The Netherlands at IFAT India 2025: Driving innovation for a circular and water-secure future

Field visit and a strong start

The programme began with a delegation visit to Navi Mumbai, where Dutch and Indian partners exchanged insights on urban waste and water management. The progressive vision of Hon. Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation left a strong impression on the Dutch delegation. This was followed by a technology briefing by Dutch organisations, moderated by Ms Mirjam van Buchem. During this meeting, future opportunities for cooperation were discussed and will be followed up. Site visits to solid waste processing, textile recycling, and wastewater treatment facilities provided a hands-on perspective on local challenges and achievements. 

The following day, the Netherlands Pavilion was officially inaugurated at the Bombay Exhibition Centre by Mr Nabil Touati, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai, and Mr Thierry van Helden, Deputy Consul General, in the presence of a Member of Parliament and Ms Dia Mirza, acclaimed actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador.

This year, we brought together more than 16 leading Dutch participants – from companies, NGOs, research institutes and more – to showcase cutting-edge solutions in sustainable waste management and water technology that contribute to India’s circular economy ambitions.

Collaboration and knowledge exchange

A key moment in the week was the roundtable with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on Dutch solutions to waste and water management, where Dutch experts presented innovative approaches helping to transform India’s water and waste landscape. Highlights also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Paques Environmental Technology India and SpectraA Technology Solutions, reinforcing Indian-Dutch collaboration in sustainable technologies and accelerating joint innovation in water and waste management.

Showcasing Dutch expertise

Throughout IFAT India, Dutch and Indian experts took to the stage to share practical examples and forward-looking solutions for a circular and water-secure future.

• Orange Stage – Dutch Solutions to Waste Management, moderated by Kaustubh Parihar of the Consulate and introduced by Jacqueline Eckhardt-Gerritsen of RVO, featuring speakers from DRYCAKE, SusBDe Global, FINISH Mondial, Waste NL, Quavac, and the Solidaridad Network.
• Blue Stage – Dutch Solutions for India’s Clean Water Transition, moderated by Mirjam van Buchem (NWP), featuring NWP members NX Filtration, Haskoning, and Paques, as well as the companies Quavac and the FINISH Mondial Foundation.

Looking ahead

The Netherlands Pavilion generated valuable leads and new opportunities for collaboration between India and the Netherlands. The strong interest from partners and visitors alike reaffirmed the importance of joint innovation in achieving a cleaner, more resilient, and circular future.

Polle van Twillert, COO of participant Qua-vac, noted that: “Through our participation in the Netherlands Pavilion and the podium sessions, we experienced an immediate and significant increase in local enquiries. Our objective was to raise as much awareness as possible for vacuum sewerage systems. We have always known there is demand, but our participation enabled us to succeed in reaching the right institutions and individuals. Everything was well organised – compliments to your team! Excellent work!”

We would like to sincerely thank Fernanda van der Velde of the Partners for Water Programme (RVO) for all her support, the hard work of the Consulate General in Mumbai, the strong backing of the Embassy of the Netherlands, IFAT India, and all partners, speakers, and visitors who contributed to the success of IFAT India 2025.

Together, we continue to build bridges – and solutions – for a sustainable water and waste future.