About us
Our story begins in 1848 in the laboratory of Carl Remigius Fresenius. In 1992 the environmental technology division became a company of its own. Today we develop and build process measurement technology in Herten, Germany, for biogas, wastewater treatment, recycling and industry – increasingly supported by AI.
History
From the chemical laboratory in Wiesbaden via Institut Fresenius to process measurement technology from Herten. Scroll through the milestones or pick a chapter.
Roots
In Wiesbaden, the chemist Carl Remigius Fresenius opens the Chemisches Laboratorium Fresenius – the beginning of a tradition in analytical chemistry.
Fresenius is regarded as one of the founders of analytical chemistry. His textbooks on qualitative and quantitative analysis were translated into many languages.
Roots
Fresenius founds the “Zeitschrift für Analytische Chemie” and, in the same year, a training programme for chemists.
The journal is still published today – as “Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry”, formerly “Fresenius’ Journal of Analytical Chemistry”.
Roots
The owners decide to admit women to the training programme – early for the time.
Roots
The training as a chemical technician receives state recognition.
Roots
In the post-war decades the laboratory grows into Germany’s leading provider of laboratory analysis.
Roots
The laboratory becomes Institut Fresenius Chemische und Biologische Laboratorien GmbH. In 1975 the institute moves to Taunusstein.
In the 1970s, environmental measurement and consulting are added – for example with mobile air monitoring units. This is where the roots of the environmental technology lie.
Founding and growth
The environmental division starts developing its own sampling and gas measurement technology.
Founding and growth
The environmental technology division is spun off and operates from now on as the independent Fresenius Umwelttechnik GmbH.
Founding and growth
The company is based in Herten in the Ruhr area. A partner in Switzerland joins, along with customised analysis systems.
Founding and growth
With the measurement of refrigerants (CFCs), Fresenius Umwelttechnik becomes a trusted partner of the refrigerant and recycling industry.
Gas analysis for recycling plantsFounding and growth
Partners in Hungary, Spain and the United Kingdom bring our process measurement technology to more plants across Europe.
Products and markets
The BioBasic measures biogas simply and reliably – still one of our most requested devices.
Products and markets
We launch the first NDIR-based gas analyser for online measurement of formaldehyde. New partners in the USA, China, France, Italy and Finland.
Products and markets
Move to Doncaster Platz in Herten, on the site of the former Ewald colliery. Plus a new generation of the GA series.
Products and markets
The devices get a uniform design and the portable series is added. Kick-off is ACHEMA 2015.
Products and markets
A portable gas analyser, a device with a zirconia oxygen sensor and a data logger extend the range.
Products and markets
A quarter of a century of gas analysis from the Ruhr area.
Today: digital, diverse, with AI
A new international presence at freseniusinstruments.com. Our quality management is certified to DIN EN ISO 9001.
Today: digital, diverse, with AI
The RCI gas cooler series complements the analysers – sample gas is cooled and dried before it enters the device.
Today: digital, diverse, with AI
With the Diversity Charter we commit to a corporate culture of recognition and participation – regardless of origin, gender, age or background.
Today: digital, diverse, with AI
In May we present the new BioBasic at Biogas Americas in the USA; in July the BioBasic Biomethane for upgrading to biomethane follows.
Today: digital, diverse, with AI
Tory, our digital advisor, answers technical questions on the website around the clock. From October also via WhatsApp – and maintenance can be booked right in the chat.
Today: digital, diverse, with AI
If you wish, readings and error messages reach our service team securely – for fast remote diagnosis.
Today: digital, diverse, with AI
Our process measurement technology works in dozens of industries worldwide. New: all service offerings online, booking a call with sales and a questionnaire that Tory pre-fills with you.
AI since 2025
Since 2025 we have been using AI in marketing, sales, development and service. Not as a buzzword, but for specific tasks – our experts still make the decisions.
Since September 2025
Tory answers questions on measuring principle, range and installation right on the website. Her knowledge comes from our data sheets and the substance database.
Since October 2025
Tory clarifies the measuring task with you and pre-fills the technical questionnaire. Our engineers use it to design the device and sample gas conditioning – without asking twice.
Since March 2025
AI helps us design and simulate new products and user interfaces – for example the BioBasic display. Testing still happens in our lab in Herten.
Since October 2025
You book maintenance in the chat – also for devices from other manufacturers. With the Cloud Connect Kit we see error messages early, and maintenance dates remind themselves.
As of October 2026. AI supports – our experts remain responsible for design, quotes and service.
Diversity Charter
By signing the Diversity Charter we commit to a corporate culture of mutual recognition and participation. What counts for us is the quality of ideas and work – not who contributes them.
Sustainability
We support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our measurement technology helps to use biogas efficiently, recover refrigerants and keep an eye on emissions. Pick a highlighted goal.
Measuring CO₂, CH₄, N₂O and CFCs
What isn't measured can't be reduced. Our CEMS and emissions monitoring systems capture climate-relevant gases continuously: CO₂, CH₄ and NO built on the GA210/GA220 analyzers, the highly climate-active nitrous oxide (N₂O) with the GA320, and highly climate-damaging fluorinated greenhouse gases such as CFCs/HFCs (halocarbons). They provide the data basis operators need to record, report and actively cut their emissions — from industrial plants to biogas facilities.
Raw and product gas quality monitoring
Renewable gases need precise analytics. We measure the quality of both the raw biogas and the upgraded product gas (biomethane) — from CH₄, CO₂ and H₂S to further trace gases — ensuring stable processes, higher yields and grid-compliant gas quality. We additionally monitor solvents in battery production, supporting a key technology of the energy transition.
So we protect nature in all its richness
Wastewater and sewage plants produce digester gas — a valuable energy source that can also contain toxic components. Our analyzers monitor not only CH₄ and H₂S but further biogas components such as CO₂, NH₃ and siloxanes, while tying the plants into emissions monitoring at the same time. This protects staff, equipment and the environment and makes digester gas safe to use — so we protect nature in all its richness.
Air quality and workplace safety
Clean air at the workplace is a basic right of our employees and customers. We measure formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as a wide range of toxic gases. This data helps companies comply with limits, detect exposure early and safeguard healthy working and production environments.
Clean air in cities
Clean air in urban areas starts with controlled emissions. Our CEMS and ambient-air technology monitors exhaust streams from industry, power plants and municipal facilities, providing robust data for clean-air plans and regulatory reporting. Gas measurement thus supports livable cities and healthy living environments.
Efficient processes, long service life
Resource efficiency starts in the process. Continuous gas analysis in production helps run processes more stably, avoid rejects and save energy and raw materials. Combined with long-lasting equipment — our analyzers are designed for a long service life and years of spare-parts supply — we reduce resource consumption and waste.
Process analytics + Cloud Connect
Digital, precise processes are the core of modern industry. Our process analytics and the Cloud Connect Kit make gas analysis data available in real time — for remotely monitored plants, automated diagnostics and data-driven process optimization. We combine proven measurement technology with digital innovation.
Global partner network
Sustainability only succeeds together. Through our global partner program we build a network of qualified sales and service partners who distribute and support our analyzers with local expertise. Together we bring measurement technology to where it cuts emissions and makes processes more sustainable.
Development that pays off
Expertise only grows when it is deliberately fostered. We invest in the training and development of our employees, finance professional qualifications and continuously expand professional, methodological and social skills — because personal growth is the foundation of our mutual success.
Diversity Charter signed
Diversity is lived practice for us: by signing the Diversity Charter we commit to a corporate culture defined by mutual recognition and participation. The fact that the Chemisches Laboratorium Fresenius opened its training programme to women as early as 1908 is an early testimony to this ethos — and to this day we actively advance gender equality and equal opportunity.
Fair work, long-term partnerships
Safe, fair and appreciative working conditions are the basis for economic success. As an employer with local and international suppliers, we are committed to the sustainable development of our region and of culturally diverse economic centers worldwide — carried by a culture of recognition and participation.
Participation and equal opportunity
Participation must not depend on background. With the Diversity Charter and an active culture of advancement we make room for different perspectives, life paths and talents — internally and across our international partner network. In this way we reduce inequalities and strengthen equal opportunity.
Regular support for the regional food bank
Hunger often starts on our own doorstep. We support the food bank in our region with regular donations so it can buy exactly what it needs — a concrete contribution against hunger and for people in difficult situations.
Quality management to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 · Goal: climate neutrality in line with the Paris Agreement · Goal colours as specified by the United Nations, icons our own design.
Working with us
Development, production, lab, service and sales work under one roof. Short distances, an open leadership culture and plenty of room for new tools – including AI.
New at Fresenius
More about us
Advice
Want to know more about us, our devices or a measuring task? Tory is the digital advisor of Fresenius Instruments and answers right away – in German and English.
FAQ
Fresenius Umwelttechnik GmbH was spun off from Institut Fresenius in 1992. Its roots go back to 1848, when Carl Remigius Fresenius founded his chemical laboratory in Wiesbaden.
In Herten in Germany’s Ruhr area, at Doncaster Platz 5 on the site of the former Ewald colliery. That is where we develop and build our devices.
Process measurement technology for gases: gas analysers, sample gas conditioning such as gas coolers and complete analysis systems – for biogas, wastewater treatment, recycling and industry, among others. More than 6,000 devices are in use.
Since 2025 in marketing, sales, development and service: Tory answers technical questions and pre-fills the questionnaire, AI helps with design and simulation, and in service remote diagnosis and automatic maintenance reminders support our team. Our experts make the decisions.
Tory is the digital advisor of Fresenius Instruments. She answers questions on the website and via WhatsApp, sends data sheets and books a meeting with our team if needed.
No. Fresenius Umwelttechnik GmbH has been an independent company since 1992. Institut Fresenius has been part of SGS since 2004.
Tell us about your measuring task – we design the process measurement technology with you.
GAS ANALYZERS · MADE IN GERMANY · SINCE 1848
