LIFE RECAD Advances Investor Engagement at Rotterdam Water Congress

In a significant stride towards enhancing investor engagement, the LIFE RECAD project showcased its innovative wastewater treatment solutions at the 2025 Water Smart Economy & Society Congress (WSES2025) in Rotterdam. Supported by the LIFE Programme’s Close-to-Market (C2M) initiative, the project aims to transform industrial wastewater into valuable resources, specifically targeting metal recovery.

The event, held on July 10, 2025, provided LIFE RECAD with a platform to refine its investor pitch and gain visibility among key industry stakeholders. Hristo Terziev, the Project Manager, emphasized, "Every plant like ours has a wastewater treatment facility. What makes ours different is what we do with the waste." The project’s innovative approach involves an internal recycling system designed to recover cadmium and zinc from wastewater, a process that is relatively rare within the industry. This not only mitigates landfill dependence but also supports long-term sustainability efforts as landfill capacity across Europe diminishes.

According to Terziev, "Landfill capacity in Europe is shrinking, and opening new landfills is increasingly difficult. In 20 to 50 years, we could face major limitations. So, this reduction is critical." The project utilizes a two-stage precipitation process aimed at enhancing metal extraction while minimizing pollutant discharge into the Chaya River in Bulgaria. The financial implications are noteworthy, with the team anticipating savings of up to €300,000 annually through the sale of recovered metals and reduced raw material dependency.

The C2M initiative provided not only financial insights but also crucial pitch coaching. Thierry Senechal, a C2M expert, facilitated group sessions that helped projects concentrate on what investors prioritize. Terziev noted, "The support we received wasn’t just about the presentation; it triggered a shift in mentality. We began to think from the investors’ perspective, not just the technical side. It taught us to keep potential investors in mind now, so we’re ready to showcase our results and secure support in the future."

During the WSES2025 session titled “EU LIFE Close-to-Market Projects: Accelerating Circular Water Innovations,” LIFE RECAD presented alongside two other LIFE projects and two Horizon Europe initiatives. Feedback from an expert jury, including representatives from HighTechXL, underscored the importance of clear value propositions and comprehensive team structures.

Terziev advocates for the C2M support, stating, "If we come across other projects or start-ups working in similar fields, we’d definitely recommend the C2M support to them. This was a great opportunity: not only to connect with the C2M team but also to explore ideas outside our usual industrial network."

As LIFE RECAD progresses towards commercializing its innovative wastewater treatment approach, it exemplifies how targeted C2M support can unlock substantial market potential, facilitating the scaling of environmental technologies and fostering impactful change. This project aligns with several key EU environmental directives, including the 2018/851/EU directive on waste and the 2000/60/EC directive on water policy.

The LIFE RECAD initiative seeks to advance the circular economy, focusing on sustainable value chains through cleaner technologies and innovation within the metal industry. It addresses vital issues such as human health protection, industrial risks related to hazardous substances, and water quality improvement, all of which are critical in today’s environmental landscape.