Topciment® takes part in AQUA+, a project that turns sludge and sediments into sustainable coatings

In Topciment®, innovation, sustainability and the continuous improvement of our products are fundamental pillars of our business strategy. Aware of today’s environmental challenges — and of the key role the construction sector must play in the transition to a more circular model — we actively participate in high-impact R&D&I projects.

In this context, AQUA+ was born: a strategic collaborative project funded by FEDER, focused on valorising waste from the integrated water cycle and from extreme climate events, with the aim of reincorporating it into the production cycle as secondary raw materials.

What is the AQUA+ project?

AQUA+’s main goal is to develop new sustainable technological solutions by valorising sludge from drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and sediments generated by extreme events such as DANA-type storms. These are events we are particularly sensitive to, as they have severely affected the province of Valencia, where Topciment®’s two main factories are located.

The project's distinguishing feature is transforming these wastes into sustainable materials with high value for the water, ceramics and construction sectors.

AQUA+ addresses a major environmental challenge: managing thousands of tonnes of waste that, until now, has largely ended up in landfill. Through advanced treatment and valorisation processes, the project proposes reincorporating this waste into the production cycle, helping to:

- Reduce the consumption of natural resources.
- Decrease the use of virgin raw materials.
- Lower the carbon footprint associated with industrial processes.

A project aligned with the circular economy and climate resilience

AQUA+ is aligned with European goals for the circular economy, decarbonisation and climate resilience, as well as with the Smart Specialisation Strategy of the Valencian Community.

The project directly responds to the challenge of adapting water management and valorising waste from the water cycle, creating synergies between diferrent industrial sectors and promoting a more resilient development model—especially in the face of extreme weather events like those described above.

Among its most significant impacts are:

- the annual valorisation of at least 3,000 tonnes of DWTP sludge, representing more than 80% of this type of waste generated in the Valencian Community;

- and the recovery of up to 5,000 tonnes of sediments accumulated after DANA-type events.

AQUA+ strategic objectives

There are four key strategic objectives underpinning the AQUA+ collaborative project:

1. Valorise waste from the integrated water cycle, turning it into useful raw materials for industry.
2. Reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector by lowering the consumption of cement and virgin raw materials.
3. Develop new sustainable products that are industrially scalable and validated in a relevant environment.
4. Boost the circular economy and territorial resilience, especially in areas affected by extreme climate events.

A multidisciplinary consortium to accelerate technology transfer

AQUA+ is being developed through a consortium that brings together scientific, technological and industrial capabilities—key to delivering results that can be applied and transferred to different sectors.

The organisations collaborating on this project are ITC, UJI, EMIVASA, EUROATOMIZADO and Topciment®, bringing expert knowledge in the integrated water cycle, waste valorisation, applied research and materials development for industrial and construction applications.

Breakdown of the investment in the AQUA+ project

AQUA+ has a total budget of €780.863,80, distributed across 2025, 2026 and 2027, and is funded by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme for the Valencian Community 2021-2027.

The annual breakdown is as follows:
- 2025: €87.117,69
- 2026: €230.023,00
- 2027: €463.723,11

With AQUA+, Topciment® strengthens its commitment to sustainability-focused R&D&I, driving solutions that turn complex waste streams into real opportunities to move towards a more circular, efficient and resilient industry.