Kaumera
Kaumera Nereda® Gum is a new bio-based raw material that is extracted from the sludge granules that form during the Nereda® purification process. The Netherlands has the world first: the first production site is in Zutphen, a second plant will be opened in Epe in 2020.
By removing Kaumera from the purified sludge, 20- 35% less sludge needs to be removed and processed. This has a positive effect on energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
A versatile name
Kaumera. It is a versatile name for a versatile product. Kaumera means 'chameleon' in Maori, the language of the original inhabitants of New Zealand. The chameleon is known for its colourful transformation and adaptability. This makes the chameleon a beautifully flexible, effective and versatile animal.
Partnership
The recovery of Kaumera from wastewater takes place within the National Alginate Development Programme NAOP. In this programme, the Vallei and Veluwe Water Authority, Rhine and IJssel Water Authority, the Dutch Foundation for Applied Research in Water Management (STOWA (stichting onderzoek waterschappen)), the Royal HaskoningDHV engineering consultancy and Delft University of Technology work closely together.
All parties contribute part of the knowledge and expertise needed to recover, process and market the new raw material. From laboratory research to full scale recovery. In this way, the Water Authority, the scientific community and the business community work together on a sustainable, circular economy.
Infinite application possibilities
By combining Kaumera Nereda® Gum with another raw material, the character of the substance changes. Kaumera is an amplifier and connector of properties. For example as part of lightweight biocomposites. This ensures that the application possibilities are practically endless.
Kaumera can retain water but also repel it. This makes various applications possible, for example in agriculture, horticulture and the concrete industry. These include reducing the leaching of fertilisers in agriculture. As a result, crops absorb fertilisers better. They are more resilient and grow better. The water-repellent properties also make Kaumera an excellent coating for concrete floors.