Innovating for a clean, healthy living environment

Michiel Hondema is Business Partner Sustainability at Mourik Industry. Together with colleagues from Belgium, he has developed an approach to cleaning PFAS from fire extinguishing systems. 

Sustainable products and services are a key focus in Mourik’s path toward tomorrow. But make no mistake: we are already taking concrete action today. A great and current example is our method for safely and sustainably cleaning PFAS from fire extinguishing systems. Michiel is the driving force behind this new concept in the Netherlands, for which Mourik is the first and only contractor to be KIWA-certified. “We have developed a unique approach, based on four steps: a clear scope definition, cleaning with a patented liquid activated carbon, waste management, and finally a complete report that clients can submit to relevant authorities. This allows you to demonstrate quality, which is important because regulations are becoming increasingly strict.” What makes the approach unique? “It’s a combination of technical ingenuity and a carefully designed process that demonstrably works, including all analyses and documentation. We are unmatched in this field.”

Energized by doing something meaningful
“Credit where credit is due: Dag Van Bruwaene and the colleagues at Mourik in Belgium were the first to come up with this. They already have considerable experience with this technique. In the Netherlands, we took up the challenge last year to broaden the concept and further develop the process into a proposition that can really make an impact here. That’s the kind of role I thrive in. In recent years, I have often worked on new products and services with a sustainability component, such as waste management and recycling. All very different, but always with the same goal in mind. I call that profitable sustainability. The fact is, sustainability is a great goal in itself, but companies only truly get enthusiastic when it also benefits the business. You could also look at it the other way: working with clients and making money, but doing something meaningful at the same time. That’s what gives me energy, and it’s also great for client support.”

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