Grohe’s partnership with everwave, a social business with the mission of cleaning rivers of waste and protecting the ocean, is celebrating another milestone in the successful deployment of the innovative cleaning structure HiveX, which was launched in the Bacchiglione river in Padua (Italy) in March 2022.
Having collaborated with everwave since 2019, Grohe has contributed to the inauguration of the patented HiveX structure. The anchored, stationary structure uses the power of the river stream to continuously divert and store floating waste – it is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly due to the passive technology using energy from its environment to operate. The honeycomb-shaped design calms the current of the water as it flows through, ensuring that the plastic particles reach the surface and can be skimmed off. This also ensures that only waste is collected, and animals remain unharmed. Once installed, its internal architecture allows it to collect up to five tons of waste, and prevents the litter from reaching the Gulf of Venice.
“Initially, we wanted to develop a technology for the ocean. As the research progressed, it became clear that it is more effective to start with rivers, since 80% of the waste in the oceans comes from there. Thanks to the modular, low-tech set-up of HiveX, it is a very simple solution that can be implemented in many rivers and is therefore able to help clean up waterways around the globe – without high costs and specialised staff. We are very grateful to Grohe for supporting our mission to protect the oceans for years and for making such a positive impact on the environment as a brand,” says Clemens Feigl, CEO & co-founder of everwave.
He add: “The support of Grohe as a leading global brand helps us gain visibility in the EMENA region and drive forward our goal of a healthy ocean. By combining our strengths and raising awareness of the global plastic crisis, the environment emerges as the ultimate winner out of the collaboration.”
Jonas Brennwald, leader Lixil EMENA, said: “Our close exchange demonstrates that by utilising the expertise of a global brand, a social start-up can achieve a direct, tangible impact. The partnership with everwave strengthens our role as industry leaders in terms of sustainability and helps us break new ground on our contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.”
