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What are the main areas of focus of ACAT’s envirotech division?
Mauro Bighetti: We specialise in water treatment for the municipal and industrial sectors. Our motto is: “Technical service is our success” – and we live by that motto every day. We not only provide the right technology, but we also offer a reliable, solution-oriented service. Another key issue is odour control. This topic is becoming more important year after year. As a result, our customer base is growing steadily.

In your opinion, what values does ACAT, and in particular the envirotech division, stand for?
Mauro Bighetti: Our claim is clear: “We find the best chemical and technical solution for every challenge.” It’s not off-the-shelf, but tailor-made. This includes personalised service packages and advice. Listening to our customers is very important to me. That is the key to success. Ultimately, what counts is that the solution really works and that customers save money. Reliability is also very important to us. Our customers can rely on us to react quickly and meet their requirements with custom solutions. Many of our offers are individually designed. This ensures that they match the respective requirements precisely.

ACAT aims to shape the future together with its customers, providing the best, most innovative and most sustainable technical solutions. How do you achieve this goal in concrete terms?
Mauro Bighetti: For us, innovation is not just a buzzword, but something we embrace every day. We are constantly looking for new technologies that are not only technically convincing, but also ecologically sound and economically viable. To this end, we attend trade fairs around the globe, for example. One current example is an innovative solution for removing PFAS, which we are currently using more and more. It is based on a natural principle, inspired by nature.

Another exciting topic is the use of a natural coagulant in water treatment. This product replaces conventional metal salts in many applications and it offers major advantages such as less sludge, a positive carbon footprint and significant cost savings for our customers. Here, innovation, sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand.

Which important topics and trends do you foresee in the future of water treatment and odour control? Are you already working on any developments in this area?
Mauro Bighetti: Many of our innovative solutions have been ready for use for a long time, but are often still used with caution in the private sector. However, the situation is completely different in the industrial sector: There, we are already focusing on new, practical application solutions that will enable us to replace conventional processes in process water treatment in a targeted manner. This not only saves money, but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint.

We also see great potential in the municipal sector, and we are well prepared. We have developed suitable solutions for all substances that are relevant within the scope of the EU Urban Waste Water Directive. We have been testing some of these successfully in practice for several months now. We see ourselves as a reliable, independent and objective partner for customised applications. Our broad portfolio of different manufacturers allows us to select exactly what suits each customer best.

You have already mentioned PFAS – four inconspicuous letters that have an enormous impact on the environment. Could PFAS be the biggest challenge for future water treatment?
Mauro Bighetti: New pollutants such as PFAS, micropollutants and microplastics already pose a massive challenge for water treatment today. With PFAS in particular, I see that awareness is growing in Europe and that the need for action is being recognised. And I am convinced that PFAS will be regulated by law sooner or later.
At ACAT, we are closely monitoring these developments and actively testing new technologies so that we can offer our customers future-proof solutions tailored to their needs. For this reason, we are focusing specifically on pilot tests. In this regard, close cooperation with our customers is very important to me. Because when we fail, we fail together, and when we succeed, we succeed together.

How important is long-term collaboration with customers for you?
Mauro Bighetti: Very important. Because trusting, long-term partnerships are the foundation of our work. On the one hand, in the area of procurement. Here, we ensure that our customers can build on a reliable supply in every respect. On the other hand, we need the trust of our customers so that we can successfully implement innovative solutions on the market. Progress and genuine added value can only be achieved when both sides work together.

What contribution do employees make to success?
Mauro Bighetti: Our employees are the foundation of our success. Their commitment, dedication and expertise are a cornerstone of our team. ACAT is a family business, and we are all part of this family. The majority of employees have been with the company for a very long time. New employees must not only have the right expertise, but also the right attitude and mindset. At the same time, we attach great importance to the continuous development of our team. Only those who remain open to new ideas can really drive innovation forward. That is why we provide our employees with targeted support and are always prepared to break new ground. And that with a clear goal: sustainable technologies with real added value for our customers.

You have been part of the ACAT family for eight years. How has your work changed over the years?
Mauro Bighetti: The main changes have been in working methods and communication. Nowadays, a lot of communication takes place via WhatsApp, and customers expect quick responses and advice at short notice, and here at ACAT, we are able to provide just that.

Taking place in Munich from 4 to 7 May 2026, the IFAT offers plenty of time for intensive discussions. How important is this trade fair for your business, and what can visitors to your stand at the IFAT look forward to?Mauro Bighetti: The IFAT is one of Europe’s leading environmental trade fairs and one of the most important platforms for showcasing innovations. Many of our customers use the opportunity to visit our stand to discuss existing as well as new technologies in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Among other things, the focus will be on the latest developments in water treatment and odour control.

Where are you headed? What strategic goals are you pursuing, also with regard to your markets?
Mauro Bighetti: Our core markets are Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and Italy. We will continue to focus on these markets in the future. Our focus is on expanding our product portfolio and providing our customers with the best possible support, rather than on regional expansion. Our aim is to work together to achieve the best possible results in our daily work.