This paper describes trends in the field of particle technology. The properties of dispersed matter which has to be handled in the chemical engineering processes or which has to be produced are of decisive importance. Future trends can be characterized by improvement of existing technologies, by a better understanding of fundamentals, combination of principles, extension of process parameters, process control and simulation, and new processes. An important trend is the production and handling of finer particles. Traditional methods of comminution and classification reach their limit around 1 mu m. New processes for synthesis of particles by physical and chemical methods appear to becoming more popular. Nano-sized particles may become of future relevance in various fields of technology such as material science, micro electronics or medicine.