Kemira' s Sweden-based subsidiary Kemira Kemi AB and Anox AB have decided to establish a joint venture company by the name of Akvab for the development and marketing of bio-chemical complete solutions in water treatment. Kemira's holding in Akvab will be 60 % and that of Anox 40 %.
"Through chemical precipitation, over 90% of phosphorus can be removed from waste water, whereas also over 90 % of oxygen demanding organic substances (BOD and COD) can be removed by using a bio-chemical combination method. "The combination method is also the most viable solution in terms of environmental economy", says Hannu Luhtala, VP, Kemira Kemwater.
The introduction and implementation of the nitrogen removal process ranks among Akvab's most important targets in the present water treatment plants in small to medium size communities in Sweden, Norway and Finland. The bio-chemical method in optimal running will not involve major new investment in today´s water treatment plants, and the method will lower energy consumption.
The Akvab joint venture will combine Kemira's and Anox's solid expertise into bio-chemical know-how in water treatment. Akvab will supply municipal and industrial water treatment units with a complete solution concept containing product know how, analytic services, water treatment process development and administration and also the necessary training.
Akvab will benefit from the extensive marketing network available to the new company through the two founding partners' strong position in the water treatment market. Complete solutions will be marketed globally, with initial emphasis to be placed in the Nordic countries. Akvab's office will be located in Lund, Southern Sweden.
Water treatment chemicals and related complete solutions are among Kemira's core business areas. Kemira will actively seek a recycling solution to mounting sludge problems in communities, including the development of coagulants for water treatment plants. The production of these coagulants is increasingly based on recycled raw materials. Kemira Kemwater SBU has production plants in 30 countries and employs a personnel of about 800.. Kemira Kemwater had net sales of EUR 180 million in 2001.
Anox focuses on biological solutions in waste water treatment. In addition to the Nordic countries the company operates in e.g. Australia, New Zealand, the U.S,. and in Russia. The company's position was remarkably strengthened on the marketplace only recently through the acquisition of the Norwegian Kaldnes Miljöteknologi AS. Including Kaldnes, the total net sales figure for Anox totalled about SEK 150 million last year.