The 3rd edition of IFAT Africa, the major trade fair for water, wastewater treatment, waste and recycling, will be held from July 9 to 11, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This biennial event will provide a forum for exchange between water and waste management professionals in Africa. This year’s major innovation: the exhibition will be held in parallel with FDT Africa, the trade fair for food and beverage technology in Africa. This linkage will benefit FDT visitors and IFAT Africa exhibitors, as the beverage industry faces multiple environmental challenges.
Global warming and population growth in Africa complicate access to drinking water and the sharing of this resource, of which the food and beverage industry is a major consumer. The issue of good wastewater management is also at the centre of environmental challenges in Africa.
Finally, the ban on plastics, which is currently multiplying on the African continent, is forcing major manufacturers in the plastics sector to invest in the process. Some brewers have already taken the step by contracting with recycling companies. Coca-Cola, like other soft drink producers, is in the spotlight of the authorities, who aim to reduce plastic pollution at source. The American company produces 250 million plastic bottles in East Africa every year. Several East African countries are threatening to ban these plastic bottles. In response to the issue, the American company promises to recycle each bottle it manufactures within 12 years, 25% by the end of 2018 and the rest by 2030. It already owns a recycling plant in Kampala, Uganda, and could set up another in Kenya. Last December, the American giant went further, announcing that it would invest $38 billion over three years to encourage waste recycling in Africa.
The synergy between IFAT Africa and FDT Africa clearly seems to be fruitful. IFAT Africa exhibitors are presenting equipment and materials for water extraction and treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution and sewers, waste disposal and recycling, energy efficiency technologies, pollution treatment and decontamination, measurement, control and laboratory techniques, and environmental management.
IFAT Africa expects 6,000 visitors and the exhibition is organised by Messe München, who manages IFAT in Munich, the world’s largest environmental trade fair, which has also been held in China, India and Turkey. IFAT Africa will be held from July 9 to 11, 2019 in South Africa at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.
For more information: https://ifat-africa.com