UK's First Kaumera Biopolymer Plant Set for Blackburn

United Utilities is partnering with Royal HaskoningDHV (RH) to bring innovative Dutch technology to Blackburn, where the UK’s first Kaumera pilot plant will extract commercially valuable biopolymers from sewage sludge. The plant, managed by RH, will build upon the existing Nereda aerobic granular sludge technology, already in use at the site, which purifies wastewater using 50% less electricity than conventional methods.

_{The Kaumera Process and Its Benefits}

The Kaumera Nereda gum, a bio-based material, is extracted from the sludge granules that form during the Nereda purification process. This unique gel has dual properties: it can retain water, but also repel it. These characteristics open up a wide range of applications in various industries, including construction and manufacturing.

_{Potential Applications of Kaumera}

Kaumera's water-repellent properties make it suitable as a coating for concrete floors, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance. It could also serve as a composite building material with flame-retardant capabilities, offering added safety benefits. Its versatility suggests that it could become a key component in future sustainable construction practices.

Key Benefits

• Energy Efficiency: The plant’s Nereda technology uses 50% less electricity than conventional wastewater treatment, making it a more sustainable option.
• Innovative Material: Kaumera Nereda gum offers multiple applications, from construction coatings to flame-retardant materials, with potential to revolutionise industries.
• Collaborative Effort: The project brings together multiple partners, including United Utilities, Severn Trent Water, South West Water, RH, CirTec Cellvation, AquaMinerals, Yara, and prominent universities like Glasgow Caledonian and Cranfield.

The installation of the UK’s first Kaumera plant marks a significant step forward in sustainable wastewater treatment and the creation of valuable biopolymers. This project highlights the potential for future developments in bio-based materials and their applications across industries.