Istanbul, May 20, 2026
Press Release
IFAT Munich 2026: A Strategic Transformation in Environmental Technologies
During IFAT Munich 2026, held from May 4–7, 2026, environmental technologies were highlighted as a rapidly evolving strategic sector extending beyond sustainability to encompass resource security, the circular economy, resilient infrastructure and industrial competitiveness.
Reaffirming its position as the world’s leading trade fair for environmental technologies, IFAT welcomed more than 3,300 exhibitors and over 142,000 visitors from 170 countries.
Commenting on behalf of Namık Sarıgöl, Exhibitions Manager at EKO Fuarcılık, the organizer of the IFAT Eurasia, stated that environmental technologies have evolved into a strategic industry encompassing resource management and industrial transformation. He noted that the European Green Deal and global carbon reduction targets continue to accelerate this transition.
Sarıgöl also emphasized that environmental technologies have become one of the world’s fastest-growing strategic industries. He highlighted Türkiye’s strong participation with 116 exhibitors, underlining the country’s emergence as one of the leading manufacturing hubs in the environmental technologies sector.
Environmental Management Summit
Organized jointly by IFAT Eurasia and Ekonomi Newspaper, the Environmental Management Summit, to be held on June 3, 2026 at the Kocaeli International Congress Center, aims to bring together industrial enterprises, local authorities and environmental technology companies to develop collaborative solutions to today’s environmental challenges.
Located in one of Türkiye’s most important industrial regions, the summit will provide a platform where manufacturers and local government representatives can present their environmental challenges, while technology developers and solution providers showcase innovative and practical solutions.
The programme will also feature presentations by private sector leaders, real-world case studies, discussions on environmental technologies and sustainable waste management practices. Presentation areas and technical sessions will enable environmental technology companies to demonstrate their latest solutions under one roof.
Supported by Kocaeli’s strong industrial infrastructure, the summit is expected to become a key platform for advancing Türkiye’s green transformation agenda while contributing to the country’s sustainability goals in the lead-up to COP31.
Strategic Directions in Environmental Technologies
According to Namık Sarıgöl, environmental technologies continue to deliver innovative solutions across a wide range of disciplines, including the circular economy, water and wastewater management, solid waste management and recycling, renewable energy, and waste-to-energy technologies.
He stressed the importance of carefully evaluating these technological alternatives and selecting the most appropriate solutions based on operational requirements and environmental objectives.
Sarıgöl further noted that since 2015, IFAT Eurasia has connected technology developers with both public institutions and private sector stakeholders, serving as a leading platform for knowledge exchange and business development. He added that the Environmental Management Summit in Kocaeli marks the beginning of a broader series of regional industry events extending IFAT Eurasia’s activities beyond Istanbul.
IFAT Eurasia Returns to Istanbul in Spring 2027
Held alternately with IFAT Munich, IFAT Eurasia continues to strengthen its position as Eurasia’s Leading Trade Fair for Environmental Technologies.
The 2025 edition brought together 240 exhibitors from 14 countries, achieved an international exhibitor ratio of 41%, and welcomed approximately 10,000 industry professionals from 74 countries.
Building on its growing international recognition and strategic role connecting Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, IFAT Eurasia 2027 will take place in Istanbul from May 5–7, 2027, once again bringing together global industry leaders, technology providers and decision-makers shaping the future of environmental technologies.