Electrolysis Disinfection Technology: Chemical-Free Alternative

Electrolysis, a process that uses electricity to separate elements in a compound, such as oxygen and hydrogen in water, has formed the basis for the development of an innovative technology by the company ActivH20. This technology allows for the elimination of viruses, bacteria, and pathogens without the need for chemical products. Initially focused on sectors like hotels, hospitals, and residences since its inception in 2018, the company has gradually expanded its scope and now focuses on the horticultural and livestock industries. With a team of 12 employees, they reported a turnover of 1.1 million euros in 2022 and anticipate reaching 1.6 million this year, projecting profitability.

Bruno Pagalday, one of the founders of the company, benefits from a patent developed in collaboration between the French CNRS and the University of Montpellier. Now, this technology is being applied and developed in Spain. Initially, tests were conducted in large-scale facilities such as hospitals and hotel chains to establish a presence in the market. “Through this, we were able to align our business model with sustainability and circular economy. For example, it eliminates the processes of purchasing, storing, using, and disposing of plastic bottles,” explains the entrepreneur.

Gradually, clients began suggesting applications they hadn’t even considered. “They started asking us: can it be used in livestock? And in agriculture?” recalls the businessman. The response was materialized throughout 2019 and 2020 with tests in the pig farming sector thanks to collaboration with the Porcinnova incubator. According to the company, the results demonstrated that their technology for eliminating pathogens from water reduced intestinal problems in animals, thereby improving their health and performance. Currently, they have a significant agreement with the Jorge Group and an increasing presence in the poultry sector.

In 2021, they joined the start-up acceleration program of Cajamar Innova, which allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the horticultural sector. In the facilities of the Las Palmerillas Experimental Station in El Ejido (Almería), they launched a disinfection tunnel for fruits and vegetables. Additionally, they signed an agreement with La Unión, an Andalusian company that exports fruits and vegetables internationally and is, for example, the world’s largest cucumber exporter. “We disinfect without leaving residues, which extends the shelf life of the products,” explains Pagalday. Now, they aim to venture into wastewater treatment and cooling tower systems for legionella prevention.

Published by Iraic.Info, news and information agency.