Organisers of this year's IFAT in Germany are highlighting its national and special themes in the run up to the May 5 to 9 event in Munich,
''For many years the "Country Specials" have been a firm feature in the events programme at IFAT,'' said a spokeswoman. ''This is an opportunity to take a close look at what is happening in selected markets around the world, a chance to review the challenges faced there and weigh up the solutions offered in up-and-coming markets, as well as established ones.''
This year India, China and Mexico/Central America will be in the spotlight in three Country Specials organised by Messe München in cooperation with the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection (StMUV).
Alongside the focus on individual countries, a range of themes of social and political importance will be considered in depth in dedicated lecture blocks. StMUV is again taking part, organising a Theme Special on recycling phosphorus, featuring short talks given by Dr. Marcel Huber, the Bavarian Minister of the Environment and Consumer Protection, and Professor Dr. Klaus Töpfer, Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS, Potsdam).
The Federation of the German Waste, Water and Raw Materials Management Industry (BDE) is putting on panel discussions on waste disposal logistics, waste management and aircraft recycling. The panel discussion on "Conservation of resources by means of closed cycle waste management" is being organised by the BDE in cooperation with the BMUB, the German Association of Local Utilities (VKU) and the Federal Association for Secondary Raw Materials and Waste Management (bvse).