Torwash transforms waste management

Torwash focuses on converting organic waste streams into useful products. "Our technology is mainly intended for wet organic waste streams, such as sewage sludge. This is produced during water treatment, thickened with fossil chemicals, and then transported to sludge incinerators. A costly process. We are really turning that sewage sludge into a fuel product. The results are promising," Pavlina explains.

In July 2021, Torwash received funding for a demonstration plant, which was built at the Land van Cuijk water treatment plant. "The demonstration plant was able to process 10% of the waste stream. Now we’re working on an installation that’s ten times bigger," Pavlina says proudly. The first tests were successfully completed in August 2024 and now the team is concentrating on the design of a full-scale plant.

Torwash's technology is modular, which means the reactors can be flexibly switched on and off. 'This is crucial for wastewater treatment plants because they need to remain operational at all times,' Pavlina stresses. The ambition is to commission the first module of the full system in 2026, have four full-scale plants operational in 2030, and then sell at least one under licence. The company is also looking at international expansion, with opportunities in Germany and the UK.

In addition to her work at Torwash, Pavlina was awarded the Prince Friso Engineering Prize in 2024. 'It was an honour to be nominated and eventually win. It was a surreal experience to talk about my work with Princess Mabel and Princess Beatrix at the award ceremony," she says. "It also gave our company the exposure it needed at a time when all the tests were running perfectly and we could prove that it works.'

Torwash continues to innovate and contribute to a more sustainable future. "Our hearts are in the right place, and we have the passion to do this," concludes Pavlina. With their technology and vision, Torwash is poised to transform the world of waste management.