Interview
7 October 2025For over 40 years, Colubris has been at the forefront of developing innovative total solutions for water and wastewater treatment, waste separation, and bioresources. Since its founding in 1984, the company has supported clients worldwide in using water more efficiently and sustainably, while transforming residual streams into valuable resources. Recently, the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) spoke with Tillmann about the company’s evolution, its partnership with NWP, and its vision for the future.
Colubris has been around for more than 40 years. You recently decided to change its name and house style. Could you tell us more about that?
“Since our founding in 1984, innovation has always been in our DNA,” says Tillmann. “Over the decades, we’ve grown from a family business into a leading player in water treatment, waste separation, and bioresources. Along that journey, our identity has evolved as well.
We felt it was time for a new brand identity, one that is fresh, powerful, and truly reflects who we are today and where we are heading. Our new identity expresses both continuity with our roots and our commitment to shaping a sustainable future. It’s not just a visual change, it shows what Colubris stands for: reliability, expertise, innovation, and creating meaningful impact for our partners.”
Colubris has been an NWP member since 2018. Do you remember why your organisation decided to join NWP?
“Colubris joined NWP in 2018 because we believe it’s important, as a Dutch water technology company, to be part of a strong partner network,” explains Tillmann. “The Netherlands is globally recognised for its water innovations, and we want to actively contribute to that reputation by sharing knowledge, collaborating, and bringing our solutions to an international stage.
Through NWP we can share our expertise, learn from others, and work together on challenges that cannot be solved alone.”
''Through NWP we can share our expertise, learn from others, and work together on challenges that cannot be solved alone.”
Frank Tillmann
CEO of Colubris
Can you share a specific project or collaboration where NWP’s involvement made a difference?
“A recent example is when NWP invited one of our colleagues to be involved in a webinar for the Latin American market,” Tillmann recalls. “We shared insights on topics such as water reuse and small-scale water treatment solutions.
This was a valuable opportunity to present our expertise to an international audience and connect with stakeholders in a region where sustainable water management is high on the agenda. NWP’s involvement made it possible for us to engage with this network and showcase practical solutions to real challenges.”
“The NWP webinar for the Latin American market offered a valuable opportunity to share our expertise and connect with stakeholders in a region where sustainable water management is a key priority.’’
Frank Tillmann
CEO of Colubris
What does the future look like for Colubris?
“Our mission is to help build a world where everyone has access to clean water, healthy food, and reusable raw materials,” Tillmann concludes. “That vision guides our future. We’ll continue to invest in new technologies and partnerships that not only solve today’s challenges but also anticipate tomorrow’s needs.
With decades of expertise, we aim to stay at the forefront of our sector, developing forward-looking solutions that create real impact for our clients and for society. Looking ahead, Colubris will keep combining innovation with commitment: turning challenges into sustainable value and meaningful results.”
Colubris is a Dutch expert in innovative total solutions for water and wastewater treatment, waste separation, and bioresources. Founded in 1984, the company helps organisations worldwide use water more efficiently, recover valuable materials, and move towards a circular economy. Read more
Featured NWP members: Colubris