IFAT – The world’s leading trade fair for our industries

IFAT Munich 2028 – EXPERIENCE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY. SHAPE THE FUTURE.

THE WORLD'S LEADING TRADE FAIR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES – VAK WILL BE THERE AGAIN!

 
From May 29 to June 1, 2028, Munich will once again become the international meeting point for the environmental technology industry. IFAT Munich brings together companies, industry experts and decision-makers from around the world, providing a key platform for innovative technologies, forward-looking solutions and professional exchange.

VAK e.V. will once again be part of IFAT Munich in 2028! Following a successful appearance in 2026, we look forward to showcasing the innovative strength and capabilities of the municipal vehicle and equipment industry together with our member companies. Whether at our joint exhibition stand, through live demonstrations or in expert discussions, IFAT offers a wide range of opportunities to highlight our industry and showcase its technologies in action.

Registration for IFAT Munich 2028 is now open, and preparations for VAK's next trade fair appearance are getting underway. We will provide updates on our planned activities and participation opportunities in due course.

May 29 – June 1, 2028 | Messe München 

All information about IFAT can be found here.>

THE VAK IS ENDORSING SPONSOR OF IFAT.

A SHOWCASE FOR EXPERTISE

The VAK is an endorsing sponsor of IFAT, where some 3,000 exhibitors from around the globe, including the VAK itself, present their innovations in the fields of water, sewage, refuse and raw materials management.

The VAK has come up with a number of ideas: members and other interested visitors can obtain up-to-the-minute information on technologies and innovations at our joint VAK stand. At our VAK Truck in Action Show, visitors can moreover experience our member companies’ vehicles – and hence state-of-the-art technology – at first hand.

VAK TRUCK IN ACTION SHOW: EXPERIENCE LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS UP CLOSE

At this show, you will see innovative new vehicles and bodies. The VAK Truck in Action Show offers you the opportunity to obtain detailed explanations of the processes and workflows of the vehicles and bodies. VAK members from five working committees send their trucks and machines onto the stage for live demonstrations and presentations of the complete range of municipal processes.

Another highlight is the VAK Innovation Award, which is now traditionally presented on the first day of the trade fair at 01:00 p.m. Be there and look forward to innovations, ideas and impulses! More information about the VAK Innovation Award can be found here.>

Review | IFAT 2026

IFAT 2026 Review: Showcasing Our Industry Together

Four intensive days at the trade fair, countless encounters, innovative vehicle technologies and plenty of professional exchange: IFAT 2026 once again served as the central meeting point for VAK e.V., its member companies and the municipal vehicle and equipment industry.

With a comprehensive programme and strong participation from our members, we were able to showcase the diversity and innovative strength of our industry in a variety of ways – through live demonstrations, expert discussions and our joint exhibition stand.

VAK Joint Exhibition Stand – The Industry Marketplace

With a new, open stand concept, the VAK joint exhibition stand at IFAT 2026 served as a central meeting point for members, customers, partners and international trade visitors.

22 co-exhibitors and 12 vehicles on display used the shared platform to present their products, services and innovations. At the same time, the stand provided plenty of opportunities for personal conversations, new business contacts and networking within the industry.

The joint exhibition was complemented by the Liquid Waste Management Theme Park. Featuring five vehicles as well as various manufacturer and component solutions, this dedicated exhibition area brought together another important segment of municipal technology and presented practical solutions for the industry.

Truck in Action Show – Experience Municipal Technology Live

One of the highlights was once again the VAK Truck in Action Show. A total of 45 vehicles from 16 companies demonstrated the capabilities of modern municipal vehicles and equipment in live action.

From street sweeping and winter maintenance equipment to waste collection vehicles, alternative drive systems and other innovative vehicle solutions, visitors had the opportunity not only to see the technology on display but also to experience it in operation.

The show was hosted and moderated by Sidney Hoffmann, who, together with the participating companies, introduced the vehicles, their technical features and special functions to a broad professional audience.

The vehicle demonstrations were also captured on video. Recordings of the Truck in Action Show are available on the VAK1956 YouTube channel, providing an opportunity to explore the vehicles and technologies presented even after the trade fair.

VAK Panel Discussions – Shaping the Future of the Industry Through Dialogue

Technological developments alone are not enough to shape the future of an industry. Progress also requires dialogue, different perspectives and a willingness to address current challenges together.

Through its panel discussions, VAK brought together representatives from industry, municipalities, associations and other specialist fields.

The discussions focused on key topics shaping the future of the industry, including alternative drive systems, sustainable production and the circular economy, skilled labour shortages and employer branding, autonomous driving and cybersecurity in digital municipalities. The programme was complemented by an expert talk on efficient winter road maintenance using pre-wetted salt and brine.

The discussions provided a platform for different viewpoints, practical experiences and fresh ideas, highlighting the importance of cross-industry dialogue for the continued development of municipal technology.

All panel discussions were recorded and are available to watch in full on the VAK YouTube channel.

VAK Innovation Award 2026 – Recognising Ideas for the Future

Another major highlight was the presentation of the VAK Innovation Award 2026.

With a total of 17 innovations submitted, the industry once again demonstrated its remarkable capacity for technological development and innovation. An independent panel of experts evaluated the submissions and honoured the most outstanding developments at IFAT.

The Innovation Award provides a platform for new ideas, technological advancements and solutions that offer tangible benefits to users and municipalities. It also highlights the dedication and commitment of companies across our industry to developing the solutions of tomorrow.

A Successful IFAT Built on a Strong Community

A trade fair presence of this scale depends on the people and companies who contribute to making it happen. We would therefore like to extend our sincere thanks to all participating member companies, exhibitors, vehicle manufacturers, speakers, panellists, moderators, partners and supporters.

The outstanding commitment of our members played a vital role in enabling VAK to showcase the full diversity of the municipal vehicle and equipment industry at IFAT 2026.

For our industry, IFAT remains much more than just a trade fair: it is an international meeting point, an innovation platform, a networking opportunity and a showcase for the technologies and solutions that municipalities need today and in the future.

As IFAT 2026 comes to a close, we are already looking ahead to the next edition.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2028!

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Review | IFAT 2024

At the IFAT 2024 in Munich, VAK e.V. once again presented itself as a central player in the waste and municipal sector. From May 13th to 17th, visitors were able to experience the latest innovations and developments in the areas of waste management, recycling and municipal technology in our VAK tent and at the Truck in Action Show. VAK e.V. offered exciting insights into future-oriented technologies and sustainable solutions that pave the way to a more environmentally friendly future. The exchange with experts and industry colleagues made it clear how VAK e.V. is actively involved in shaping the environmental economy. We would like to thank all visitors for their great interest and the valuable discussions that made this trade fair a complete success.

A special highlight of IFAT 2024 was the awarding of the VAK Innovation Prize, which honors outstanding technological advances and creative solutions in waste and municipal management. In the vehicle/equipment category, first place went to Brock Kehrtechnik GmbH  for its fully electric 6m³ large sweeper BROCK VS6e. The second prize was shared by FFG Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KG with its overall concept for the introduction of the electric vacuum and flushing vehicle as a recycler and  for its SUPER 1000 e-tec, a fully electric sewer cleaner with water recycling. Third place went to HIAB Germany GmbH for the MULTILIFT Ultima ZERO.

In the assembly/component/control technology category, first prize was awarded to Zöller-Kipper GmbH for the SmartScan - waste detection in real time. FAUN Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KG received second prize for the FAUN Safety User Display (SUD).

The award winners set new standards in the industry with their innovative solutions and impressively demonstrate how technological advances can contribute to sustainability and efficiency in the environmental economy. Congratulations to the winners!

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Review | IFAT 2022

After the Corona break, current trends and topics in the environmental industry were once again presented at IFAT 2022. In the VAK joint tent, 12 member companies and the VAK Juniors presented themselves. Information and discussions were held on topics such as sustainability, alternative drive technologies and energy efficiency in innovation forums, discussions and lectures. At the Truck in Action Show, IFAT visitors were able to get a closer look at the latest work equipment and municipal vehicles and see them in action. Indoors and outdoors, the all-electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles, among others, thrilled visitors and professionals.

The Innovation Award was presented by VAK e.V. for the third time. New, forward-looking vehicle and equipment developments from various sectors were honoured in two categories.
First place was awarded to Kanalreiniger.eu Handelsgesellschaft mbH with its all-electric suction flushing vehicle suitable for deep garages. Second prize was awarded by the jury to the Jungo 3.0, a fully electric multifunctional vehicle from Junge AG. The third prize went to the eDrive battery-powered crane from Palfinger GmbH.

All prize winners and their innovations can be found here.

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Review | IFAT 2018

About a dozen member companies exhibited in the VAK tent at IFAT 2018. DIN e. V. presented the latest developments in the field of measuring the environmental efficiency of municipal vehicles. ARÜSDER, our neighbouring association from Turkey was also represented.
In addition to the VAK tent, many visitors attended the VAK Truck in Action Show to inform themselves about the latest technologies, vehicles and innovations. The audience was once again delighted to experience the technology live. Presenter Désirée Duray explained the highlights of the vehicles with her respective interview partners. 

For the second time, the VAK presented its Innovation Award for new, future-oriented vehicle and equipment developments from various industries in two categories.
FAUN Umwelttechnik convinced the jury with BLUEPOWER in the category “Vehicle/Equipment”, while Müller Umwelttechnik and Zoeller-Kipper won with MU-COCKPIT and CLEAN OPTION in the category “Assembly/Component/Control Technology”.
All award winners and their innovations can be found here.>

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Review | IFAT 2016

In 2016, the VAK stand and the VAK Truck in Action Show attracted many visitors. In addition to the association itself, numerous members exhibited in the 1,200-square-metre VAK tent. In the show area, visitors could experience the manufacturers’ vehicles and their innovations live. In cooperation with the GGAWB (Quality Control Association of Waste and Recycling Containers), in particular, the practical handling of underground collection containers was demonstrated. 

Moreover, the first VAK Innovation Award was presented with great success at IFAT 2016. Numerous great submissions from our members and the happy winners encouraged the VAK to make the award a permanent fixture. 
In the category “Vehicle/Equipment”, our member System Alpenluft received the award for its Wasteloop product and in the category “Assembly/Component/Control Technology”, our member FAUN Umwelttechnik won the 1st prize for its innovative Reversing Safety System – RSS.
All award winners and their innovations can be found here.>

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