Bavarian Environment Minister Thorsten Glauber visits MKR Metzger GmbH in Monheim
The Bavarian State Minister for the Environment and Consumer Protection, Thorsten Glauber, visited the MKR facility in Monheim. He was accompanied by Michael Dinkelmeier, candidate for the position of district administrator in the Donau-Ries district. On behalf of the city of Monheim, the deputy mayor Anita Ferber welcomed the minister with a short address.
The focus of the visit was an exchange on modern environmental technologies and sustainable water management. Managing Director Thomas Metzger introduced MKR and explained how the company’s technologies for industrial wastewater and process water treatment contribute to resource conservation, energy efficiency and circular economy concepts.
A particular focus was placed on the company’s current research and development projects. Dr.-Ing. Simon Hager provided insights into ongoing initiatives, including a mobile system for treating contaminated firefighting water as well as the BayWater project, in which MKR Metzger plays a leading role as the industrial spokesperson.
BayWater is a Bavarian research consortium aiming to establish sustainable, integrated water management systems within industrial companies. Supported by the Bavarian Transformation and Research Foundation, the project seeks to develop innovative approaches that enable more efficient water use while creating a sustainable competitive advantage for Bavaria and beyond.
During the subsequent tour of the facility, the guests gained practical insights into MKR’s daily operations. Technical Managing Director Ralf Xalter explained how MKR treats industrial wastewater and which patented technologies are used in the process. In addition, Dr.-Ing. Simon Hager illustrated the complete treatment process – from heavily contaminated industrial water to the separation into distillate and concentrate, followed by energy-optimized reconcentration using ET MaXx, where process heat is reintegrated into the system.
Minister Thorsten Glauber expressed his strong appreciation for the innovative technologies developed at the Monheim site.
“Made in Bavaria is essential for combining environmental and climate protection with economic strength and for keeping our regions attractive in the long term,” said Glauber.
At the same time, Managing Director Thomas Metzger used the opportunity to address policymakers with a clear appeal: technologies for industrial water treatment and consistent water recycling should be implemented wherever technically feasible. Minister Glauber welcomed this suggestion and promised to support the initiative.
The visit highlighted the importance of innovative environmental technology, applied research and open dialogue between industry, politics and municipalities – ensuring that sustainable solutions are not only developed but also successfully implemented.
