Azuvia developped and deployed a modular, mobile treatment unit to reuse 80–99% of shower wastewater at festivals. The system use renewable energy (photovoltaïc panels), reused materials (containers, membranes etc.) and designed for easy maintenance and extended duration of life. Furthermore, the business model is based on a product-to-service model through the renting of the mobile treatment unit.
SECTOR
Cultural and creative industries – Events
CHALLENGE
Summer festivals, which attract thousands of attendees each year, generate particularly high water consumption, especially in regions already experiencing water stress. This increased pressure on local resources is largely due to the intensive use of showers, a vital service for the comfort and hygiene of festivalgoers. These events are often held in rural or remote areas, where centralized sanitation infrastructure is either nonexistent or insufficient to meet such high demand. In this context, wastewater management becomes a major challenge. Yet, there are currently no operational and suitable solutions for the on-site treatment and reuse of greywater from showers. This gap presents a significant opportunity to develop autonomous, eco-friendly, and easily deployable systems capable of recycling water directly at the festival site. Such innovation would not only reduce the consumption of potable water but also minimize the environmental impact of these events, while raising public awareness about sustainable water management.
SOLUTION
Azuvia developped and deployed a modular, mobile treatment unit to reuse 80–99% of shower wastewater at festivals. Thanks to the use of biological treatment and photovoltaic panels, the REUT system is designed to adapt to various event sizes and water profiles.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES
The system aims at reusing water, using renewable energy (photovoltaïc panels), reused materials (containers, membranes etc.) and designed for easy maintenance and extended duration of life. Furthermore, the business model is based on a product-to-service model through the renting of the REUT system.
IMPACT
Environmental impact:
– Up to 80–99% of shower water reused at festivals
– Reduction of freshwater withdrawals in water-stressed periods
– Lower pollutant discharge in natural environments – Increased use of renewable energy in water treatment
Economic impact:
– New revenue stream: target 500K€ over 2 years from festival segment
– Cost-efficient shared usage model (rental of treatment units)
Social impact:
– Supports sustainability in the cultural sector
– Promotes awareness of water conservation among festival-goers
– Job creation through deployment, maintenance and operations
KEY TAKEAWAY
Onsite wastewater reuse at festivals is now technically and economically feasible. It offers major environmental and economic benefits and a replicable model for the events sector.