- 10/06/2025
- Article
- Pharmaceuticals
TECHNOPHARM is back – pharmaceutical equipment gives POWTECH new impetus
From fluidised bed granulation to aseptic transfer systems, from isolators to digital GMP solutions: at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2025, the transformation of the process industry was palpable. Pharmaceutical process engineering took centre stage in Nuremberg – and showed where the journey is headed.
Written by Armin Scheuermann
Where mechanical processes of classic chemical production such as grinding, sieving and mixing previously dominated, polished stainless steel recently took centre stage: TECHNOPHARM returned to Nuremberg in September and gave POWTECH a new impetus. Pharmaceutical and biotech applications not only dominated the picture in the pharmaceutical focus hall 10, but also in other areas of POWTECH TECHNOPHARM, which stretched from hall 9 to hall 12 in 2025. The reasons for this are obvious – and rooted in the economic situation.
Chemistry stagnates, pharmaceuticals grow – and feel geopolitical pressure
The process industry in Europe presents a mixed picture in 2025. While the chemical industry continues to suffer from investment backlogs, energy prices and weak demand, the pharmaceutical industry is growing – albeit under new geopolitical risks.
According to the VCI, production in the chemical industry in Germany fell by 2% in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Sales were also down 1% on the previous year. Cefic also reports a decline in production output for the European chemical industry in the first quarter of 2025, following growth of +2.4% in 2024. Investment, particularly in the basic chemicals and petrochemicals sectors, remains sluggish.
In contrast, the pharmaceutical industry is proving to be an economic stabiliser. According to the vfa, the industry recorded production growth of 2.9% and a 2.5% increase in sales for 2024 as a whole. For 2025, the vfa industry association expects a 3.5% increase in investment and a 1.8% increase in production. With an export volume of €27 billion to the US, the US market is essential – but this is precisely where new uncertainty looms. The announcement by the US government under President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on patented drug imports has put the industry on alert. If the measure is implemented, a quarter of German pharmaceutical exports would be at risk – with consequences for investments, production sites and supply chains.
Whether the tariffs will actually take effect is still politically open – but companies are already responding with risk analyses, market diversification and growing pressure to relocate production to the US. Associations such as vfa, BPI and VCI are calling for swift European responses: strengthening the internal market, more resilient supply chains and targeted investment incentives in Europe.
POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2025: Hall 10 as the nucleus of GMP innovation
Technopharm was repositioned in 2025 as a clear platform for pharmaceutical process engineering within POWTECH. Hall 10 formed the centrepiece: with an independent Technopharm Forum, curated specialist presentations and the Pharma in Focus Pavilion as a visible innovation cluster.
The Technopharm Forum offered a consistently high-calibre programme with a strong pharmaceutical focus. The topics of containment, GMP compliance, digitalisation and continuous production took centre stage. Numerous presentations were devoted to the safe handling of highly potent active ingredients and the implementation of regulatory requirements, in particular the EU GMP Guideline Annex 1. The topics ranged from practical implementation at Boehringer Ingelheim to a critical overview of challenges and strategies for modern containment systems. The standardised SMEPAC method for particle retention assessment was also discussed in detail as a benchmark for GMP-compliant plant design.
At the same time, it became clear that digitalisation is no longer just a buzzword, but an integral part of modern GMP strategies. Contributions on AI-supported microdosing, the use of process data for requalification and automated batch management showed in a practical way how smart systems can make pharmaceutical processes more efficient, safer and more robust. Digital supply chain models – such as HealthTrack-X – also attracted attention.
Another focus was on the continuous manufacture of solid dosage forms. Topics such as mini-batch concepts, PAT methods, powder characterisation and the integration of functional excipients were at the forefront here. Manufacturers such as Bayer, AbbVie and Meggle provided in-depth insights into their development work. Innovative measurement techniques were also presented and classified in terms of quality assurance and process robustness.
The programme was supplemented by contributions on sustainability – including in freeze drying – and on the surface properties of stainless steel in GMP environments. In addition, formats such as the VDI Science Slam and discussions on Generation Z & Alpha added further depth to the forum.
Pharma in Focus Pavilion: hands-on technology
Directly adjacent to the forum, the Pharma in Focus Pavilion presented itself as a compact but high-calibre industry meeting place. Eight specialised exhibitors showcased practical solutions for modern pharmaceutical processes in a focused area: from process technology to the supply chain.
- CMO-SYS presented the VS100, a 3D volume scanner for determining density, porosity and volume – ideal for in-process control in tableting.
- Dockweiler showcased pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel pipes and orbital welding technology for low-dead-space systems.
- Syntegon emphasised its line expertise for solid dosage forms – including granulation, tableting and coating.
- Valicare focused on GMP consulting, isolator technology and regulatory services.
- Cargo Movers presented GDP-compliant logistics solutions for cold chain and specialised transport.
- Raff + Grund exhibited skids, CIP/SIP systems and containers with GMP documentation.
- GMP-Verlag Peither offered specialist literature and tools for the structured implementation of regulatory requirements.
- Malvern Panalytical demonstrated particle analysis for quality and process robustness with live demonstrations.
Conclusion: Pharmaceuticals as a stability factor with prospects
POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2025 impressively demonstrated that pharmaceutical process engineering has developed from a niche topic into a driver of innovation. With the pharmaceutical cluster, a practical forum and a thematically focused exhibitor pavilion, a new centre has emerged at the trade fair – clearly profiled in terms of content, economically relevant and strategically sustainable.
The next edition will take place in Nuremberg from September 29th to October 1st 2026. Plans include an expanded focus on pharmaceuticals, new international forum formats and a stronger focus on sustainability, digitalisation and regulatory innovations.
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