Saarbrücken, Germany

The ECHO 2026 conference, organised by Saarland University in collaboration with the Interreg project UniGR-CIRKLA (funded by the Interreg Greater Region programme), brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and educators to explore the latest developments in the fields of the circular economy and sustainability.

Alena Jahns and Mara Wagner of IZES introduced the WaterProof project in their presentation “Stakeholder perspectives on CCU technology and products”. The presentation drew on stakeholder interviews, consumer surveys and focus groups conducted as part of the project. It concluded with concrete recommendations on how the perspectives of different stakeholder groups can be incorporated into the development and implementation of CCU technologies.

5-7 August 2026, Santiago de Chile, Chile

On August 5-7, 2026, Dr. Guillermo Pozo from TECNALIA presented the work titled ‘’ A data-driven approach to the electroleaching treatment of waste streams in the Waterproof project ” at the 13th International Congress on Automation, Digitalization, AI, and Electrification in Mining (Minería Digital 2026) at the Sheraton Santiago Hotel in Santiago, Chile. The event brought together over 600 participants to review 140 technical presentations focused on process electrification.

In addittion, on August 19, he also visited the University of Concepción in Chile to share the results of the Waterproof project with environmental and chemical engineering students.

22 October 2026, Amsterdam, Netherlands
10:00–15:30 CET
at Matrix ONE | Science Park 301 | 1098 XH Amsterdam | The Netherlands

On 22 October 2026, the WaterProof project will host its final workshop at Science Park Amsterdam, bringing together young researchers, students, PhD candidates and professionals interested in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and CO₂ valorisation.
The workshop is designed particularly for early-career researchers and students who would like to deepen their knowledge of CCU technologies, CO₂ conversion pathways and their role in the transition towards climate neutrality. At the same time, the event aims to strengthen awareness of these topics among participants from related disciplines, helping to connect CCU research with broader scientific, technological and sustainability perspectives.
A series of presentations will highlight key technological and systemic approaches explored within and around the WaterProof project. Topics will include the recovery of precious metals through aqueous deep eutectic solvents (ADES), electrochemical processes for CO₂ valorisation, and the role of industrial-urban symbiosis in creating more circular and resource-efficient value chains.

The workshop will also feature contributions from the partner projects ICO2NIC and HICCUPS, which will present findings from their own work and provide additional perspectives on the development and application of carbon capture and utilisation technologies.
Opportunity for partner projects to present their work
WaterProof also invites related and partner projects to contribute to the workshop through a dedicated poster session. The session will provide an opportunity to present complementary approaches, research results and innovative concepts, and to exchange ideas with researchers and practitioners working across the CCU field.
By bringing together different projects and disciplines, the workshop aims to create a space for discussion, networking and future collaboration beyond the lifetime of the WaterProof project.

Find the agenda here: https://waterproof-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/26-09-16_Waterproof_Agenda.pdf

Join us in Amsterdam
The WaterProof Final Workshop will take place:
22 October 2026
Matrix ONE
Science Park 301
1098 XH Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Please note that the workshop will be held exclusively on site. There will be no online or hybrid participation option.
Registration is binding, and participants are therefore kindly asked to register only if they are able to attend in person.
Registration:
https://dusicabanduka.aidaform.com/waterproof-final-event-registration
We look forward to welcoming students, PhD candidates, early-career researchers, partner projects and colleagues from related disciplines to Amsterdam for a day of exchange, learning and discussion on the future of CCU and CO₂ valorisation.

To submit a poster contact [email protected]

01-03 July 2026, Berlin, Germany

Meet Alena Jahns from IZES and Nadja Wulff from noca-Institute at the upcoming Life Cycle Innovation Conference in Berlin. The team is looking forward to presenting in Session 10: Tools and Strategies for Implementing Life Cycle Thinking in Industry and SMEs! Join me for my presentation on consumer perspectives on Carbon Capture and Utilization product applications. There, we will explore how CCU technologies can close the waste(water) carbon loop by capturing CO₂ and converting it into valuable chemicals like formic acid, and share insights on how consumers perceive and accept these CO₂-derived products as part of the transition to climate neutrality.
To schedule an appointment with the partners, get in touch with us.

Pilot plant in ation mode

Following great process in the past months WaterProof enters its final stage with the pilot unit being completed. Two 20-feet container units assabled by project partner CoralTech has finally left Enschede and is on its way to Alkmaar where it will come use at the site of project partner HVC.

Project partner CoralTech finalised the WaterProof pilot unit

Following great process in the past months WaterProof enters its final stage with the pilot unit being completed. Two 20-feet container units assabled by project partner CoralTech has finally left Enschede and is on its way to Alkmaar where it will come use at the site of project partner HVC.

Interview with Annelie Jongerius (Avantium) and Jan-Peter Born (HVC)

The WaterProof technology turns CO₂ from urban waste(water) into valuable consumer products with a unique electrochemical process.
This EU-research project tackles various challenges at once:
🔸 reduce CO₂-emissions by valorising them
🔸 minimise the use of fossil resources
🔸 establish circular corbon loops

In this interview with the EU Science, Research and Innovation Horizon Magazine project coordinator Annelie Jongerius from Dutch company Avantium and Jan-Peter Born from HVC explain the WaterProof approach of converting CO₂ into formic acid to be used in cleaning detergents, for (fish)leather tanning and for the production of ADES.

25 March 2026, 13:00-14:30 CET, online

Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) enables new business opportunities though the collaboration of diverse stakeholders across various sectors. Hereby, this innovative approach facilitates the exchange of underutilised resources, e.g. by-products, residues, energy, water, capacities, and expertise, keeping materials productive longer. By repurposing outputs as inputs, I-US can minimise resource extraction, cut costs, and advance objectives of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.

Key criteria of this value creation are aligned stakeholder interest and the exchange of perspectives. Businesses benefit from reduced raw material costs, supply chain resilience, lower disposal expenses, and new revenue opportunities. Meanwhile local authorities and regions can profit from healthier ecosystems, economic vitality, and new job opportunities. These complementary goals drive economic resilience and systemic change towards sustained resource loops, higher recycling rates and enhanced regional sustainability.

To turn theory into practice, the EU-funded WaterProof project hosts the webinar “Industrial-Urban Symbiosis: Business, Funding, and Practical Insights”. Join on 24 March 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30 CET for targeted strategies and practical insights that will equip industry professionals and practitioners with proven I-US skills.

The WaterProof Project and I-US Integration
WaterProof implements I-US by developing a cutting-edge CO₂ conversion technology . Powered by renewable energy, this unique electrochemical process converts CO₂ captured from wastewater treatment and waste incineration into formic acid. It hereby turns emissions into a sustainable carbon feedstock replacing fossil resources. The generated formic acid will be tested in applications like fish leather tanning and consumer cleaning products as well as the formulation of Formic-derived Acidic Deep Eutectic Solvents (ADES). The project’s synergies perfectly illustrate I-US potentials: Urban CO₂ emissions supply chemical industries. Peroxide by-products treat wastewater contaminated with pesticides, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals. Formic-derived Acidic Deep Eutectic Solvents (ADES) extract precious metals from ash and sludge, creating closed loop circular systems.

The webinar will feature presentations from leading experts

• Alena Jahns/Mara Wagner (IZES): Introduction to the WaterProof project and Industrial Urban Symbiosis.
• James Woodcock (International Synergies Limited & H4C ECoP): Business cases and funding for I-US
• Hannes Utikal (Provadis School, Process4Sustainability at Industrial Park Höchst, Frankfurt): Practical example: Industrial Symbiosis collaboration at Höchst Industrial Park.
• Eric Schuler (Avantium): Embedding CCU/the volta technology in the I-US context

4+5 October 2025, Amsterdam, Science Park

Would you know where your toilet water goes once you flush? At the science market at the University of Amsterdam WaterProof partner Avantium explained to a lot of curious kids where the water goes after you flush the toilet and how you can make cleaning products from CO₂. Scientists Brian Rawls showed some electrochemical setups that they could turn themselves on and off, while kids could explore what happens. This event surely informed the next generation and might have inspired a future electrochemist or two.

30 October 2025, Amsterdam

Knowledge share and implentation are key for a successful and sustainable future economy and the impactful tranfer of project results.
To inform young researchers, WaterProofProject partner Avantium welcomed students from Universiteit Leiden to Amsterdam Science Park. There, Eric Schuler shared Avantium’s vision for CO₂-based chemistry and gave a glimpse into future work environments in the field of electro-chemistry, while also showcasing achievements by the the HICCUPS and WaterProof project.

Curious what these projects are working on? Take a look:
🔗 hiccups.eu
🔗 waterproof-project.eu