At the latest Powtech/Technopharm the Innovation Award was presented for the second time, with prizes being awarded for a total of four categories. The key criteria in the judging process were level of innovation and economic viability for users. In addition, the development could not be over a year old and the product should be on show at trade fairs and available for delivery immediately, even at short notice. In what was described by the jury as the most highly competitive category of “Pharmaceutical Technology”, SKAN eceived an Innovation Award for its FIBO, the contamination free, safe change filter box. This award provided the company with valuable confirmation of the success of its ongoing efforts aimed at providing innovative solutions that both meet customer needs and take environmental considerations into account. The safe change FIBO (patent granted), which complies with all relevant safety requirements, was developed by SKAN for isolators and gloveboxes in which highly active substances are used. In addition to its optimal retention capacity and high air flow rate, this innovative filter box allows for contamination free filter changing with no special protective measures for maintenance staff. (Septiembre/Octubre 2009)