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Circular Materials is a technology scale-up specialized in the recovery and valorization of critical raw materials—valuable metals—from wastewater generated by various industrial processes, such as metal finishing and electroplating. Our patented technology SWaP (Super Critical Water Precipiation) prevents pollution, reduces the need for mining, and supplies sustainable raw materials for a clean energy transition.
SWaP is the acronym for Super Critical Water Precipitation: we patented a process that harness the properties of supercritical water (temperature above 374°C and pressure around 221 bar) inside a continuous-flow reactor. At such high temperature and pression conditions, water dramatically changes its physical and chemical properties: metals that were previously dissolved in ionic form are forced to cluster together forming stable particles. These particles precipitate cleanly and rapidly as fine metal powders, allowing us to separate metals from water with efficiency rates exceeding 99%, preventing the loss of valuable resources to the environment.
Industrial wastewater often contains valuable metals that are otherwise lost and contaminate groundwater. By recovering them, we protect ecosystems, safeguard human health, and return critical materials to the economy.
We work with industries such as metal finishing, electroplating, pharmaceutical, battery production, and electronics — sectors producing waste streams that, without suitable technology like SWaP, are typically turned into sludge and disposed of as hazardous waste. Our technology provides customers with strategic supply security and enhanced competitiveness by optimizing treatment processes, lowering
operational costs, and improving their sustainability profile.
Every gram of recovered metal supports the production of batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. Our circular model ensures these resources are sourced sustainably, reducing dependence on mining and imports.
Unlike conventional treatment, we offer a sustainable and eco-friendly supercritical water precipitation process that transforms waste into a resource. No toxic sludge, no chemical additives, no waste to be disposed of. The recovered secondary raw materials can be reused directly within the same industry or marketed in other sectors, enabling a truly circular model.
Our solution directly addresses EU priorities by securing sustainable access to critical raw materials while reducing environmental impacts. We turn waste into resources, strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Being designated in March 2025 as a European strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act means that Circular Materials has been officially recognized by the European Commission as one of only 47 initiatives addressing the EU’s urgent need for secure and sustainable access to critical raw materials. This status highlights our role in reducing Europe’s dependency on imports, fostering innovation,and ensuring that the clean energy and digital transitions are supported by a resilient and environmentally responsible supply of resources.
By treating wastewater, we prevent toxic pollution, protect drinking water sources, and reduce the need for new mines. This means cleaner ecosystems, healthier communities, and a stronger foundation for a green economy.
The first treatment plant (Circular Material Hub 0) is fully authorized and operational in Padua, with the capacity to treat approximately 3,000 tons of wastewater per year. In 2026, Circular Materials will launch its second industrial hub in Italy, with a production capacity designed to meet the treatment needs of the national industrial sector.
