In the Netherlands, many people work passionately with biomass as a raw material. They work on innovations, improve (production) processes or create policy for a fossil-free future. In this mini-series we highlight what drives them to work on the transition to a sustainable world.
When you think of water management, you often picture large machines, dams, and pipelines. But behind Dutch Water Tech, it's just as much about the people. People with a passion for water, for bio-based resources, and for innovative solutions that are not only functional but also sustainable. We spoke with Mark den Dubbelden of Dutch Water Tech about their work, their projects, and their vision for circular water technology.
Biofloats: floating islands made of wood and cork
One of the products Dutch Water Tech is investing a lot of energy in is the so-called biofloats: floating islands with aquatic plants. "Well, look, floating islands with aquatic plants—we didn't invent them," says Mark. "There was already a bit of a revival of these kinds of structures in the 80s. Companies were working with them, but almost everything was made of plastic. It floats well and is durable, but practically speaking, it's impossible to get rid of, and it releases microplastics. We wanted to do things differently."
And so the search for sustainable materials began. "We started with bamboo, produced in Europe, from Portugal. That worked well at times, but it splits quickly and loses its buoyancy," explains Mark. Ultimately, they settled on a combination of wood and expanded cork. "It's a beautiful product. It's completely natural, carbon-negative, and it floats well. The wood comes from the Veluwe region, an A-label from NL Greenlabel. We make conscious choices like that."
The result: biofloats that last at least ten years, are biodegradable, and can be easily moved for maintenance. "We always tell our customers: this is fine, it'll stay intact and strong. It's a fun product, but also a conscious choice to create something circular," says Mark proudly.
Personal motivation and sustainable entrepreneurship
Mark's personal background plays a significant role in the direction Dutch Water Tech takes. "I come from process engineering myself. That requires a very systemic approach: how do I approach a project, which blocks do I need, what shouldn't happen? That's a huge help in developing sustainable water solutions."
His motivation goes beyond work. "I buy a lot of secondhand goods, usually try to buy local, and eat organic. It's about a conscious lifestyle, not just professionally, but also personally. With three children, I think it's important to include them in this. It's about small choices that really make a difference in the long run."
That personal conviction also translates into their work: no greenwashing, no plastic if there's another way. "For example, we've converted all the products we fill ourselves to recycled plastic or cardboard. Yes, it sometimes costs more, but we're doing it right. Our customers really appreciate that. You can see it in how often they return."
Circular and practical: from concept to implementation
The Dutch Water Tech team consists of people with diverse backgrounds, from police officers to environmental engineers and healthcare professionals. Together they develop products and carry out projects. "Last year, we had a former Marine who was very knowledgeable about water and shipping. He gave us practical tips for the installation and maintenance of our biofloats and FLOT modules. Such a diverse team is truly valuable."
The projects often focus on greening and biodiversity in urban waterways. "It's mainly about improving the view and promoting biodiversity. In Breda, for example, we've spruced up the Nieuwe Mark with our islands. These islands used to be there, but they've since been removed because the Mark has been extended." People always say, 'How beautiful, how lively!' Underwater, you see entire root systems where fish shelter and insects find their way. The effect on water quality is also noticeable, but it's mainly about the combination of factors. A bare pond looks unattractive, but with our biofloats, a vibrant ecosystem emerges."
Dutch Water Tech also performs biological dredging: the decomposition of dead organic matter in urban waters using bacteria. "Traditional dredging is heavy and disruptive, with high CO2 emissions. Our biological process reduces those emissions by 14 times and keeps the system healthy for longer. It's a practical application of biomass and microorganisms that really makes a difference," explains Mark.
Growth and innovation: organic and sustainable
The company is growing organically. From a one-man operation to a team of fourteen to fifteen people, including project managers, webshop employees, and seasonal workers for the water projects. "It's important that we don't grow too fast. Some projects are seasonal, depending on the growing season of aquatic plants. For us, it works well to collaborate with sheltered workshops that can provide flexible support," says Mark.
Innovation is always central. "We've done many pilots, tried, failed, and tried again. That's simply the best way to develop something. The result is that we now have a product that is sustainable, functional, and circular."
The impact of personal choices
Mark's personal beliefs are a common thread throughout the company: conscious sourcing, local materials, organic food, and less plastic. "It's never perfect, but you can do a lot yourself. Microplastics in water are a serious problem, and we don't want to contribute to it. As a company and as individuals, you can make a difference."
He cites examples from his daily life: traveling by train instead of flying whenever possible, buying local meat and vegetables. "It sometimes costs more, but it delivers health benefits and long-term sustainability. And I try to teach that to my children as well. You don't have to force everyone to do something, but setting a good example is important."
A look into the future
Mark and his team continue to experiment and improve. “We now have a product that works well, but there's still room for improvement. For example, with the sheet pile constructions: we use stainless steel and cork, materials that could potentially last up to 100 years. We call this FLOT. We strive for circularity: biodegradable where possible, otherwise reusable. In the case of FLOT, it's not biodegradable, but it is reusable in the same function and easy to move. Those kinds of projects are the most exciting: when you truly build something new that's sustainable, you see the immediate effect in practice.”
The future of Dutch Water Tech is therefore a mix of passion, innovation, and circular solutions. Mark concludes: “It's not just about making money. It's about perseverance, experimentation, and making a real difference. That's what makes our work so great.”
