Whether food or beverages: filtration processes are indispensable in production for high-quality products with a convincing taste and sensory appeal. FILTECH participants will experience the entire range of filtration solutions for the industry in Cologne, Germany, in November 2024. The high demand for information and exchange is reflected in the number of exhibitors: with over 570 exhibitors, this year‘s event will see an increase of more than 100 participating companies compared to 2023.

Filtration and separation are indispensable processes in the food and beverage industry. Separation technology for liquids, solids and gases plays a decisive role in ensuring the quality and safety of pro-ducts, extending shelf life and improving production efficiency. Filtration and separation also offer important opportunities to optimize products in terms of taste and sensory properties. In various segments of food and beverage production, these technologies make a significant contribution to meeting consumer requirements and complying with legal regulations.

High relevance of filtration processes in production

Filtration is a crucial step in production – for fruit juices, for example. Here, unwanted solids such as pulp, seeds and peel are removed to ensure a clear, appealing liquid that meets consumer expectations. In addition, filtration helps to remove micro-organisms, which extends the shelf life of juices and increases food safety. Techniques such as microfiltration and ultrafiltration are often used to ensure both the quality and safety of the end product.

Filtration also plays an important role in the production of baked goods when processing ingredients such as water and flour. Filtered water improves the consistency and quality of the dough, as impurities that could affect the taste or texture are removed. Filtration of the flour also ensures that no foreign bodies get into the dough, which not only guarantees product quality but also consumer safety.

Another example is the production of chocolate: it requires precise, controlled conditions in which filtration plays a central role. During the processing of cocoa liquor and cocoa butter, particles and im-purities are removed by filtration to achieve a smooth texture and pure taste. In addition, filtration helps to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for the right consistency and shelf life of the chocolate.

FILTECH 2024 – a platform for innovation and exchange FILTECH, which takes place every one and a half years in Cologne, is the world‘s leading event for filtration and separation technologies. It provides a unique platform for professionals from various industries to learn about the latest developments and trends. The event is divided into two main areas: the exhibition area and the conference.

The FILTECH exhibition area includes a large number of exhibitors presenting their latest products and technologies. Here, attendees have the opportunity to interact directly with manufacturers and suppliers to find customized solutions for their specific requirements. The exhibition area is an interactive zone where innovations are presented live, and practical applications can be discussed with the exhibitors.

The FILTECH conference, which offers a comprehensive program of lectures and workshops, will take place parallel to the trade fair. Experts from academia and industry will share their knowledge on the latest research findings, technological advances and best practices. This conference is a valuable source of information and networking as it offers insights into the latest trends and challenges in the industry.

FILTECH is an indispensable source of in-formation for manufacturers in the food and beverage industry. It offers comprehensive insights into filtration and separation technologies that are crucial for optimizing their production processes and ensuring product quality.

Numerous exhibitors at FILTECH 2024

FILTECH 2024 will feature numerous exhibitors offering specific solutions for the food and beverage industry. Among them is Donaldson Filtration Solutions (Hall 7, Stand P36). The manufacturer offers a wide range of filtration solutions for various applications in the food and beverage industry, including air and liquid filtration, sterile and process filtration as well as membrane filters, filter housings and systems.

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Hall 7, Stand R10) Freudenberg offers innovative filtration solutions that help to improve hygiene and efficiency in food production. The Viledon Nutritexx filter media have been specially developed for use in hygienically sensitive areas such as food and beverage production and drinking water filtration. With gas phase filtration, Freudenberg also offers solutions for the removal of gaseous contaminants and odors from the air in pro-duction environments.

GKD (Hall 8, Stand B19) specializes in customized filtration and separation solutions including metal mesh and filter me-dia. The stainless steel meshes are used for filtration and separation in various applications such as wine, beer, starch, sugar and vegetable oil. The meshes are robust and durable, which contributes to an extended filter life and increased pro-cess reliability.

Lenzing (Hall 7, Stand P21) manufactures filtration products and solutions based on cellulose fibers. The supplier‘s filaments are used for the production of filter mate-rials that are used in the beverage industry, for example for the filtration of wine, beer and other liquids. The filaments offer high filtration performance and help to improve product quality. The range also includes cellulose pulp, which is used in various applications in the food industry, for example as a carrier for flavors or as a component of food packaging.

Porvair Filtration Group (Hall 8, Stand F40) offers advanced filtration solutions that enable optimum process control and product quality in food and beverage manufacturing, including products specifically designed for wine, beer and water processing. With membrane filtration, depth filtration, sterilization and microfiltration, the product ranges cover a wide spectrum of different technologies.

Andritz Separation (Hall 8, Stand F42) offers a wide range of separation technologies in the field of mechanical and plant engineering. Decanter centrifuges are used for solid-liquid separation in various processes, for example in the production of olive oil, fruit juices and dairy products. High-performance separators are used for the clarification and degreasing of liquids. They are suitable for applications in milk processing, brewing, wine production and juice production. Other machines include filter presses, screw presses, filter dryers, sieves and sieving machines as well as heat exchangers and drying systems.

Sefar (Hall 7, Stand M6) supplies high-precision filtration and separation solutions that have been specially developed to meet the requirements of the industry. Filter solutions for specific applications include the sugar industry, milk and cheese production as well as the grain and flour industry.

TECOLITE MINERALS (Hall 8, Stand B56) offers sterile and inert perlite and diatomaceous earth filter aids, which are used particularly in the beverage industry to filter liquids without affecting taste or odor. Activated carbon is used for decolorization and odour control. In addition to diatomaceous earth and perlite, TECOLITE MINERALS also offers other natural minerals as filter aids that can be used in various filtration processes in the food and beverage industry.

Ahlstrom (Hall 7, Stand P2) develops and produces high-performance fiber filter media that are used in a variety of applications to ensure product quality. In addition to filtration materials, the exhibitor‘s range also includes specialty papers, safe-ty and hygiene papers.

A wide range of exhibitors with solutions for every need: FILTECH offers participants a comprehensive platform where manufacturers from the food and beverage industry can find out about the latest developments and solutions in the field of filtration and separation. The combination of trade fair and conference provides a comprehensive overview of current technologies and future trends, making the event a must for industry professionals. FILTECH 2024 will take place from November 12 to 14 at the exhibition center in Cologne.

For more information: www.filtech.de