FERR-TECH WINS WIS AWARD!

Water technology company FerrTech won the WIS Award 2022. The Meppel-based company, a member of Water Alliance, won the award with its innovative product Ferrate(VI). Co-owner Judith le Fèvre accepted the glass water drop trophy from jury chair Cees Buisman. The company secured the award after an exciting final during the European Water Technology Week (EWTW). The EWTW was held at the WTC Leeuwarden from 19–22 September. The WIS award is the innovation prize that the Water Alliance presents biannually to a company with a noteworthy water innovation. The prize includes €10,000 in marketing support.

Ferrate(VI) has been known worldwide for decades as the strongest oxidant for treating industrial wastewater. Unlike chemicals commonly used for water treatment, Ferrate(VI) is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Until now, it was impossible to produce shelf-stable Ferrate(VI), but Ferr-Tech has developed a process that stabilizes Ferrate(VI) for industrial use. Ferrate(VI) makes industrial processes more sustainable, energy-efficient and circular.

The WIS jury found Ferr-Tech’s innovation a clear winner but also noted that the decision was difficult this year, given the many exceptional innovations entered into the competition.

The WIS Award is not just about smart innovation; the jury also critically considers the business case and growth potential. Participants had to explain which markets they planned to conquer and how they planned to do so. Ferr-Tech plans to use the WIS Award primarily to support its international marketing. The company’s ambition is to conquer the world. It is starting in the US, where a plant will be built in 2023, but an expansion to the Middle East is also in the works.

Over the years, the WIS Award has grown into a nursery of golden ideas. For the winners, it often marks the beginning of an international breakthrough. For example, Hydraloop Systems and Samotics, among others, won the award in previous years—all companies that continue to grow at lightning speed and already serve a wide range of international clients.