Aquacycl Warns Industrial Producers to Prepare for Cost and Compliance Shifts Under New EU Wastewater Rules
Escondido, CA — October 14, 2025 — Aquacycl, a global leader in sustainable industrial wastewater treatment, is advising industrial facilities across the European Union to prepare now for the far-reaching impacts of the recently updated Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD). While the directive is aimed at municipal treatment facilities, its sweeping changes, including the requirement for energy neutrality in wastewater treatment plants by 2045, are expected to significantly affect all industrial producers.
Under the revised EU rules, utilities will need to invest heavily in infrastructure to meet the new performance and energy goals. These costs are likely to be passed onto industrial customers in higher wastewater treatment fees and stricter discharge requirements, potentially increasing pretreatment obligations and operational risks for facilities that delay action.
“Industrial producers may not be directly regulated under the updated directive, but they will feel the effects,” said Orianna Bretschger, CEO of Aquacycl. “Now is the time for European facilities to evaluate onsite treatment options to control costs, ensure compliance, and safeguard operational resilience.”
An onsite pretreatment system removes the bulk of pollutants before discharge into an urban wastewater pretreatment plant or the environment. Through fully managed and curated treatment models, Aquacycl’s BioElectrochemical Treatment Technology (BETT®) and SulfideFix systems offer cost-effective, low-energy, and space-efficient alternatives to relying solely on municipal systems. Capable of removing 90–99% of pollutants, reducing sludge volumes, and handling challenging or fluctuating wastewater flows, these technologies enable European facilities to maintain compliance while reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Facilities that take action early will be in the best position to manage future cost increases and compliance requirements,” Bretschger added. “Onsite treatment solutions not only reduce financial exposure but also help meet sustainability and ESG goals. For example, an industrial beverage manufacturer utilizing Aquacycl technology may be able to reduce energy consumption for wastewater treatment by up to 80 percent.
To learn more about how the updated EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the Industrial Emissions Directive could impact industrial producers, and how to prepare, visit Aquaycl’s blog for the latest news: Blog – Aquacycl
About Aquacycl
Aquacycl is a leader in sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, offering cutting-edge technology and extraordinary service to industries and municipalities worldwide. Its proprietary biologically-based solutions provide cost-effective, energy-efficient alternatives to traditional wastewater treatment and odor control methods, empowering clients to achieve their business goals while reducing operational costs and meeting compliance standards. With offices in Escondido, CA USA, and Leeuwarden, Netherlands Aquacycl Inc. and Aquacycl Netherlands BV are committed to innovation, impact, and redefining what’s possible in both industrial growth and environmental stewardship.
