NSI acquires the majority share in Coldep to accelerate the VAL technology platform rollout

A next gen technology

At the core of Coldep’s innovation is the VAL process (Vacuum Air Lift), a unique, patented system that uses vacuum pressure, a very specific vertical design and microbubble injection to separate contaminants from water with exceptional efficiency. This modular approach is deployed under 3 complementary solutions:

VAL AQUA – Clean water for aquaculture and desalination pre-treatment

First developed for the aquaculture industry, VAL AQUA has become a key component in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), helping farmers improve water quality, reduce disease risk, and increase fish survival rates. The system continuously removes fine particles, dissolved gases (like CO₂, H₂S, and N₂), and pathogens while re-oxygenating the water — all with minimal energy and chemical use. VAL AQUA is now also being applied as a sustainable solution for seawater pre-treatment in desalination plants, where its robustness and compact footprint are major assets.

VAL INDUS – Efficient treatment for industrial wastewater

Since 2020, VAL INDUS has been helping a wide range of industries improve the way they treat their wastewater. Using an innovative vertical vacuum system, it efficiently separates unwanted substances from water while keeping energy use low. The process generates highly concentrated sludge, making it easier and more cost-effective to handle. Compared to traditional solutions, VAL INDUS offers significant savings, requires less space, and delivers a simpler, more robust approach to water treatment.

VFF (VAL Foam Fractionation) – Targeting PFAS and micropollutants

The VFF module (for VAL Foam Fractionation) is designed to address the challenge of PFAS and other micropollutants. By enhancing the VAL system with a foam fractionation process under vacuum, the VFF concentrates and extracts ultra-fine pollutants that are otherwise difficult to remove.

Most competitive PFAS portfolio in water treatment

This VFF technology will become an integral part of PFAS Resolve, the Saur Group’s flagship solution to detect, concentrate, treat, and destroy PFAS across water systems. Following this acquisition by integrating VFF’s concentration technology into PFAS Resolve, we offer a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective solution—reducing costs by up to 60% while enabling on-site and mobile PFAS management.

"Partnering with NSI gives us the resources and global reach to scale our innovation. Aquaculture proved the reliability of VAL, industry is already benefiting from its efficiency, and we are now ready to accelerate into new strategic markets such as desalination and micropollutant treatment. Each application demonstrates the transformative potential of our technology to protect water resources for ecosystems, communities, and industries "

Sébastien Latz

CEO of Coldep

"This innovative team and technology complements the existing portfolio by introducing additional benefits such as improved cost-efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced environmental sustainability, with lower chemical usage and operational costs. This strategic acquisition aligns with NSI’s mission to deliver innovative, sustainable water treatment solutions globally, to help our customers to close and restore the water loop. "

Menno M. Holterman

CEO of Nijhuis Saur Industries

About Coldep

Coldep is a French scale-up specializing in high-efficiency water treatment technologies. Its core innovation, the VAL (Vertical Air Lift) process, emerged from pioneering research conducted within IFREMER and INSA Lyon, initially developed by Julien Jacquety and joined from the outset by Bertrand Barrut. Both founders remain fully engaged in the company’s development today.

Building on these research origins, Coldep has become a fast-growing player in advanced water treatment, extending its applications from aquaculture to industrial effluents, and now targeting high-potential markets such as desalination pre-treatment and PFAS/micropollutant removal.

In 2023, the company strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Sébastien Latz as CEO and Brice Plossard as Development Director, bringing new momentum to Coldep’s growth and international expansion.

www.coldep.com

About Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI)

Founded in 1904, Nijhuis Saur Industries provides solid and adaptive solutions for sustainable and resilient water use, energy- and resource recovery. Since the inception of Saur’s Industrial Water platform in 2020 more than 14 companies have been successfully acquired and integrated into a global operating company supporting municipal and industrial clients in over 140 countries with engineering and consultancy services, EPC / DBFOM project execution, mobile water solutions and O&M site services. With an extensive portfolio of innovative technologies and game-changing solutions, Nijhuis Saur Industries deliver local, scalable, and circular water-on-demand solutions to more than 6.500 references around the world and contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Our purpose is to be an advocate for water, ensuring everyone gives water the value it deserves. With our unique Customer for Life approach, we protect water resources, contribute to the water-, energy-, waste- and food transition, and help to restore and close the water loop. We call it #MissionWater.

www.nijhuissaurindustries.com

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NSI acquires the majority stake in Coldep to accelerate the VAL technology platform rollout

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NSI verwerft meerderheidsbelang in Coldep om de uitrol van het VAL-technologieplatform te versnellen

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