40 years of VACUDEST. An interview with CEO Matthias Fickenscher

40 years of VACUDEST – a milestone in industrial wastewater treatment. In conversation with our CEO, Matthias Fickenscher, we look back at the early days, discuss his personal passion for sustainable solutions and take a look at the future of wastewater-free production.

Matthias, when you think back to your early days with VACUDEST – what was the original vision behind the product, and what made you decide to stick with VACUDEST?

Back then, the marketing department at MANNESMANN simply shortened the term vacuum distillation – in other words, the abbreviated form of the product category, the ‘Tempo’ of vacuum evaporators, so to speak. For me, however, it was never just the name that mattered, but the idea behind it: to make a genuine contribution to the sustainable use of water and resources through innovative technology. The reason we’ve stuck with VACUDEST ever since is that the technology has time and again proven just how successful it is.

Which milestones with VACUDEST have been the most formative for you personally?

For me, the many innovations surrounding VACUDEST are clearly among the most significant milestones. They reflect our commitment to constantly pushing forward and creating new solutions. But another very special moment for me was the establishment of our branch in China. That was a bold move for a small to medium-sized enterprise and, at the same time, a strong sign of our pioneering spirit and our confidence in our own strengths.

Were there moments when you thought: “Now we’re really changing the industry”? Can you give us an example?

Yes, I definitely had that thought when it came to the Clearcat technology. It was a real turning point. I can still clearly remember how our Andreas Strübe (Head of Development and Design) and I were working on our Clearcat prototype at the technical centre one Saturday. When crystal-clear distillate finally came out of the plant for the first time, it was a spine-tingling moment – a real breakthrough for the technology’s performance. At that very moment, we realised that we could not only further develop our solutions but also tap into new markets.

How have the technology and the perception of wastewater treatment in industry changed since 1986?

Wastewater treatment has advanced enormously since 1986. Today’s technologies are significantly more efficient, reliable and professional. At the same time, awareness within the industry has also changed. With the increasingly evident consequences of climate change, the recycling of wastewater is taking centre stage. Water is no longer simply disposed of, but is now seen as a valuable resource, and it is precisely this shift that is having a lasting impact on the sector.

What personally drives you to champion the cause of ‘wastewater-free production’ for so many years?

Well, perhaps it’s because I was born under the sign of Aquarius? – Joking aside. The technology is simply very exciting, and I’ve always been drawn to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Was there a key moment that particularly shaped your commitment to sustainability and the circular economy?

Environmental issues worried me greatly in my youth, which is why I decided to study environmental process engineering to find solutions to these problems.

How does it feel to look back on 40 years of VACUDEST today – is it pride, gratitude or anticipation?

First and foremost, it was a stroke of luck to be given the opportunity to take over a business division from a large corporation at the age of 29. The fact that we’ve taken VACUDEST so far forward technically over the last 30 years fills me with pride. Our aim has always been to build the best products in the world.

What role do you think the team behind VACUDEST plays in this success?

The team is the key to our success. I’ve been very fortunate to always have the right people by my side, whose dedication and passion – putting their heart and soul into it – have made this success possible.

Which technological developments do you see as crucial for the next ten years in industrial water treatment?

I think the biggest challenge still lies in closing the resource cycle. However, this requires a willingness to break new ground and take risks. I would like to see more industrial companies demonstrate this willingness. As a solutions provider, we are ready to play our part in this.

How will the importance of water as a resource for industry change – and what role will VACUDEST play in this?

At the moment, it unfortunately looks as though humanity will not succeed in averting climate change. This means we will have to live with the consequences, such as water scarcity and water rationing. We want to play our part by offering solutions through our VACUDEST to make industrial companies less dependent on the water supply and reduce their primary water consumption to a minimum.

If you could make one wish for the future of the industry, what would it be?

I hope that awareness of the fact that water is a precious resource increases significantly and that we stop wasting so much of it.

And one final question: What does water mean to you personally?

Water is the source of life.

CEO Matthias Fickenscher. In 1999, he and his partners founded H2O GmbH following a management buy-out.