This year’s IFAT once again proved why it remains one of the most important global events for the waste, recycling, and environmental technology sector. 

For FAUN Zoeller UK, it was an opportunity not only to showcase our own solutions alongside our partners, but also to explore the wider industry, and gather insight from across the international market, from emerging technologies to evolving customer needs. 

A number of our team attended across the week, each focusing on different areas of interest, from vehicle innovation and digital systems through to training, fleet intelligence, and market activity. We caught up with them after the event to understand what stood out, what they learned, and what they believe will shape the future of the industry. 

Exploring innovation across the industry 

Throughout the show, there was a clear focus on smarter, more efficient fleet solutions, with strong emphasis on digital integration and operational intelligence. 

Key areas of interest included: 

• OCTRION developments  

• EPSILON innovations  

• Zoeller Smartscan / Deepscan technologies  

• Delta 2325  

• Ecotec fleet advancements  

• Food waste vehicle innovation  

These themes highlighted a continued shift towards connected fleets, improved data use, and enhanced operational efficiency across the sector. 

Team reflections from IFAT 

We spoke to members of the team who attended to get their thoughts on what stood out most during the event. 

What technologies or innovations stood out to you the most? 

“The reECONIC collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and FAUN was particularly interesting. The sustainability element stood out, especially the use of recycled materials throughout the vehicle design. It’s clear sustainability is becoming a much bigger focus across the industry.”
– Ben Hyde, Regional Business Manager 

Were there any key trends you noticed across different stands or conversations? 

“There was a huge emphasis on connected technology, diagnostics, camera integration, and intelligent safety systems. Conversations were increasingly centred around preventative maintenance, operator safety, and using data more effectively to improve fleet uptime.”
– Matt Tongue, Product Support Manager 

IFAT Final thoughts 

“AI, automation, and smarter fleet intelligence will undoubtedly play a major role in shaping the future of the waste and recycling industry. IFAT really highlighted how quickly these technologies are evolving.”
– Rob Yates, National Business Manager 

IFAT 2026 reinforced just how fast the industry is evolving, from electrification and digital diagnostics through to smarter fleet management and improved service models. 

For FAUN Zoeller UK, the event provided valuable insight, new ideas, and plenty of takeaways that will help shape how we continue to support our customers and develop our offering in the months and years ahead. 

We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to speak with our team during the event, and of course, our colleagues across Europe who continue to drive innovation within the wider FAUN and Zoeller groups. 

If you’d like to discuss any of the technologies or themes mentioned in this blog, please get in touch with the team.