Europe&#39;s economy: Chemicals and food see light at the end of the tunnel &ndash; pharmaceuticals lead the way

Desire to consume. Courage to invest. This combination works when the economy is booming, and the outlook is bright. The situation in Europe is not so positive yet. However, at least the continent&#39;s major countries are emerging from the slump or have already overcome it. Major areas of investment are currently driving and promoting the industries that characterise POWTECH TECHNOPHARM.

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Written by Dr. Ulla Reutner

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The European pharmaceutical industry is robust and innovative and is growing. Nearshoring means bringing production back from Asia, for example.

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After the economic downturn of 2022 and 2023, followed by a cautious recovery in 2024, the European economy is becoming more stable. In the first half of 2025, the eurozone recorded moderate GDP growth of around 1.2 per cent, driven by a slight recovery in consumption, a stable labour market, and rising investment. Investment is being encouraged by the European Central Bank, which has lowered its key interest rate seven times since summer 2024.

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With GDP growth rates of +1.4 per cent expected in the United Kingdom, between +0.6 and +0.7 per cent in France, and moderate growth of +0.7 per cent in Italy, three of the five largest economies are experiencing growth. Germany is still lagging behind, with most forecasts predicting growth close to 0 per cent for 2025, though the OECD and the EU Commission predict it could rise to +1.1 per cent in 2026. Spain is clearly in the lead with growth forecast at +2.6 per cent for 2025 and +2.0 per cent for 2026 thanks to strong domestic demand and the notable impact of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (an EU instrument designed to help overcome the consequences of the pandemic).

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Spain seems to have done a lot of things right. The Spanish solid materials technology sector is also demonstrating remarkable adaptability in a complex global economic environment. Spain&#39;s recovery and resilience plan is one of the largest in the EU. It focuses primarily on green transformation, including the energy transition, and on digitalisation. Education and reforms to increase the efficiency of public spending are further priorities.

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More digital and greener &ndash; the Spanish model

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The Spanish model cannot simply be transferred to other countries. However, there are at least some elements that would also suit the rest of Europe well &ndash; and in many cases are already being &lsquo;copied&rsquo;. Digitalisation and decarbonisation in particular are areas of investment in which progress must be made, especially in Germany. Added to this is the trend towards nearshoring, the relocation of business processes or functions to nearby countries. Companies benefit by reducing costs while achieving advantages such as short transport routes, smooth cooperation, and legal certainty within the EU.

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What can the largest target industries of POWTECH TECHNOPHARM expect against this backdrop? The chemical industry in Europe continues to face challenges. It is in the midst of a profound transformation process. &lsquo;Chemistry still on standby&rsquo; was the headline of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) in June, referring to the economic situation of the industry. From January to April, production was 1.1 per cent below the previous year&#39;s level. Cefic, the EU Chemical Industry Forum, emphasises the &lsquo;need for bold and urgent action to secure Europe&#39;s industrial future &ndash; not only to implement the Green Deal, but also to prevent further deindustrialisation in Europe.&rsquo; Like most analysts, the European association blames high energy prices, regulatory, labour, and raw material costs for the competitive disadvantage compared to the USA, China, and the Middle East. Capacity utilisation was at a historic low of around 75 per cent in 2023 and 2024 (average 81 per cent).

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Europe is the second largest producer of chemicals worldwide. But the competition is fierce. Chinese chemical production in particular has grown significantly over the last ten years.

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Chemical industry optimistic about the future for the first time in a long time

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However, the first signs of stabilisation are visible. The VCI reports a rapid recovery from the tariff shock in April. &lsquo;For the first time in a year, chemical companies are optimistic about the next six months. The industry is placing its hopes primarily on domestic business, while export expectations remain cautious.&rsquo; As a supplier to key industrial value chains, the chemical industry could benefit early on from rising domestic demand. To this end, the announced economic policy measures must now be implemented quickly. According to VCI CEO Wolfgang Gro&szlig;e Entrup, there is finally a spirit of optimism: &lsquo;The federal government is providing a breath of fresh air with tax and energy price relief.&rsquo; The chances for an upturn in 2026 are good.

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Demand for the European chemical industry is being driven by construction, automotive (e-mobility, lightweight construction) and agrochemicals. Decarbonisation, together with the circular economy, is driving investment in new processes such as hydrogen technologies, CO2 capture and storage (CCS) and utilisation (CCU), as well as the electrification of processes. The optimisation of production processes and improvements in energy efficiency are also driving the industry forward. Digitalisation and AI are playing an increasingly key role in this context. However, relocation remains an issue, for example to Eastern Europe or the Middle East.

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Many European chemical companies are expecting a recovery &ndash; but not until 2026. According to a survey conducted by management consultancy Horv&aacute;th among board members and executives of leading European chemical companies, this could result in an increase in earnings of at least five per cent. That is, unless a global trade war abruptly halts any upward trend. Or consumer sentiment takes another turn for the worse in light of job cuts and a steady stream of unwelcome news from around the world.

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VCI Chief Executive Dr. Wolfgang Gro&szlig;e Entrup

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recognises a spirit of optimism in the German chemical industry, but says: &lsquo;For a real economic turnaround, we also have to tackle the fundamentals and break down old structures.&rsquo;

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Crisis-proof pharmaceutical industry focuses on nearshoring

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The outlook is more encouraging for the European pharmaceutical industry, which is proving to be largely crisis resistant. Following the effects of the pandemic, growth has normalised but remains robust, particularly in biotechnology, oncology, and rare diseases. Stable growth of three to four per cent per annum is expected for 2025 and 2026. Nearshoring is a trend, meaning that production is being partially brought back to Europe. The global pharmaceutical market was worth around 1,464.1 billion US dollars in 2023 and has been growing steadily since 2015, with growth rates of up to ten per cent.

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Germany, traditionally a country with intensive pharmaceutical research, is and remains an important production location and exporter of pharmaceuticals. With growth of +8 per cent, the development in 2022 and 2023 was particularly encouraging. In 2024, vaccine production in particular fell back to normal levels, resulting in declines in production and sales (-2.7 per cent) compared to the previous year. At the beginning of 2025, the important export business picked up momentum, probably due to Trump&#39;s threatened tariffs. Against this backdrop, a number of companies have built up their inventories in the USA, according to the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies in Germany (vfa). It forecasts sales growth of +2.5 per cent for 2025 and +1.3 per cent for 2026. Investment in the pharmaceutical industry is also likely to continue to grow, by two and a half to three per cent, adjusted for price effects. This would bring investment to &euro;15 billion in 2025 and &euro;16 billion in 2026.

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The vfa is counting on the new government and its unity in implementing the necessary measures so that Germany can continue to hold its own against the USA and China in the future. Europe should become the leading market for innovation, according to the association. In addition to product development, the efficient organisation of industrial high-tech production is also a plus. In global competition, the speed with which production capacities are built up is what counts. To this end, the association would like to see European support and the removal of bureaucratic hurdles.

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Incidentally, Switzerland remains one of the most important locations for the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. In 2022, it produced pharmaceutical goods worth around 56.6 billion euros (2024 unknown), making it number one in Europe. The second major player is Ireland, which is considered the third-largest pharmaceutical producer worldwide. It continues to grow dynamically. Switzerland and Ireland are therefore likely to be neck and neck in the race for first place in the European pharmaceutical industry. The production value of the German pharmaceutical industry was around &euro;38 billion in 2024. New growth potential for the European pharmaceutical industry is emerging from areas such as digital health, AI in drug development and mRNA technologies. Stable growth of three to four per cent per annum is expected for 2025/2026.

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Portrait photo of a smiling Wolfgang Gro&szlig;e Entrup in a blue suit

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VCI Chief Executive Dr. Wolfgang Gro&szlig;e Entrup recognises a spirit of optimism in the German chemical industry, but says: &lsquo;For a real economic turnaround, we also have to tackle the fundamentals and break down old structures.&rsquo;

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New EU life sciences strategy boosts pharmaceuticals and food

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The life sciences strategy presented by the EU Commission at the beginning of July provides important impetus for the European pharmaceutical industry. It promotes R&amp;D and multinational clinical trials. Biotech start-ups are to become marketable more quickly through an EU Biotech Act and be efficiently connected with investors and industry through a matchmaking platform. 300 million euros are to be made available for innovative solutions such as next-generation vaccines and affordable cancer treatments. Further funding will go towards AI technologies for the development of personalised therapy approaches.

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But the food industry, especially new food, is also set to benefit from the EU Life Sciences Strategy, for example from funding of around 350 million Euro for fermentation technologies and alternative proteins. Sustainable food systems are also to be promoted. A balance is needed, as the food sector is under pressure from rising raw material costs, volatile energy prices, and changing consumer behavior. According to the European industry association FoodDrinkEurope, the food and beverage industry is Europe&#39;s largest manufacturing industry. It creates jobs for around 4.7 million people, generates revenues of 1.2 trillion Euro, and thus plays a key role in the EU economy.

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On 2 July 2025, the European Commission adopted its new strategy to make Europe the world&#39;s most attractive location for life sciences by 2030.

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While Germany&#39;s food industry has experienced a slight downward trend since 2022 due to high costs and weak demand, its French competitors have experienced moderate growth. Italy has also been recovering from the pandemic-related slump since 2022. Spain&#39;s production suffered from drought in 2022-23 (e.g., olive oil) but was able to grow again by almost 2 per cent in 2024. In Germany, the domestic market in particular is declining, where the industry generated 12.6 billion Euro in March 2025 (-1.7 per cent nominal). However, it continues to hold its own in foreign business, recording a 12.8 per cent increase in sales in March 2025 compared to the same month last year, to 7.5 billion Euro.

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Biotechnological processes are playing a growing role in food production. Precision fermentation uses genetically modified microorganisms to produce alternative proteins.

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Food processing relies on Weihenstephan standards

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The food processing sector is, after all, the fourth-largest industrial sector in Germany &ndash; with over 6,000 companies. The future also demands digitalization and automation. Modern production and communication technologies, such as the Weihenstephan Standards (WS), are also gaining importance as interfaces between packaging and production machines and higher-level systems.

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Fermentation and the use of enzymes are clearly on the rise. Growth opportunities are forecast primarily for the convenience, ready-meal, and on-the-go sectors. Many manufacturers clearly have this in mind. 27.4 out of 100 manufacturers surveyed by the ifo Institute in May 2025 expected an improvement in business within the next six months (16.7 expect a deterioration). However, it is not clear whether this will be domestic or international. The export markets in Asia and the Middle East continue to offer growth opportunities.

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Conclusion: Efficiency and innovation keep process industries fit for the global market

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The European economy is in transition from stabilization to a moderate upswing. Investments in green technologies, digitalization, and regional resilience are particularly strengthening structurally more robust sectors such as pharmaceuticals and specialized mechanical engineering. Efficiency is becoming crucial for the chemical and food industries. Innovative products and, perhaps more importantly, automated, digitalized processes using AI are a solid foundation for surviving on the global market.

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Author

<img height="300" src="http://admin.ipbexpo.com/uploads/editor/20250928/db06bf85c5d7d39fd2b562f8b48d2d27.png" width="300" />

Dr. Ulla Reutner

Chemist and freelance specialised journalist

Europe's economy

Economic situation in mechanical engineering: growth impetus from process engineering

Expectations for the new German government are high. Things are set to take off again soon. The mechanical engineering industry &ndash; traditionally strong in exports &ndash; is hoping for markets that have received little attention to date. In any case, some of the specialist sectors that dominate POWTECH TECHNOPHARM are surprisingly strong. And an important visitor industry is also opening up new perspectives with major investments.

Written by Dr. Ulla Reutner

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Treats instead of tricks: Haribo is investing heavily in Germany. Process engineering is part of this.

The German VDMA sums it up: &lsquo;Together we will find the right course and strengthen the resilience of companies,&rsquo; it promises its members. The goal is to &lsquo;safely navigate economic turbulence.&rsquo; Looking back at the first quarter of 2025, there is at least a glimmer of hope. Although the mechanical and plant engineering in Germany started the new year with a decline of 2.6 per cent compared to the same period last year, there was a slight upward trend in March. A closer look at the export markets reveals new momentum in the Middle East, Central, South and Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. Exports to these countries increased noticeably, in the Middle East by as much as 13.4 percent. &ldquo;This development is an opportunity, but it needs targeted political support. For example, through new trade agreements and more support for financing and market access,&rdquo; says Dr. Gernandt, chief economist at the VDMA.

Setback due to uncertainty

However, as the export quota for all specialist areas is around 80 per cent, restrictions on open trade would have serious consequences. The US government&#39;s customs policy and the associated uncertainties could hit German mechanical engineering companies hard. This is because the USA is the largest single market. In April, order intake already fell by 6 per cent. At least orders from euro partner countries increased by 11 per cent.

Is the big &lsquo;deal maker&rsquo; directly or indirectly controlling the fate of German mechanical engineering? The VDMA is fighting back &ndash; and it is relying not only on a U-turn in policy, but above all on the strength of its members. Association President Bertram Kawlath put it this way in the S&uuml;ddeutsche Zeitung in January: &quot;When the world is moving so fast, there is no time for complacency. I am a sailor. When the wind is blowing strongly, you have to get out of the cabin, even if it&#39;s not very comfortable outside.&quot;

The VDMA sees itself as a guide for its member companies. Among other things, it wants to support them in responding flexibly, adapting structures and bringing the right innovations on board. At the same time, companies should keep their costs under control and tap into new markets and new business models. With the right recruiting strategies and modern personnel development, the mechanical and plant engineering industry aims to prevent a shortage of young talent. The VDMA provides its members with immediate assistance by guiding them through the regulatory jungle. However, it also confronts political leaders with the need for reforms, ranging from reducing bureaucracy and expanding infrastructure (digitalisation, energy including renewables, transport) to modernising labour markets.

VDMA joint stand at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM

In September, the VDMA will offer special support to members of the General Air Technology and Process Engineering Machinery and Equipment associations with a special show at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM. New market entrants in particular have the opportunity to showcase their innovations in the manufacture and processing of powders, granulates, bulk materials and liquids. Many other VDMA member companies have exhibited at the trade fair for many years and are benefiting from its increasing internationality and expansion into the TECHNOPHARM sector.

Exhibitors have high expectations, and rightly so in view of the economic figures. The communities of POWTECH TECHNOPHARM and FACHPACK, which takes place at the same time, are pleased with the growth impulses that originated in the first quarter of 2025 from food and packaging machines (up 3.4 per cent according to VDMA) and process engineering machines and equipment (up 2.8 per cent). Together with liquid pumps (up 3.5 per cent), they were able to compensate somewhat for the development of other mechanical engineering sectors, especially construction machinery (down 18.8 per cent).

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The VDMA&#39;s special show at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM offers space for partnership-based exchange, networking and inspiration.

Large and medium-sized food manufacturers are investing

Food manufacturers in particular are currently attracting attention and generating optimism with major investments in Germany. According to the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries, Haribo, Ferrero, Schwartau, Ditsch and Bonback are investing tens to hundreds of millions of euros in new plants or production lines in Germany, focusing on innovative technologies. Medium-sized companies such as spice specialist Raps and the Engelke Mill Group are also planning new facilities or have already started operating them.

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Haribo plans to invest 300 million euros in a new plant in Neuss, where it will produce Maoam in a particularly sustainable manner on an area the size of 20 football fields.

International growth momentum from India and Brazil

Internationally, India is increasingly developing into a high-growth market for mechanical and plant engineering. According to the VDMA Business Climate Survey, 62 per cent of member companies there expect the business situation to improve, with sales growth of 9 per cent for 2025/2026.

Brazil is also developing positively, with sales growth of 13 per cent in 2024. 31 percent of those surveyed currently report a good business situation. Companies expect 7 per cent growth for 2025. At FCE Pharma and FCE Cosmetique, the largest events for their respective markets in Latin America, taking place in S&atilde;o Paulo from 10 to 12 June 2025, mechanical engineering is currently receiving new impetus. The two trade fairs are part of N&uuml;rnbergMesse&#39;s Processing Alliance, from which exhibitors and visitors to POWTECH TECHNOPHARM benefit.

Author

<img height="300" src="http://admin.ipbexpo.com/uploads/editor/20250924/5992e1ff9d067d592eec09834c75cadf.png" width="300" />

Dr. Ulla Reutner

Chemist and freelance specialised journalist

Economic situation in mechanical engineering: growth impetus from process engineering

Efficient separation of bulk solids: Overview of filtration and separation technology

Whether powder, granulate, or mixed material &ndash; modern filtration and separation technology plays a key role in the bulk materials industry. Different technologies are used depending on the task and material: from screening machines to cyclones to centrifuges. The overview shows how diverse the range of separation processes is and what is important in practical use.

Written by Marius Schaub

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In quarries, in food production, in the chemical industry: separation technology is used almost everywhere where bulk materials are processed.

In the bulk solids industry, the targeted separation of particles is a central component of almost all processes &ndash; whether to ensure product quality, increase efficiency, or comply with legal requirements. Filtration and separation ensure that unwanted components are removed, materials are sorted, or brought to defined properties.

Across all industries, from food and chemicals to building materials and recycling, separation technology is crucial for clean, consistent, and economical production processes. The requirements are as diverse as the materials used.

Screening and classification: mechanical separation according to grain size

Screening is one of the most fundamental processes in bulk material technology. Vibrating, drum, or flat screen machines are used to mechanically separate particles of different sizes.

Whether for control screening at the end of a production line, safety screening for sensitive products, or precise classification of fine-grained materials, screening technology is indispensable in bulk material processing.

Typical areas of application: sugar, plastic granulate, gravel, cement, animal feed

Air and wind separation: Separation by density and flow

Where mechanical processes reach their limits, aerodynamic separation processes come into play. Wind separators, cyclones, or flow classifiers use air currents to separate particles according to their density, shape, or size.

This technology is particularly suitable for mixtures with fine or light components &ndash; for example, for separating paper flakes in plastic recycling or for cleaning grain.

Typical areas of application: Plastic recycling, flour processing, light material separation

Magnetic separation and metal separation

Metal contaminants pose a risk in many processes &ndash; both to product purity and to machine safety. Magnetic separators (permanent or electromagnetic) are an efficient means of removing ferrous and non-ferrous metals from bulk materials.

In the food industry, such systems are often part of HACCP concepts, while in the recycling industry they ensure the quality of single-type material flows.

Typical areas of application: food processing, plastic and metal recycling, pharmaceuticals

Filtration of solids from liquids

Although bulk material technology focuses on dry materials, moist solids or suspensions often need to be dewatered or filtered. Chamber filter presses, belt filters, or vacuum filters separate solids from liquids &ndash; often as a pre- or post-treatment.

This form of filtration plays an important role, especially in sludge, abrasive particles, or in combination with washing and cleaning processes.

Typical areas of application: wet processing, sludge treatment, chemical production

Centrifuges and decanters: Separation by centrifugal force

Centrifuges offer the necessary separation precision for particularly fine particles or complex multiphase mixtures. In decanters and separators, centrifugal force is used to separate substances of different densities from each other &ndash; either continuously or in batch operation.

These systems are powerful but energy-intensive. Their use is therefore particularly worthwhile for high-quality products or heavily contaminated suspensions.

Typical areas of application: pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals

Trends &amp; innovations in separation technology

Separation technology is constantly evolving &ndash; not only in terms of the machines themselves, but also with regard to digitalization, sustainability, and process integration:

<ul>
	<li>Smart systems analyze screening results in real time and automatically adjust parameters.</li>
	<li>Energy efficiency is promoted through optimized drives, demand-based controls, and adaptive processes.</li>
	<li>Resource efficiency is reflected in lower product loss and better yield.</li>
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Conclusion: The right solution for every task

Filtration and separation are not standard processes, but must always be tailored to the respective material, process conditions, and desired results. The diversity of technologies in bulk solids processing makes it possible to solve almost any challenge &ndash; provided that the right process is selected and integrated in a meaningful way.

If you want to stay up to date, you should seek out experts &ndash; for example, at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM. Here, technology, practice, and innovation come together and participants engage in conversation.

Experience it live now: Modern separation technology at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM

Discover the entire range of filtration and separation technology for the bulk solids industry &ndash; at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM. Meet suppliers and users, discuss current challenges, and experience innovative systems in live operation.

Are you interested in this topic? Then come to POWTECH TECHNOPHARM and experience this and many other topics live at the trade fair. Get your free ticket here with the following code: PTTP25Insights

Author

<img height="300" src="http://admin.ipbexpo.com/uploads/editor/20250922/f50869d059cfc2dd159726f494d87967.png" width="300" />

Marius Schaub

Efficient separation of bulk solids: Overview of filtration and separation technology

This Guest

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Paolo Carnelli，Marketing&amp;Sales director,

WAM Bulk Handling Machinery International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 
 
<img alt="" height="281" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/public/images/94280bed46eba3995e608e470a1428e.png" width="622" /> 
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Part 1: Company History and Information of WAM

Kate: 
I am very glad to visit WAM Shanghai today and had a pleasure to sit here with Mr.Paolo Carnelli to tell us the story of WAM. Firstly, could you introduce WAM Shanghai and WAM group? 
Paolo : 
Thank you. WAM is an Italian company, born in 1968, which was a company founded by our president Vainer Marchesini. The company was founded to produce screw conveyor for the construction industry. From there our business little by little grew and we introduced new products like filters, valves, other accessories related to the construction sector. After the success we had on the Italian market, the next step for our president and for the small group of people working with him at that time they decided to grow in the European market and to go abroad and also that strategy was very successful at the end of the 70s and the beginning of the 80s. So WAM grow from a small Italian company into a company that was known all around the Europe. Many offices were opened at that time in France, Germany, Belgium and all around Europe. Then in the 80s, the strategy of the group was to move, also our sales and our products from the construction industry to other industries so that we could keep our growth more stable. So we started to customize and develop products for other industries like chemical industry, food industry, waste water industry, and agriculture industry. And so in the 90s WAM was already a company that was present almost all around the world and also present in many different sectors and industries. 
Regarding China, we came to China very early in 1986 with our first distributor in Hong Kong, who is still our customer today. We had a very long cooperation. In 1996 we opened our first fully owned company to produce a screw conveyor in Shanghai for the Chinese construction market. In those years, China started to develop especially in infrastructure so fast, so that our company started to grow very fast together with the growth of China. In China we follow the same strategy that was followed by the group in Italy and that means to grow and develop new industry like food industry, chemical industry etc. So today I would say we are an example of a very successful company in China that has grown very rapidly. Today we are a leader in this market. 
Kate: 
How many staff does WAM Shanghai have today? 
Paolo: 
In China, we have more than four hundred people. Our factory is located in Wuxi, in Shanghai we have the commercial offices. We started almost from zero. I think it is a great result for us and I think the things don&#39;t stop here, we also think that we have a great future in China. We can grow more and more. 
Kate: 
I noticed that there is a very beautiful background behind us. I believe it&#39;s the concept of your company. Could you explain some words for us? 
Paolo: 
These are the words that represent the values of our company. As you can see this is like an airport board where usually you have the name and the number of the flights. Here you can find: integrity people, passion, customer, responsibility and team. These are the words that were choose by our staff, the people working in WAM to represent our company. So these are the main value that represent today WAMGROUP.&nbsp; 
 
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Part 2: Core Products and Services Industries of WAM

Kate: 
We all know that WAM is very famous for its excellent products. Could you introduce the main products of WAM and what are the advantages of your products? 
Paolo: 
WAM was born as a produce of screw conveyor and screw conveyor is still one of our main products that where we sell and where we are successful. Other products are valves, many kinds of valves, filters and mixers. These are in brief the categories of products that we produce. If you look at our catalogue we have more than 100 products in our range. 
The advantage is that as we are based in China with the production with presales, sales, aftersales and also marketing. We are able to compete on the same level with the Chinese competitors. And as we are an Italian, a European company with a long experience of more than 50years, we have developed a very strong technology and this can be reflected in the product that we produce also here in China that absolutely have the same quality of the products that we make in Italy. 
Kate: 
Powder technologies are comparatively very stable in the world. So do you have any new technologies to share with us in recent years? Will you bring some new products technologies in IPB this July? 
Paolo: 
For sure this July we will have some products upgrades. Recently we are working both on product upgrades especially on mixers, valves, dust collectors ，screw conveyors. we are making brand new products to make brand new products takes time, so I am not sure we will be ready for this July for the IPB but for sure we will be ready next year. This year we will take a very interesting upgraded presentation. 
 
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Part 3: Industry Insight and Outlook

Kate: 
How many years have you worked in this industry? 
Paolo: 
Well I&#39;ve been in China since 2006. So it&#39;s 15 years that have been working on this market. Before I was also working for our headquarter in Italy. So it&#39;s been more than 20 years that are working in this industry. 
Kate: 
Can you share some of your thinking and expectations of this industry to our audience? 
Paolo: 
I think especially related to China we still have a lot to grow. I mean the different industry in general have a lot to grow. Industries like food industry, chemical industry, plastic industry, battery and energy related industries waste water industries. All these are industries that I think have a great future in China and we have seen just the beginning. This is a country that really has potential. I believe that is still very much undisclosed, still a lot of room to grow.&nbsp; 
Kate: 
I really appreciate your optimistic. I think you have a vision here.&nbsp; 
Paolo: 
Well I don&#39;t know if I have a vision but I can tell you that in the last 15 years the growth of China and the WAM has been really fantastic. And I&#39;m really very optimistic that we are just at the beginning. 
 
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Part 4: Opportunities and Challenges Posed by the Epidemic

Kate: 
From last year, we are facing the difficulties brought by COVID-19 pandemic. As WAM is an international company. So I&#39;m sure we are also facing some difficulties and also some opportunities brought by this panic. How did WAM solve these difficulties? 
Paolo: 
2020 was a tough year especially at the beginning when the pandemic came out. So we suffered for like 2 or 3 months like everybody and every company in China and then all around the world. After that luckily China reacted very fast. And our company could react very fast. The market recovered in a very quick and very steady way. So last year we also could grow compared to 2019 which is really a great success. And also what happened with the problem of the pandemic is that technicians and people in general from our headquarter in Italy could not travel to China as they were used to do usually. We have this kind of exchange but this could not happen last year and I believe this was at the beginning a disadvantage but then what I noticed is that our people our team our staff had to step up and take more responsibility and solve problems that before maybe they were asking to our headquarter. So I think this at the end is an advantage because here in a faster time we have a team that has become more professional and more able to take on himself more responsibilities.&nbsp; 
Kate: 
So comparing to a comparing to 2019, how is the business going of WAM? 
Paolo: 
For us it&#39;s very good. I must say much better than what we expected.&nbsp; In China the market of construction recovers very quickly. And also we can see in other industries in other sectors that the market is growing brilliant. So we take advantage from this we are very happy of our sales and our growth on the Chinese markets. 
 
&nbsp;

Part 5: Suggestions and Expectations for IPB of Powder Exhibition

Kate: 
WAM is very valuable friends of IPB for many years we have cooperated for like 10 years ago and you are our very good exhibitor? What is your expectation of IPB and how do you feel of the so many years the participation of IPB? 
Paolo: 
IPB is one of our main events for WAM during the year as an exhibition. And it&rsquo;s very much targeted on the type of customers that we are looking for. Many of the exhibitors at IPB are really our customer or our potential customers. So although the exhibition still is not very big is for sure a valuable exhibition. What we hope to find more and more is of course more and more people coming and more and more professional people coming and people that have interests in our products and to find new solutions for their needs. 
Kate: 
Yes. The customer from which industry will you expect more?&nbsp; 
Paolo: 
Well recently the battery sector is very hot. We hope to find potential customers for the battery sector but also for chemical and maybe food sector.&nbsp; 
Kate: 
Thank you very much for your suggestion IPB should find a very good direction for this year too. Thank you very much for your time and your very valuable sharing to our industry.&nbsp; 
Paolo: 
Thank you for having me for this interview. It&rsquo;s very kind of you and I wish WAM and IPB a very good success. 
&nbsp;

-end-

WAM -- the history of a famous Italian bulk processing company

Dust explosions and fires are an ongoing hazard in combustible dust processing plants. Every year facilities where products are manufactured experience loss of life and loss of property to dust fires that easily transition to a highly destructive dust explosion. Dust extraction equipment is at high risk of both dust fire and dust explosion; the combination of air flow and dust just requires an ignition source as the trigger. 
 
Just a few burning embers entering a dust collector, bin, silo, bucket elevator or other Feed Milling &amp; handling equipment are enough to ignite the fine dust. The effects of accidental fires and explosions are devastating in terms of lives lost, injuries, damage to property, damage To the environment and to business continuity. 
 
<img alt="" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/01.jpg" /> 
 
Al powder explosion in Kunshan ZhongRong, 2August,2014 
 
What does it take to Cause an Industrial Dust Explosion 
 
<img alt="" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/09.gif" /> 
 
A fire or explosion results from ignition of a combustible material (dust, gas or vapor), when mixed with oxygen in the air. When this takes place inside a process or storage enclosure, the rapid rise in pressure generates destructive Forces in milliseconds, placing personnel and property at risk. Most materials handling, processing and storage equipment is not designed to resist the pressure developed by a developing dust explosion which can reach more than 0.7MPa in about 1/10th of a second or less. Initially, such combustion proceeds below the speed of sound in air and is known as a deflagration. 
 
Without carefully designed safety measures, the speed of combustion can accelerate to higher than the speed of sound in air which is called a detonation and has the ability to generate pressures of 2 to 3 MPa. In focusing on protecting a Feed milling processing plant from the dangers of fire and deflagration, attention is placed on three technical areas of risk management including; 
1) Dust Control; 
2) Ignition Control; 
3) Injury and Damage Control 
 
Dust Control 
 
<img alt="" height="225" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/02.jpg" width="300" /> 
 
Recent picture taken from a feed mill show&nbsp; Very poor housing measures which will Eventually lead to Secondary explosion risk! 
 
To summarize, dust control is achieved by the implementation Of appropriate combinations of housekeeping and dust collection / Filtration measures. This is combined with inspection to ensure 
That these measures remain effective. A layer of dust less than 1mm thick is a concern when it covers 5% or more of a factory Surface area. Successful dust control reduces emissions of combustible dusts which in turn cuts the dust explosion risk. 
 
To quantify a combustible dust risk requires that the characteristics of the material be identified, typically by test. Key parameters include the Maximum Explosion Pressure (Pmax), the Kst (deflagration index), and the Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) of the dust. In addition, prevention and protection safety strategies require knowledge of process conditions, such as dust concentration, airflow velocity, operating pressure, temperature, and humidity. The Kst and Pmax for the grains dust material are used in the determination of all dust explosion safety measures. 
 
The higher the Kst value, the faster the rate of pressure rise due to combustion. For example, Wheat flour has a Kst Value of &gt;100 and &lt; 300 meaning it has a strong explosion characteristic and a wide range of safety risk. Smaller particle sizes are more reactive which is reflected by a higher Kst value and easier ignition. The reason; more surface area is freely accessible by the surrounding air to support combustion. Grains dust below 500 microns in size and with moisture content below 33% (dry basis) is considered to be explosive. 
 
Dust concentration is also an important technical parameter. Each dust has a &lsquo;Minimum Explosible Concentration&rsquo; (MEC) typically measured in grams per cubic meter. Grains dust can have an MEC as low as 30 grams per cubic meter. Most milling, grinding and dust collection systems have a much higher normal concentration. In the U.S., two key sources of information about Grains dust explosions are the National Fire Prevention Association NFPA 61, 2013 Standard for Agricultural &amp; Foods Industries and the Fire Protection Handbook 20th Edition Volume 1, 2008. 
Important points in the NFPA Standards, which sets minimum requirements for fire and explosion prevention and protection in the General industry, outlining general requirements and definitions include: 
&bull; A particle size of 500 microns or smaller represents a combustible dust risk. 
&bull; A hazard exists if dust is covering over 5% of horizontal surface areas with a layer of dust deeper than 3mm. 
&bull; The dust reactivity should be determined by testing to ensure that the correct safety measures are implemented based upon accurate engineering data. Tests according to ISO and ASTM Standards generate accurate values for Kst, Pmax, MIE, MEC and other parameters found to support engineered safety solutions with more than 50 years of successful implementation worldwide. 
&bull; Moisture has an effect on the propagation of dust fires and explosions; low moisture content supports very easy ignition and propagation of combustion. 
 
Ignition Control 
Understanding and monitoring potential ignition hazards at a plant provides a first layer of protection to the facility. Essential measures include proper grounding and bonding of equipment and connecting pipework or ducting as well as appropriate wiring of electrical equipment, the control of static electricity and monitoring of process equipment hot spots. Preventive maintenance programs ensure that such design safety measures remain effective. 
 
Review of dust explosion loss history proves that it is important to consider the normal and potential abnormal circumstances while evaluating processes within a plant. Many times a dust explosion is the result of an abnormal event, such as when an automated process fails and it is replaced by a temporary manual activity or a change in product packaging. For example, an Operator may be asked to empty bags of powdered material when an automated system is off line for maintenance. The Operator can himself generate excessive static electricity if not equipped with conductive safety shoes. The flow of the powder from the packaging material can generate a static charge if grounding measures are not in place. At all times, the Operator is at risk, working in a dusty environment that will exceed the Minimum Explosible Concentration at times. 
 
Injury and Damage Control 
Owners/operators of processing plants can choose from a range of safety measures to meet established American, European and Chinese Standards for combustible dust processes. 
 
<img alt="" height="127" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/03.jpg" width="173" /> 
 
&bull; Prevention: detection of sparks and embers traveling 
Through a dust collection system can lead to their Quenching before reaching an area of high dust Explosion risk such as a filtration unit. 
 
<img alt="" height="148" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/04.jpg" width="173" /> 
 
Isolation: by introducing a barrier to flame propagation that can prevent a primary dust explosion in one piece of equipment from amplifying into a typically more severe secondary event in a connected item of equipment. Solutions include chemical isolation (particularly well-suited to large or irregular shaped ducting), mechanical isolation barriers (pinch valves, knife gate valves and rotary airlocks) Explosion Venting: pressure relief is provided to process equipment by releasing the products of combustion to the atmosphere in a safe trajectory. (Flameless venting provides for over pressure protection without the release of flame to the atmosphere.) 
 
<img alt="" height="165" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/05.jpg" width="190" /> 
 
&bull; Explosion Suppression: both fire and explosion effects can be minimized by injecting a heat quenching agent into process equipment to arrest the combustion process &ndash; explosion suppression equipment responds rapidly to prevent the full development of a dust explosion, preventing a destructive overpressure from developing. 
 
<img alt="" height="208" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/06.jpg" width="280" /> 
 
In addition, an emergency action plan with properly maintained exit routes ensures the right safety response for protection of personnel. 
 
Understanding the Risks 
The course of action to minimize combustible dust explosion hazards begins preferably in the planning stages of a process by identifying the risks, determining the explosive reactivity of the combustible process dust, and implementing a combination of both prevention and protection measures. Economic considerations favor the use of explosion vent technology in terms of cost of equipment and installation. However, many factors must be considered before choosing explosion vents. Consider the following application factors: 
 
<img alt="" height="197" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/07.jpg" width="238" /> 
 
Vented Dust Explosion: 6 pounds of Corn Starch ignited in a 100 cubic foot test vessel 
 
It will usually exceed 10 meters in length and about Half this in diameter. A 50-cu-meter vessel venting From a single position will produce a flame ball over 30 meters in length and 15 meters in diameter. Simple Free venting must be to a safe location where personnel Will not be present and other equipment cannot be damaged. If venting equipment is installed indoors, can a vent duct to a safe outdoor location be provided? Vent ducts will always increase the required vent area and may not be acceptable for protecting smaller process volumes at higher Kst values. Can the required vent area be accommodated? As well as requiring the space for vent installation, can the reaction forces during venting be sustained and for tall equipment, can a near thrust neutral vent arrangement (top sidewall mounted vents) be achieved to prevent collapse during relief? 
 
If there are process inlets and outlets to the protected equipment, are these protected to prevent propagation of the deflagration to other equipment or work areas? Standards are now very clear in requiring isolation of vented equipment to prevent secondary explosions. Secondary explosion risks are typically much greater in their potential for damage and destruction. 
Can the cleanup of a vented explosion be accepted? Depending upon the design basis adopted, a vented explosion may require replacement of capital equipment components that have become damaged by the pressure wave, resulting in loss of production while delivery is awaited. 
 
What will the neighbors think? Vented explosion is a spectacular event that will draw considerable community attention. 
 
As illustrated by the previous series of questions posed for a vented dust explosion application, each process needs to be considered both alone and as a component of a production facility to ensure implementation of the right explosion protection and prevention technology. There are always options for dust explosion risk management. The technical solutions adopted must take proper account of the practical needs of each process. 
 
Conclusion 
In closing, Dust explosions can be prevented by following established American, European and Chinese GB Safety Standards through deployment of engineered safety systems. Risk analysis must include the normal and the unusual events in plant operating conditions. It is often the unusual that provides the trigger to a combustible dust fire or explosion. Once a risk management plan is in place, a strict &ldquo;management of change policy&rdquo; is required that will catch the consequences of product material changes, hardware changes, and procedural changes. Dust explosion risk management requires periodic revisiting even at the best protected facility. 
 
For further information please visit our website @ www.bsbipd.com or www.bsbipd.cn. 
If you have any question, Contact BS&amp;B expert: Kevin Zhang, Kevin.zhang@bsbglobal.com.cn 
 
<img alt="" height="81" src="https://admin.ipbexpo.com/upfile/N/news/20180301/08.jpg" width="91" />

Mitigating Dust Explosion Risk in Combustible Dust Process plants 

Shanghai, Oct 13, 2016 - N&uuml;rnbergMesse, a globally successful trade fair company with the rapid development of exhibitor customized services, advanced technology exploration and vertical marketing expertise, will collaborate with Chinese Society of Particuology and the Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering, JAPAN (APPIE) to organize a unique platform &ldquo;The 14th International Powder &amp; Bulk Solids Processing Conference &amp; Exhibition (IPB)&rdquo;. IPB 2016 will be held in Shanghai Convention &amp; Exhibition Center of International Sourcing (Shanghai-CECIS) from 19 October to 21 October, 2016. IPB has witnessed cultivation history of Chinese powder and bulk solids processing industry for more than ten years, annually held in Shanghai as an industry benchmarking grand meeting, which has been permeating upstream-downstream industries and covering broader fields. In IPB 2016, nearly 200 exhibitors in the fields of crushing, grinding, screening, drying, mixing, filtering, conveying, packing, testing, safety explosion prevention etc. will gather in up to 6,000 square meters venue, with expected more than 7,000 trade visitors. IPB 2016 will compose an amazing chapter in the Chinese powder and bulk solids processing industry once again. Previews to Key Exhibitors and Trade Visitors IPB exhibiting ratio of international products is over 30%. Basic powder processing and plant engineering exhibitors, such as NETZSCH (Germany), NEUMAN &amp; ESSER (Germany), SWECO (USA), Ohkawara Dryers (Japan), DEC (Switzerland), Eirich (Germany), KAWATA (Japan), Compass (Singapore), DY P&amp;F (Korea), Dynamic Air (USA) etc., are powerful branding at IPB. Domestic exhibitors with high quality, such as Jiangsu Miyou, Zhejiang Fengli, Guangdong PUHLER, Hanrui Puzer, Guangdong Ongoal, Hefei Xulong etc., glorify IPB this year. The world's leading particle analysis characterization companies, such as Malvern (UK), Sympatec (Germany), Bettersize (China), OMEC (China), DKSH (China), etc., continually show innovative technologies at IPB. Along with this, VIP buyers from six main application industries are successfully invited to IPB 2016, including chemistry, pharmaceutical, pit and quarry, ceramic and glass, food and feed, generation industries. VIP buyer representatives include Henkel, Bayer, Basf, Shanghai Pharmaceutical, BTR, Lanxess, Wison, Castel, Wrigley, Glanbia, Iluka. The majority of representatives are aiming in ordering equipment or researching market before purchase. IPB 2016 is to accomplish a great achievement with concerted efforts. Focus on Accompanying Programs Innovation Corner - the first edition of Innovation Corner for latest processing equipments and solutions will be held, which is an onsite stage/showroom inside the venue during the event. 8 exhibitors are selected as leading powder suppliers to present their products for 2016 professional visitors. This corner will absolutely become one of the most attractive parts of IPB 2016, which could increase the adhesiveness for exhibitors and visitors. Growth Trend of Visitors from Pharmaceutical Industry - The 2016 show features the first ever &ldquo;Pharmaceutical Powder Technology Seminar&rdquo;, which is expected to attract hundreds of new visitors from the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The seminar is co-organized by N&uuml;rnbergMesse China and our media partner 360 Powder and it features such prolific speakers as Dr. Martin Bornh&ouml;ft from the International Association for Pharmaceutical Technology (APV) and Tim Freeman from Freeman Technologies, as well as other international and Chinese experts. World Well-known Explosion Prevention Experts gather at IPB - IND EX&reg; gathers more than 10 experts joining in 2016 IND EX&reg; Safety Symposium. This symposium takes place in parallel to the IPB show every two years. It comprises presentations of state-of-the-art explosion protection solutions and concepts as well as scientific input on codes and standards. Green Bridge for Visitors During the period of exhibition, all the pre-registration visitors can get reimbursement for taxi cost from nearest metro station (Weining Rd. or LoushanGuan Rd.) to exhibition venue CECIS( No. 2739, West Guangfu Rd., Putuo District, Shanghai). It will benefit visitors to arrive in intentional booths in a fastest way, and making the appointment with exhibitors as much as possible. Parallel conference programme offers wealth of know-how As well as the broad range of products on display in the exhibition halls, knowledge transfer is also a focus of the IPB 2016. The accompanying conference programme once again promises knowledge and expertise from professionals and provides a great networking opportunity for industry insiders from China and around the world. More information about the event and the programme of the accompanying conference will shortly be available from: www.ipbexpo.com Member in POWTECH WORLD IPB profits from our POWTECH WORLD. This portfolio features POWTECH and PARTEC in N&uuml;rnberg, POWTECH and FCE Pharma in Brazil, Powder Bulk Solids India in Mumbai and the International Powder &amp; Bulk Solids Processing Conference &amp; Exhibition in Shanghai. Exhibitors and visitors from China and abroad are regularly attracted to attend these shows. Powtech Worldwide： Powtech - N&uuml;rnberg，Germany： 26-28 September, 2017 Powder &amp; Bulk Solids India - Mumbai，India： 11-13 October, 2018 IPB - Shanghai, China 16-18 October, 2017 Organisers of IPB N&uuml;rnbergMesse China Co., Ltd. Chinese Society of Particuology IPB partners Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering, Japan Domestic exhibitor contact N&uuml;rnbergMesse China Co., Ltd. Helen Lin, Project Director Tel +86 (0)21 60 36-12 25 helen.lin@nm-china.com.cn International exhibitors contact N&uuml;rnbergMesse GmbH Julia Niederg&ouml;ker, Project Manager Tel. +49 (0)911 86 06-82 32 Julia.Niedergoeker@nuernbergmesse.de Media contact N&uuml;rnbergMesse GmbH Marion Freitag, Christina Freund Tel. +49 (0)911 86 06-83 55 christina.freund@nuernbergmesse.de