Sharing UV knowledge is essential
The session opened with a short introduction by Marieke Leenhouts from The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP). The Alliance was officially launched in March 2025 and currently consists of eight member companies, all sharing the ambition to strengthen awareness, understanding, and adoption of UV technology worldwide.
Launch UV Knowledge Hub
A key milestone in this mission is the launch of the UV Knowledge Hub, an online platform where professionals can access validated information, practical insights, and educational content about UV applications in water treatment.
Rob van Esch, Commercial Product Manager at VGE and one of the driving forces behind the initiative, introduced the mission of the UV Alliance. “Technology alone is not enough,” he explained. “Sharing knowledge is essential.” The Alliance aims to tell the story of UV technology in a clear, reliable, and consistent way, while stimulating international cooperation and making expertise more accessible to water professionals around the globe.
Panel discussion
The panel discussion featured Ton van Remmen (Van Remmen UV Technology), Arjan van der Spank (VGE), and Olga Kruidhof (Nedap), each sharing their perspective on the current challenges and opportunities within the UV industry.
Ton van Remmen emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. According to him, the UV Alliance was created because its members strongly believe in the power and elegance of UV technology as a sustainable solution for clean and safe water:
“With one small drop, we try to create a lake, with the knowledge of UV, the applications and contributions. Because that’s what it’s all about: clean and safe drinking water. There are enough challenges ahead that we can conquer together. Better than one by one.”
Breaking misconceptions around UV-C technology
Arjan van der Spank highlighted one of the industry’s biggest challenges: misconceptions surrounding UV-C technology. Discussions around energy consumption, mercury usage, and the comparison between LED UV-C and conventional UV systems are often based on incomplete or incorrect information. He stressed that international cooperation is essential to provide objective and transparent communication about the different technologies and their applications. “We all want to tell the same story and make sure that we share the same knowledge,” he said. “By using the same calculations and validated information, we make UV technology accessible to the whole world.”
Making UV technology more accessible
Accessibility was another central topic during the session. The panel explained that making UV technology accessible means more than simply providing products. It requires offering clear guidance, practical examples, and reliable data that help engineers, utilities, consultants, and end users make informed decisions.
Olga Kruidhof shared several examples of how the UV Alliance is helping lower barriers for adoption. By focusing on concrete use cases and measurable impact, the Alliance demonstrates how UV technology contributes to reduced water consumption, lower energy use, and a smaller environmental footprint. Presenting these benefits in terms of both sustainability and business value makes the technology easier to understand and implement.
"Together, we are more impactful"
During the audience Q&A, the panel discussed future ambitions for the Alliance. The Alliance welcomes organizations throughout the UV value chain that are committed to contributing to the story and strengthening the role of UV technology worldwide.
The session concluded with a strong sense of commitment and momentum. The message was clear: by working together and sharing expertise, the UV industry can accelerate innovation and help shape a more sustainable water industry.
Join our UV- webinar
As a follow-up to the discussions at IFAT 2026, the UV Alliance will organize a webinar on UV technology this September. The webinar is intended for engineers, utilities, consultants, and end users active in the water industry who want to learn more about the latest developments, applications, and best practices in UV water treatment. Interested in joining? You can already register for updates about the event via our contact form.
UV Webinar
Introduction at IUVA World Congress
On the 9th of September 2025, at the IUVA World Congress in Lisbon, Rob van Esch presented the vision and mission of the UV Alliance and shared our ambitions during a 20 min talk.
Promoting partnership
Since the foundation of the UV Alliance, one question has been raised: what is the added value compared to the existing International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA)? To address this, Rob introduced the new foundation on Tuesday morning, September 9, to a packed room of UV experts from around the world.
“We are not against the IUVA. We need the IUVA to bring fundamental and practical research to the market. Our focus is on the end-user.”
Impactful technology
Members of the UV Alliance believe strongly in the potential of UV and the impact it can create. But to be truly impactful, more collaboration is needed. A strong, consistent UV story helps achieve this.
The alliance focuses on sharing expertise and case studies, taking on joint projects, and exchanging UV knowledge specifically for end-users. It also aims to provide training programs for future water professionals and decision-makers.
(< Picture: IUVA President Ted Mao, moderator during the presentation)
New members join
Since its launch, four new members have joined. Alongside Alpha-Purify and UV Germi, LightTech from Hungary and UV Guard from Australia are now part of the Alliance. This gives the community truly global representation.
UV Guard
UV Guard delivers innovative, chemical-free purification technologies harnessing the power of UV light to treat water and other liquids simply and sustainably. The Australian company offers trusted, market-leading disinfection systems and spare parts used by industrial, commercial, and domestic clients worldwide.
“UV Guard is excited to join the groundbreaking UV Alliance. Its values align closely with our mission to educate the next generation on the invaluable benefits of UV technology in providing access to safe, clean water worldwide. We’re proud to represent the group across APAC and the UK, and we look forward to collaborating with fellow members to support our clients, partners, and the continued growth of the global UV market.”
Jack Robbins, General Manager UK and EMEA
LightSources Group
LightSources Group is an innovative, high-tech global leader UV lamp manufacturer with 40+ years of expertise. As an OEM-focused specialty lamp company, it provides the highest quality care to build strong, strategic partnerships. From prototype to finished product, it offers unmatched flexibility and turnaround with innovative solutions and proprietary products.
(Picture: Dan Spicer, Global Director Of Sales and Marketing at Light Sources Group >)
“The UV market has grown globally to sizes that was unimagined before which gives great opportunities to us all. It is our duty to promote UV and its incredible chemical-free power that can help the planet in so many ways. We must ensure to educate precisely and wisely the available alternatives. It needs to be our common mission alongside with IUVA and other UV experts.”
Peter Sauska, Managing Director LightSources Group
Looking ahead
The UV Alliance is still young, and its success depends on active participation from current and future members. Together, members shape the activities and strengthen the UV story through co-creation and impactful marketing.
Learn more
Would you like to know more about the UV Alliance? Get in touch with us. The presentation shared during the IUVA World Congress is available for download here:
UV Updates
Alpha-Purify and UVGERMI strengthen the UV Alliance mission
The UV Alliance is pleased to announce that Alpha-Purify, and UVGERMI have officially joined. Together with the core members, they reinforce our mission to foster collaboration, drive education and raise awareness
Reinforcing the voice of the UV industry
The UV Alliance is a globally operating initiative with members that actively share the true story about sustainable UV disinfection in water treatment. The addition of Alpha-Purify and UVGERMI reflects the Alliance’s growing international reach and diverse industry representation.
Balance competition and cooperation
Their membership also underlines our belief in a healthy balance between competition and cooperation. As long as members act with integrity, objectivity, and reliability—our shared core values—competition can fuel innovation while collaboration ensures meaningful progress across the UV-C sector.
We are honest when sharing information.
We validate our findings.
We use clear and unambiguous terminology.
Alpha-Purify: Experts in UV disinfection lamp manufacturing
Alpha-Purify, a brand under Alpha-Cure Ltd, brings global expertise in the design and production of UV disinfection lamps. The company is renowned for delivering high-performance disinfection solutions to a wide range of industries.
Beyond technical excellence, Alpha-Purify emphasizes shared values such as responsible innovation, regulatory engagement and sustainable development.
“Joining the UV Alliance reflects our belief in collaboration as a powerful tool for progress. We’re proud to join and are eager to share our expertise and insights. Together with our fellow members, we aim to promote best practices, support industry-wide education and encourage a more sustainable approach to disinfection through UV technologies.”
— Berenika Bond, Commercial Director, Alpha-Purify
UVGERMI: Tailored UVC disinfection solutions, made in France
UVGERMI, a French company, specializes in the design and manufacturing of UVC disinfection equipment for air, water, and surfaces. It develops and markets a wide range of UV reactors tailored to the specific needs of the water treatment sector.
What sets UVGERMI apart is its fully integrated industrial model: all equipment is entirely designed and manufactured in France, ensuring consistent quality and full traceability.
“The use of UV technology, especially in water treatment applications, is virtually limitless. Even after 20 years in the field, I discover new needs every day. One thing is certain: explaining and raising awareness about this technology—its successes as well as its limitations—is a daily challenge. At UVGERMI, we are proud to be part of the UV Alliance, amplifying our message and contributing to a broader conversation. United by shared values, we are committed to advancing knowledge and promoting greater understanding of UV technologies.”
– Guerric Vrillet, CTO at UVGERMI
A growing, united front
Ton van Remmen, spokesperson for the UV Alliance, expressed enthusiasm about the expanding community:
“As our membership grows, so does our impact. This strengthens our mission: share the real power of UV. Show how it solves water challenges—in a responsible way.”
With the addition of Alpha-Purify and UVGERMI, the Alliance continues to build a collaborative, informed and future-ready UV ecosystem. These new members bring deep expertise, forward-thinking values, and a shared vision of safer, smarter disinfection.
Want to join us?
Do you want to collaborate on a sustainable water chain? Are you interested in how UV technology can contribute to achieving your sustainability goals?
Contact one of our board members to learn more about joining our initiative.
UV Updates
Official launch of UV Alliance
On February 1, 2025, the UV Alliance was officially established. This center of expertise for UV technology was founded on the initiative of four companies specializing in UV-C water treatment. Their shared goal is to increase knowledge about UV technology and contribute to a sustainable and future-proof water cycle.
The need for collaboration
All participating companies have been active in the UV market for decades. What led to the founding of the UV Alliance? Ton van Remmen, owner of Van Remmen UV Technology, explains:
“I am truly passionate about UV technology and the positive impact it can have. But I find it frustrating that so many myths exist in the market. There is a huge gap between what the market knows and what this technology is actually capable of. We need to close that gap. That’s why I took the initiative to establish the UV Alliance. I stepped out of my comfort zone and reached out to my competitor. At first, it felt a bit uncomfortable, but we quickly realized that we were facing the same challenges. From there, we joined forces. With the launch of the UV Alliance, we have reached a real milestone. Together, we can showcase the true impact of UV technology.”
Activities of the UV Center of expertise
For the Alliance, honest knowledge sharing about UV technology is a key foundation, but the collaboration goes beyond that. By sharing real-world examples, members aim to further professionalize the UV market. Currently, decisions about solutions often focus on UV technology itself, while that is not the right starting point. At its core, it’s about building strong business cases. By demonstrating potential savings in water usage, energy, and waste reduction, UV technology becomes relevant. It helps organizations build a sustainable water cycle.
Real-world applications
The focus on real-world case studies is what sets the Alliance apart from existing networks. Most people are familiar with UV water disinfection in drinking water treatment, as the fourth microbiological disinfection step. However, UV technology is now used in many other applications, such as swimming pools. In that case, the primary focus is energy savings. By reducing the backwash frequency, less water is needed, and it doesn’t have to be heated to 28 degrees Celsius. This results in significant energy cost savings. Additionally, it lowers the formation of combined chlorine, creating a healthier swimming environment.
Roadshow
The UV market is a highly specialized, knowledge-intensive niche. With the UV Alliance, members aim to make the UV story more accessible, even for water professionals who do not work with UV technology daily. To achieve this, the UV Alliance will take the stage at several international water events in the coming months. One such event is Aquatech Amsterdam, where the UV Alliance will present on Wednesday, March 12, from 1:45 PM to 2:30 PM on the “Industrial Stage” in Hall 12.
Growth plans
The UV Alliance was founded with four core members but aims to expand by welcoming more UV-related companies. To facilitate this, a foundation has been established, which manages the UV Community. Foundation members organize events, develop in-depth knowledge articles, and maintain the digital platform: uv-alliance.com.
The four founding members of the UV Alliance are:
Want to know more about our initiative?
Do you want to collaborate on a sustainable water chain? Are you interested in how UV technology can contribute to achieving your sustainability goals? Contact one of our board members to learn more about joining our initiative.