Außenansicht der Messe Frankfurt mit einem prominent platzierten ACHEMA 2024-Banner. Die moderne Architektur des Gebäudes, akzentuiert durch große Fenster, glänzt im Sonnenlicht, während in der Ferne ein Hochhaus aufragt.
Guide

The Achema: The World’s Leading Trade Fair for Chemical Process Engineering

The Achema is without doubt one of the largest platforms when it comes to chemical process engineering, biotechnology and environmental technology. Every three years, the trade fair in Frankfurt opens its doors to trade visitors from all over the world. But what makes the Achema so special? How has the trade fair evolved, and which…
11. September 2024
Updated on 9. July 2026

Table of contents

The most important information at a glance

  • Broad range of topics: From digitalization and sustainable production to innovations in biotechnology
  • Over 2,800 exhibitors
  • More than 100,000 participants (2024)
  • Participants from over 140 countries
  • The next Achema will take place from June 14 to 18, 2027

The Origins of the Achema: A Trade Fair with History

With its hundredth anniversary in 2020, the Achema once again proved that it is a living testament to the innovative spirit and dedication of the international chemical and process industry. And it looks back on an impressive history. Today’s world-leading trade fair has its roots in 1920, when it was launched by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für chemisches Apparatewesen. Back then still a small event that mainly attracted German companies, the Achema has developed over the decades into a truly global institution, always mirroring the industrial developments in the chemical sector.

With the upswing of the post-war economy, the trade fair then also began to grow internationally in the 1950s. From then on, companies from all over the world made their way to Frankfurt to present their latest developments and make contacts. Even back then, the trade fair’s innovative power was astonishing: many of the technologies considered standard in the chemical industry today were first presented at the Achema.

The Path to the Modern Era

The introduction of new exhibition areas and the continuous adaptation to the needs of the sector demonstrate the Achema’s ambition to stay on the pulse of the times. Topics such as environmental technology, biotechnology and, most recently, digitalization have become integral parts of the trade fair program and reflect the changing challenges facing the industry. The impressive key figures prove that the world’s leading trade fair has not gone out of fashion: every three years, over 100,000 visitors flock to Frankfurt to find out about the latest trends and technologies. With an exhibition area of more than 110,000 square meters, the trade fair offers plenty of space for presenting groundbreaking innovations and discussing the industry’s most pressing questions.

There is a lively bustle at the exhibitors' stands in the busy Achema congress center. The brightly lit room with white walls and large windows is decorated with company signs and banners. On the right, a few people are sitting on red benches, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights of the Achema: What You Should Not Miss

At the Achema, there are countless highlights that make the heart of every technology and chemistry enthusiast beat faster. Some of the most exciting innovations and concepts can be found in the trade fair’s special themed worlds. Here are our favorites:

  1. Digital Laboratory of the Future: Are you up to date? The integration of digital technologies into laboratory processes is one of the hottest topics in the industry. At the Achema, visitors can experience how digitalization will transform the laboratory of the future – from automated workflows to networked devices that exchange data in real time
  2. Sustainable Production: With growing awareness of environmental and climate protection, sustainable production is becoming ever more important. The Achema places a special focus on this topic and shows how the chemical industry can reduce its ecological footprint. For example, new recycling methods and energy-efficient production processes are among the most closely watched solutions of the future.
  3. Biotechnology and Pharma: There is also plenty to discover at the Achema in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. Particularly exciting are the developments in the field of personalized medicine and the use of artificial intelligence in drug discovery.
  4. The Start-up Arena: Innovations often emerge in small companies working away from the large industrial corporations. In the Achema’s Start-up Arena, visitors can get to know these up-and-coming companies and experience their pioneering ideas up close.

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Our Tips for Your Trade Fair Visit: How to Get the Most Out of the Achema

Planning is everything

Before you set off for the trade fair, you should draw up a clear plan. Take a look at the exhibitor directory, mark the stands that interest you most and create a route that spares you unnecessary walking.

Comfortable footwear pays off

The Achema is big – very big. Visitors often underestimate the size of the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. Our tip: comfortable footwear is a must!

Don’t forget networking

The Achema is an excellent opportunity to make new contacts and cultivate existing business relationships. So don’t forget to pack enough business cards and allow time for conversations.

Take advantage of the digital Achema

If you don’t have time to attend all the lectures and events on site, you can also access much of the content online. The digital Achema offers a wide range of videos and webinars that you can watch from the comfort of your own home.

Relax afterwards

After a long day at the trade fair, it’s time to unwind. How about a stroll along the banks of the Main or a visit to one of Frankfurt’s many cozy cider taverns? The city has a lot to offer, and it’s worth setting aside a little time to explore.

Our Conclusion

Even though you will have to wait a little longer for the next Achema, this leading trade fair is, for us, clearly an absolute highlight in every trade fair calendar. For anyone working in these fields, the Achema offers not only the opportunity to discover the latest trends and developments, but also to make valuable contacts and exchange views on the future challenges facing the industry. The trade fair stands as a symbol of the continuous advancement and global cohesion of the chemical and process industry. Take the chance to be inspired and experience the Achema as a showcase of global technology leadership.

Stefan Werner

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