Realco rises from the ashes

In early 2020, disaster struck biotech company Realco in Louvain-la-Neuve. A devastating fire completely destroyed the production facility and warehouse. Around 700 tonnes of chemical products, intended for the production of environmentally friendly enzyme-based cleaning products, were completely or partially destroyed in the flames. As did a large part of the site. And this happened in the middle of the first wave of coronavirus, when the world was in lockdown due to Covid-19. Nevertheless, Realco managed to keep going. This was thanks to fellow companies and regular suppliers in the region, who offered or shared storage or production space. And also with the help of Mourik. Everyone was immediately ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. This enabled Realco to continue operating even in times of crisis, from the offices that had survived the fire. And the crisis turned into a textbook example of mutual loyalty and partnership.

Cleaning storage tanks and removing hazardous waste

The first phase was all about speed, safety and very specific expertise. Our teams started by emptying and cleaning the storage tanks and removing hazardous waste. The conditions were particularly challenging: damaged packaging, unstable structures and a mess of burnt products that were not easy to classify. Amidst half-collapsed walls, we sorted and repackaged everything with the utmost care, partly by machine and partly by hand. This is work that requires specific knowledge and skills, for example in the fields of chemistry, safety and ADR regulations. And it had to be done quickly. In total, we repackaged and removed approximately 350 tonnes of chemical waste.

Remediation of chemical waste and soil

In the second and third phases, we continued with the removal of remaining chemical waste and soil remediation. During this phase, we removed another 100 tonnes of chemical waste, followed by the excavation of 3,600 tonnes of contaminated soil to a depth of approximately four and a half metres. The waste materials we encountered were often unrecognisable; labels burned, packaging broken. This is where sharp analysis, experience and a thorough understanding of chemistry come into play. Once again, it proved to be an advantage that we have everything in-house: knowledge and experience in waste management and soil remediation, well-trained staff and the necessary equipment. As a result, there were no delays. No information was lost in the transfer between parties; we were able to proceed immediately. After three years, the remediation and reconstruction were complete and Realco was ready for a new beginning.

In April 2023, Realco celebrated the opening of its new, sustainable production hall. Everyone who had helped was there: partners, contractors, colleagues. And one by one, everyone was mentioned and thanked by the CEO. There were even tears. Rightly so. Because this was no 'ordinary' project. This was about working together, about resilience, about shared values. We recognise something of ourselves in Realco. A close-knit family. Committed, practical, forward-looking. There is no better proof of our bond than the long-term collaboration we have with each other today. You do it together. And if, like Realco, you invest positively in your environment, you get something in return.