Networking
Valve World on tour!
Whilst editors are usually known for their work behind the desk, we at Valve World also know how vital it is to be out there meeting the people who make Valve World magazine the community it has become. This March, some of our editorial team stepped away from the keyboard and into the exhibition stands to network with clients and conference goers.
By Lyndsey Denton-Fray, Valve World
Networking at Aquatech Amsterdam
First on our exhibition list this month was the renowned Aquatech Amsterdam. Spanning over four days, with eight halls, 900 exhibitors and over 25,000 water professionals present, this exhibition was definitely designed for a multi-day visit. It was an exciting opportunity to engage with leaders in water technology, wastewater treatment, desalination and sustainability solutions. Walking among the hundreds of stands was a huge networking experience, meeting and talking with existing and new clients about valves and their critical role in the water industry. As water scarcity and treatment challenges become more pressing globally, the discussions we had were a mix of urgency and innovation, with many exhibitors showcasing their latest technologies for improving water treatment efficiency and addressing environmental concerns.
Sustainability: a core focus
Sustainability was one of the central themes of the exhibition, not only in terms of water management but also in the materials and technologies used across the industry. We saw increasing efforts to promote water recycling and reuse, as well as the push towards reducing energy consumption in water systems. Several exhibitors highlighted their work in producing energy-efficient valve solutions designed to optimise flow control whilst reducing waste. One particularly interesting trend was the growing integration of smart technology with valve systems, enabling real-time monitoring and control of water usage. These advancements are vital for improving sustainability in water treatment facilities and distribution networks.
Hot topic of PFAS
One topic that was prominent at both Aquatech Amsterdam and The Gasket and Seals Show was the issue of PFAS chemicals. In our last edition, we interviewed Sandy Van Den Broeck from the European Sealing Association, who discussed some of the main concerns surrounding the regulations and restrictions of PFAS. At The Gaskets and Seals Show, Sandy delivered a compelling presentation that focused on the industries heavily reliant on PFAS chemicals, such as those in the sealing and valve industries, and the implications of potential bans on their use. The discussions around PFAS at The Gasket and Seals Show were centred on the need for the industry to innovate and move away from using fluoropolymers in sealing designs. Many exhibitors showcased their latest technologies
Jeffery Lewis presenting at Aquatech Amsterdam
Lyndsey Denton-Fray, Valve World Editor and Ahmed Abd ElKader from Greater Cairo Foundries at Aquatech Amsterdam
aimed at reducing or eliminating the use of PFAS, which is crucial not only for environmental reasons but also to comply with increasingly stringent regulations. Conference sessions also provided valuable insights into how PFAS restriction could impact sealing technology, and the challenges manufacturers face in developing alternative materials that offer the same high performance. The consensus was clear: while a move away from PFAS is necessary, it presents a significant
22 Valve World May 2025 www. valve-world. net