Wafilin in brine baths CEVAP Technology and Wafilin Systems have entered into a partnership: Hein Weijdema and Henk Schonewille signed a partnership agreement to this effect in May 2020. Together, the companies will provide a unique solution for brine treatment in the cheese industry.
EIGHT NOMINEES FOR THE WIS AWARD 2020
THE ENTIRE WATER SECTOR WILL HEAR ABOUT IT! Like no other in the world, the Dutch have the knowledge to do ground-breaking things with water.
By combining Wafilin System’s membrane
From building dykes, polders and islands, to very specific technological knowledge about water
filtration technology with CEVAP’s evaporation
itself. The good news is, new innovations are added every year. Anyone looking for a sample of these
techniques, the two companies have developed a
innovations need look no further than the WIS Award, the Water Alliance Innovation and Stimulation
process to treat brine used in cheese production.
Award. A short interview with organizers Alex Berhitu and Agnes Dirksen about the very special 2020
The innovative process removes impurities such as
edition, which will be held on 9 October 2020.
micro-organisms and proteins from the brine bath without wasting any brine.
An award is a tried and tested means of putting
have eight candidates this year”, says Dirksen. “And
Both companies are now focusing on completing
companies and innovations in the spotlight. That is
take note: these are not just promising start-ups,
their first project in the cheese industry, with
one of the goals behind the WIS, the Water Alliance
some of them are renowned parties who have held
which they can demonstrate the technique and
Innovation and Stimulation Award. However, it is
a solid position in the market for years and are now
establish it as an accepted standard solution for
not just about the spotlights; far more important
looking for a podium for their innovation.”
brine bath treatment in the international cheese
is ‘selling’ the innovation. That only works if
industry.
you connect with your customers’ needs. A first
The COVID-19 crisis means that the WIS will be
impression is crucial.
organized differently and rather uniquely this year, according to the organizers. Berhitu: “The final will
“You sometimes meet interesting business
be a sort of hybrid event. Finalists, their supporters,
partners over coffee or at a networking event, and
the jury and the media will assemble at Studio Z in
are suddenly asked to introduce yourself and your
Leeuwarden. A professional TV and media studio,
technology during a round of introductions”, says
with a Grand Café in—appropriately—the former
Alex Berhitu, Business Developer at Water Alliance
building of Waterleiding Friesland. From there, the
and founder of the WIS competition. “You usually
finals will be broadcast online as an exciting live
don’t have much time. Keeping it short and concise
show, so everyone can follow along in real time.”
is key. That is also why the initial selection of the competition is based on the candidates’ first pitches”, Cheese in a brine bath.
‘Water is soft and humble, but it is the most powerful and is the most endurable’ Debasish Mridha American physician, philosopher, poet-seers, and author 04 |
Berhitu continues. “Not everyone finds it easy to
WIS AWARD
present their innovation in a clear and compelling
When: 9 October 2020
way. By participating in the WIS, pitching and feeling
(check wateralliance.nl for free registration)
the competitive element, they can train this.”
Organization: Water Alliance The eight candidates
Participation alone generates a lot of media attention
• Susphos (innovation: Susfire),
for the participants, as past editions have shown,
• Noria (innovation: CirCleaner®)
but it is a home run for the winner. In that context,
• Jotem Waterbehandeling
Communication Manager Agnes Dirksen references
(innovation: Smartbox)
the most recent winner, Hydraloop Systems. “After
• O3 Systems Technology
winning the award in 2018, Hydraloop Systems
(innovation: FOX Friendly Oxidation)
received media attention from all over the world.
• Semiotic Labs (innovation: SAM4)
Their innovation, an in-house water recycling system,
• CTSTwente (innovation: CMF)
appealed to the imagination.”
• Berghof Membrane Technology
It instills curiosity about the latest batch of
(innovation: Tubular Forward Osmosis)
companies preparing for the WIS Award 2020. “We
• Royal Brinkman (innovation: Nanobubbles)
