Organica Water

Organica Water offers a distinct approach to wastewater treatment, targeting both municipal and industrial clients with solutions designed for urban integration. Founded in 1998 in Budapest, Hungary, by Attila Bodnar, the company originated from his vision as an architect to create a more sustainable urban wastewater cycle. Initially operating as a traditional design-build firm, Organica constructed over 75 wastewater treatment plants in its early years, serving major clients like Audi, Shell, and General Electric. A significant pivot occurred in 2007 when the company sold its design-build business to Veolia Water Solutions to concentrate exclusively on commercializing its proprietary wastewater treatment technology globally. This strategic shift allowed Organica to expand its presence across multiple continents.

The company’s core business revolves around its Fixed-Bed Biofilm Activated Sludge (FBAS) technology, a type of Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) system. This technology employs natural and engineered media, including plant roots and artificial carriers, to create a habitat for a diverse biofilm of bacteria and higher-level organisms. This "food chain" approach metabolizes wastewater contaminants more efficiently than conventional systems. The main product, the Organica Food Chain Reactor (FCR), is a complete system that integrates solids removal, biological treatment, and phase separation into a single, compact structure. The key benefits for clients are significant reductions in physical footprint (up to 60%) and energy consumption (30-40% less than activated sludge solutions), along with reduced sludge production. A unique selling point is the aesthetic design of the facilities, which resemble botanical gardens or greenhouses, making them odorless and visually appealing enough to be placed in dense urban or residential areas.

Organica operates a dual business model. It serves as a technology provider for new projects, offering design and engineering packages for clients building Organica facilities. Additionally, the company provides operational and digital services for existing wastewater plants, regardless of the underlying technology. These digital services leverage IoT, data analytics, and AI-driven mathematical models to optimize plant performance, reduce operational costs, and improve equipment lifecycle. Revenue is generated through the sale of these technology packages and recurring service contracts. The company has attracted significant investment, raising over $66 million through multiple funding rounds, with its Series D in 2018 led by investors like CITIC Capital and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Keywords: wastewater treatment, biological wastewater treatment, Fixed-Bed Biofilm Activated Sludge, FBAS, IFAS, water recycling, decentralized wastewater treatment, municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, Food Chain Reactor, water resource recovery, urban water management, environmental services, cleantech, sustainable water solutions, sludge reduction, energy-efficient wastewater, digital water services, plant optimization, biofilm technology