Resource Recovery and Circular Systems

Develop and integrate circular solutions together with KWR

KWR assists the water sector in realising the transition to a circular economy. We provide support in the development and implementation of measures such as  

• reductions and savings in raw-material and energy use, 

• the use of alternative resources, such as bio-based materials, and 

• the recovery and reuse of materials in and outside of the water cycle, so that emissions into the environment are reduced. 

Through practice-oriented research, KWR contributes to the development of circular solutions and to the integration of such solutions into society. 

On the path to (more) circularity

KWR can also help you achieve more resource reuse and circularity. What issues can we help you with?   

• I want to create a circular system in my environment. Then you can read more on our page about Circular systems.

In a circular economy, materials, energy and water are recycled and reused. The realisation of a truly circular economy calls for more than a variety of individual measures: the measures need to be integrated in the system and in the environment at different scales – central and decentral – and also be in line with European and national laws and regulations. KWR conducts applied research founded on both traditional and innovative approaches, and with cross-sectoral collaborations. We create connections between various sectors within the energy-food-water nexus. KWR experts have built up expertise and can help you, with their independent insights and innovative solutions, choose the right measures for the realisation of circular or more circular systems. Read more.

• I want to reduce my emissions or negative impact. Then you can read more on our page about Reducing emissions or negative impact.

An ideal circular system has no emissions and no negative impact on the environment – in fact, it may even have a positive impact. On the path to such circular systems, we strive to prevent, or to minimise, the impact on and the emissions into the environment. We search for solutions to remove toxic substances or, better still, to prevent them being produced and released. In this context, brine (concentrate) offers possibilities for the recovery of valuable components, but also to avoid emissions. In the case of truly undesirable substances, which we do not want to, or cannot (yet), reuse, we opt for effective collection and processing. Read more.

• I want to reuse a (potential) residual resource or have it reused. Then you can read more on our page about Reuse.

What we used to see as a waste stream, we now consider a side stream that contains resources we want to use again. We thus recover resources at different points in the water cycle. The quality of the recovered resources varies considerably, and their transformation into high-value commercial products can present a logistical and organisational challenge. Together with its partners, KWR researches and develops concepts to address these challenges, using an integrated approach that promotes the transition to a circular economy and a circular system. Read more.

• I want to know how circular my operations are. Then you can read more on our page about Tools to measure circularity.

Being able to measure how circularly you work, or how circular your choices turn out, is essential in understanding what is needed to make (further) progress towards a circular approach and economy. KWR possesses and develops practical application tools and instruments that can help you make choices and monitor your progress and circular performance. Read more.