Four innovative paint concepts using alternative water sources
December 2025
Research into four innovative paint concepts that use different types of water as a base. The idea of using salt water originated over ten years ago with CEO Marlies van Wijhe. Early findings were positive: it is not impossible and offers interesting opportunities. Increasing scarcity and pollution underline the importance of alternative water sources. With Concept Paint Water Waves, we contribute to the water transition by testing rainwater, process water, seawater and brackish water.
We share preliminary results to inspire collaboration and further research, ahead of any mandatory legislation.
Rainwater as an alternative source
The use of rainwater as an alternative water source for industrial applications shows potential, provided quality assurance can be guaranteed. Rainwater can be microbiologically safe, but variable quality and possible contamination require treatment. Natural purification via a wadi, followed by activated carbon filtration and UV treatment, removes microbiological and chemical disturbances. The main challenge is preventing biofilm formation on hard surfaces. These methods have proven effective, but additional research into consistency and safety remains necessary to ensure reliable application.
Daarnaast bevatten veel traditionele watergedragen verven microplastics. Deze Concept Paint bevat geen microplastics. We hebben de acrylaten eruit gelaten. En een biologisch afbreekbaar bindmiddel toegevoegd. Verder onderzoek in de toekomst moet gaan uitwijzen of de verf volledig biologisch afbreekbaar is.
Smart reuse of process water
Working towards a sustainable future also means handling industrial waste streams with care. For this reason, our cleaning water — used, for example, to clean tanks — is first stripped of chemical contaminants before being discharged into the sewer system. It meets government discharge standards. However, we go one step further by exploring whether the so called filter cake, the residue, can be reused as a filler in paint. The relatively clean remaining water may also be reused for cleaning or as reusable water in our production or products.
Paint made from seawater
Using seawater as a base for paint offers significant potential but also presents challenges due to its high salt content. Tests with varying seawater percentages show promising results. However, risks such as salt crystallisation and moisture absorption require further research before large-scale application becomes feasible.
Smart circular collaboration with brackish water
From test water to innovative paint. Brabant Water is researching the use of brackish water from deep underground layers as drinking water. The purified test water was then used circularly to produce paint. This brackish water delivers better paint results than seawater. Desalinated brackish water behaves like tap water and represents a promising, sustainable option for industrial applications.
Concept paints with future water security
Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) is under increasing pressure due to rising costs and limited energy for purification. It is therefore essential to explore alternative water sources and focus on reuse and innovation. This is of great societal importance: only through knowledge sharing and collaboration can we achieve sustainable water management. Accelerating the water transition directly contributes to a future in which safe water remains accessible to everyone and ecosystems are protected.
