC, at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center – simultaneously with FACHPACK, the European trade fair for packaging, technology, and processes. Registration for exhibitors is already open.