At the end of February Krones hosted the OHA! network meeting in Neutraubling, and the blend of practical relevance, fresh ideas and genuine exchange was immediately tangible. The OHA! initiative brought together companies, researchers and regional stakeholders to showcase what sustainability can look like in concrete terms today. The atmosphere was open, inquisitive and full of inspiration.
The programme offered fascinating insights from real-world practice: Martina Birk from Krones demonstrated how consistently the company advances sustainability within its own environment – a behind-the-scenes look that highlighted how diverse and everyday sustainability has become within a global mechanical engineering company.
A particularly engaging moment for the guests was the presentation of the BayWater project by Michael Russ. This Bavaria-wide research consortium is working to close industrial water cycles, reduce freshwater consumption and employ modern membrane and pre-treatment technologies in a targeted way. For many participants the topic became especially tangible thanks to Krones’ role as an industry partner – research and application interlock seamlessly here.
The presentation was complemented by impulses on industrial retrofit as a form of upcycling, on CO2-neutral process energy from biomass and on sustainable energy and climate concepts for companies. The diversity of perspectives made it clear just how broad-based sustainable business has become in Eastern Bavaria.
Around the so-called theme islands where companies and initiatives could present themselves a lively dialogue emerged: from energy transition and energy management to digital and measurable sustainability to research, teaching and reporting – discussions, questions and networking were happening everywhere. Many used the opportunity to take away concrete ideas or even initiate cooperation projects on the spot.
The concluding get-together made one thing very clear: this meeting was more than an information event – it was a true source of inspiration.
In the picture: Michael Russ explains the BayWater project.
