Clean Water Global

Clean Water Global  is a Belgian company based in Genk. We focus on a specific but overlooked environmental problem: how the coatings industry deals with paint rinse water. Our mission is simple — stop harmful substances from ending up in our water systems, and at the same time help companies lower costs and reuse valuable materials.

We collect contaminated water that’s used to clean paint brushes, rollers, and equipment — water that’s normally thrown away. Instead of letting that polluted water go to waste, we treat it. Through our current setup in Genk, we clean the water and recover raw materials like pigments and binders. These materials can then be reused in the production of new paint, reducing the need for virgin resources.

The paint industry is under pressure to meet stricter environmental rules. At the same time, companies are trying to cut waste and work more efficiently. Our system gives them a way to do both. We’ve already proven it works: our full-scale setup in Genk has been running for three years and is being used by several industry players.

Now we want to take the next step. Instead of companies having to send their rinse water to us, we’re working on building a compact, mobile version of our processing unit. This mobile unit would allow paint manufacturers and other users to treat their wastewater directly at their own sites. No more transport. No more unnecessary waste. Just clean water and recoverable materials — right where it’s used.

To make this possible, we’ve partnered with Brightlands Chemelot, where we’re testing different water treatment technologies. Together, we’ll find the best setup for the mobile unit. The goal is to bring the performance of our Genk installation into a much smaller footprint, without losing effectiveness.

We make it easy for our customers. Our system connects with a mobile app and digital dashboard that tracks volumes, provides data, and generates the necessary certificates for compliant disposal. In the future, customers will also be able to access recovered raw materials — either for reuse in their own production, or to share with others in the network.

We already work with partners like AkzoNobel and several paint stores and professional painters across Belgium. We've proven there's both a need and a market for what we offer. Our solution isn’t just good for the planet — it also saves money and creates new value streams from what used to be considered waste.

We’re currently developing the first prototype of our mobile unit. To scale this further, we’re seeking support — from public partners, industry stakeholders, and investors — to take this solution to the next level and make sustainable rinse water treatment accessible for every paint professional, manufacturer, and retailer.