From 9 to 11 September 2026, German RETech Partnership e.V. participated in IFAT India 2026 in Mumbai, India’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, solid waste, and recycling. Over three days, RETech and its members engaged with industry stakeholders, policymakers, municipal representatives, project developers, and technology providers from across India and beyond, showcasing German expertise and strengthening international cooperation in waste management and circular economy solutions.
Strong Presence at the German Pavilion
Throughout the exhibition, visitors met the RETech team at the German Pavilion and connected with German companies offering innovative solutions across the waste management value chain. The event provided an excellent platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing project opportunities, and fostering new partnerships between German and Indian stakeholders.
Expert Discussions at the IFAT Orange Stage
A highlight of RETech’s participation was the organization of two expert panel discussions at the IFAT Orange Stage.
Integrated OFMSW Management in India: From Biogas to Carbon-Rich Soil Amendments
This session explored how organic municipal waste streams can be transformed into renewable energy and valuable soil amendments through effective collection, treatment, and resource recovery systems. Experts discussed practical approaches for increasing resource efficiency while reducing environmental impacts and contributing to sustainable urban development.
Maximizing Resource Recovery from Mixed Waste in India: A Circular Economy Approach through Recycling and RDF-Based Energy Recovery
The second panel focused on strategies for maximizing resource recovery from mixed municipal waste through improved sorting, recycling, and RDF-based energy recovery. The discussion highlighted the potential to reduce landfill dependency, recover valuable materials, and support India’s transition towards a circular economy.
The strong participation and lively exchange during both sessions underscored the growing importance of innovative waste management solutions and the continued interest in German expertise and technologies.
India-Germany Networking Session Strengthens Cooperation
As part of IFAT India 2026, RETech co-organized the India-Germany Networking Session on Waste Management, Recycling and Circular Economy Opportunities together with the Agentur für Wirtschaft und Entwicklung (AWE), the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), and GIZ India, with support from IFAT India and Indus Eco Partners.
The session brought together representatives from the Government of India, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Indian state governments and municipalities, international development institutions, German and Indian companies, industry associations, and business networks. The discussions demonstrated the strong momentum for deeper cooperation between India and Germany in the fields of waste management, recycling, and circular economy.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between German RETech Partnership and GIZ India, marking an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between the two organizations.
Through this partnership, RETech and GIZ India will support initiatives under the projects:
- Waste Solutions for a Circular Economy in India
- Gender in Smart Cities / Resilient Urban Development: Gender and Digital Approaches as Drivers for Sustainable Growth and Recovery in Cities
Valuable Exchange and New Partnerships
In addition to the official programme, RETech members participated in numerous meetings with public and private sector stakeholders, explored new business opportunities, and continued discussions during networking events, including a reception hosted by the German Consulate General.
The many conversations throughout the week highlighted the shared commitment of German and Indian stakeholders to advancing sustainable waste management practices, increasing resource efficiency, and accelerating the transition to a circular economy.
Looking Ahead
IFAT India 2026 once again demonstrated the strong potential for Indo-German cooperation in the waste management and recycling sector. German RETech Partnership would like to thank all partners, speakers, exhibitors, and participants who contributed to the success of the event.
We look forward to building on the valuable connections established in Mumbai and turning dialogue into concrete projects, long-term partnerships, and sustainable solutions for the future.
