Bacteria that clean

A certain bacterium is Finnish company Clewer's ultimate weapon in the fight against pollution — and in the fight for a position on the water purification market.

As more and more people are worrying about the health of the planet, focus is increasing on water pollution, especially pollution with harmful substances such as phosphorus, nitrogen and organic substances which have a detrimental effect on humans and animals.

In an endeavour to help lift the environmental burden, Finnish company Clewer has invented a water purification system which is both effective and environmentally friendly.

Works in the Nordic countries
At the core of the invention is a bacterium which removes dirt and pollutants. The technology can also be used on the toxins produced in various industrial processes, the treatment of waste water, swimming pools and car washes. With Clewer's technology, energy consumption is 90 per cent lower than for similar reactors on the market. The technology also makes it cost-effective to establish smaller plants.

One of the advantages of Clewer's technology is that it works at a water temperature of 5°C, while the technology of competitors requires at least 20°C – a temperature seldom reached by the water in the Nordic countries.

Driven by concerns for the environment
Clewer's main advantage lies in the company's ability to remove nitrogen from water far more efficiently than its competitors. Nitrogen pollution is an alarming problem, which constitutes a threat to wildlife both in the Baltic and lakes in the Nordic countries. Most nitrogen is emitted from farms and private households.

Clewer is part of the Pineline Group, which also includes a company named Teknoforest Ltd. which was established in 1987. The two companies' business areas overlap, as they are run by the same entrepreneur and draw on the same network.

The group's managing director has been an entrepreneur within the chemical industry for many years, and has the environment high on his agenda. As a self-taught entrepreneur, the founder has acquired knowledge within a number of areas, from chemistry and process technology to accountancy and law.