Launch UV Knowledge Hub at IFAT 2026
At IFAT 2026, the UV Alliance launched the UV Knowledge Hub. To introduce the purpose behind this initiative, the UV Alliance hosted a panel session at the Netherlands Pavilion, bringing together industry experts to discuss the future of UV technology in water treatment and the importance of international cooperation.
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
