Water places the highest demands on technology and processes – and immediately reveals their quality. In this interview, INVENT provides insights into current industry challenges, technological trends, and strategic developments for 2026. The focus lies on system thinking, energy-efficient solutions, and innovative technologies for future-proof wastewater treatment.
Why is water such an important topic for you?
Water is unforgiving – it makes processes immediately transparent. Every tiny change in inflow, hydraulics, or biology has an immediate effect. That’s exactly why systems thinking is essential – fluid mechanics, process engineering, and measurement and control technology from a single source, robust in operation and safely controllable.
What are your plans for 2026?
2026 will be a strong year of growth for us: We are scaling INVENT, continuing to roll out our iSBR®/iGSR®-Systems internationally, and systematically expanding our presence in North and South America. At the same time, we will continue to promote our iTUBRO®-Blowers, our iFILT DYNAMIX®-Disk Filters, and our completely redesigned ALPHAMETER® 2.0.
What do customers expect from your company?
Customers expect reliable flow values and stable flow rates despite hydraulic, material, and biological fluctuations. They want robust, energy-efficient technology, clear and easy-to operate measurement, control, and regulation concepts, and low downtimes – along with an experienced, reliable partner who can deliver design, engineering, supply, installation, commissioning, and training.
What are the biggest challenges for your company in 2026?
The biggest challenge is the general conditions in Germany/Europe: high energy prices, a lot of bureaucracy, and growing regulatory pressure – plus a declining training base. At the same time, we must remain globally competitive. This would require significantly more predictable, industry-friendly conditions.
What technological trends are you observing?
We are seeing a clear trend in wastewater treatment toward Sequencing Batch Reactor processes, especially in combination with granular sludge. At the same time, interest in MBBR systems with plastic carriers is declining: the issue of abrasion/microplastics is being viewed with increasing criticality. This effect is less pronounced in fixed film systems, but the operational risk increases, e.g., due to worm infestation. Overall, we see the future clearly in granular SBR systems.
Why and how are sustainability and resource conservation anchored in the company?
Sustainability is already anchored in INVENT‘s engineering. We develop machines and systems with minimal energy requirements, high oxygen utilization, and durable, repairable components. Material selection, clean design, service, and retrofitting extend life cycles – many INVENT mixers have been running for over 30 years.
What advantages do you see over other players in the industry?
Our advantage is fluid mechanics and process engineering plus systems thinking. We combine process know-how with our own hardware and automation – from mixing, aeration, solid/liquid separation to iSBR®/iGSR®-Systems. Robust, cleanly designed, and reliably implemented worldwide.
What are your company’s expectations for IFAT?
For us, IFAT is less of a showcase and more of a working platform. We want direct exchange with operators, planners, and industry from all over the world. With real operating data and specific questions. If this results in concrete projects, the exhibition will have been a success for us.
What are you personally looking forward to at IFAT?
I am looking forward to the many discussions with operators, planners, and customers – to specific tasks and direct exchange at the booth. And, to be honest, I am also looking forward to the special IFAT atmosphere and a proper Wiener Schnitzel with asparagus after a long day at the exhibition.
What new products and technologies for sustainability transformation in industry and municipalities will you be presenting at IFAT?
We are bringing some real innovations to IFAT: our iTURBO®-Blower with new AIRMAG Hybrid Bearings, our submerged iFILT DYNAMIX®-Disk Filter with higher throughput and lower pressure loss, and a further refined iSBR®/iGSR®-System. In addition, a new ALPHAMETER® 2.0 that now also measures N2O – technology that works and is measurable.
