‘s-Hertogenbosch, August 26, 2025 – At PeelPioneers, we don’t see residual streams as waste, but as valuable resources. In line with this vision, we have launched a pilot project to explore innovative methods of wastewater purification. This test phase focuses on making more efficient use of water streams and recovering valuable components.
Efficient water use and circular impact
Currently, PeelPioneers’ wastewater is neutralized and discharged into the sewer. With the introduction of new technologies, we are investigating the possibility of treating and reusing this water more sustainably. In addition, we aim to recover valuable substances from concentrate streams, creating new application opportunities within our chain. Implementing this technology contributes to a circular economy by making more efficient use of resources. This not only benefits our own processes but also the broader ecosystem. By reducing the load on wastewater treatment plants, we help lower CO₂ emissions and enable more efficient water use. Moreover, the recovery of sugar-rich concentrates and colorants further increases the sustainability of our production processes.
The technology behind the pilot.
“For this pilot, we are using advanced membrane filtration, a technology that removes unwanted substances such as colorants and sugars from water. This process not only contributes to a cleaner water stream but also opens up opportunities to reuse these substances in other applications. The exact technical parameters are being carefully analyzed during the test phase to optimize the method’s effectiveness and efficiency.
To successfully implement this innovation, we are working with a renowned specialist in membrane filtration. Their expertise and innovative approach make them the ideal partner in this project. Thanks to their knowledge, we can adapt the technology to our specific process needs and maximize the potential benefits for both our company and the environment,” says Sytze van Stempvoort, co-founder of PeelPioneers.
Economic benefits and efficiency.
In addition to ecological advantages, this project also offers economic opportunities. More efficient wastewater treatment can lower operational costs, particularly in water disposal and treatment processes. This not only results in direct cost savings but also creates new revenue streams through the recovery of valuable components such as sugars and colorants. These substances can be reintegrated into production processes or used as raw materials in other industries, contributing to a circular business model.
Moreover, a more sustainable production process helps us better respond to the increasing sustainability requirements within the food industry. By exploring innovative, environmentally friendly solutions, we are not only strengthening our internal processes but also working toward a future-proof business model. This pilot supports our ambition to play a meaningful role in the circular economy, enabling stronger collaboration with business partners and customers who place a high value on sustainability.
This collaboration allows us to gain valuable insights into the application of membrane filtration within our processes. Through this pilot, we can not only evaluate the technology’s efficiency and effectiveness but also better understand its potential impact on our operational and financial performance.
Next steps
With this pilot, we are taking an important step toward a more sustainable production process and more efficient use of residual streams. The insights we gather will help us further refine our processes and contribute to the circular economy. We will continue to innovate and work with partners to elevate our water management. This is just the beginning of a promising development, and we look forward to the impact this technology can have on both our organization and the industry as a whole.
