Kemira and Royal HaskoningDHV to collaborate in award-winning phosphorus recovery technology

Kemira and Royal HaskoningDHV to collaborate in award-winning phosphorus recovery technology

Kemira Oyj and Royal HaskoningDHV have agreed to further develop Kemira’s ViviMag® phosphorus recovery technology by conducting further research including a pilot and demonstration projects in the Netherlands. ViviMag is a patented technology to recover phosphorus and other valuable resources, such as iron, from wastewater treatment sewage sludge.

A pilot has started at the wastewater treatment plant of Hoensbroek with Limburg water board company (Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg, WBL) in the Netherlands. The trial period will last until mid-2024.

“Our objective is to leverage our combined expertise and resources to create business opportunities and drive circular economy in the Dutch market, as well as in other selected markets. We believe that this collaboration will not only enhance our technological capabilities but also contribute to our shared vision of innovation and sustainable growth,” says Wido Waelput, Senior Vice President for Kemira’s Industry & Water segment in EMEA.

“This agreement signifies our shared commitment to evaluate the potential ViviMag technology and to explore avenues for collaboration. Our joint efforts will focus on the development and advancement of this groundbreaking technology through pilot and demonstration projects in the Netherlands,” says Maartje Wise-Hoevenaars, Director Water Technology & Resilience NL at Royal HaskoningDHV.

Phosphorus in wastewater is a major environmental challenge and causes overfertilization of surface waters if not removed properly. At the same time, phosphorus is a key nutrient necessary for agricultural purposes and many different industrial applications. In 2023, the European Commission again confirmed phosphorus to be on the EU Critical Raw Materials List. Local recovery from urban wastewaters will support Europe’s ambitions for more raw material independence.