C-biotech and DEME open innovative test labs for accelerated soil remediation using industrial hemp

C-biotech, a specialist in biological soil remediation among other things, and DEME Environmental, an expert in soil cleaning and remediation, are taking an important step in the fight against PFAS contamination. C-biotech, part of the Cordeel Group, is opening an innovative test lab at its site in Temse, where contaminated soil can now be purified ex-situ – that is, outside the original location – using industrial hemp. DEME, in turn, has opened a test lab at its Sedisol center near Charleroi, where the ex-situ technique is being tested on PFAS-contaminated dredged material. With this project, C-biotech and DEME aim to contribute to a structural solution for the remediation of polluted soils.

Under the name ‘Fytolutions’, C-biotech and DEME have already successfully applied in-situ soil remediation at various locations in Belgium. This method involves sowing industrial hemp directly on the contaminated site, allowing the plants to absorb pollution from the soil through natural processes. However, the key to success lies not only in the hemp itself, but also in the Hempurizer+ developed by C-biotech. This unique additive – a combination of specific fungi and a network of enzymes – accelerates the breakdown process of PFAS. The long molecular chains are broken down into smaller structures that are absorbed up to 30 times faster through the hemp’s roots.

Nevertheless, the in-situ approach also has its limitations. “Because we are fully dependent on climatic conditions, we can usually only achieve one harvest per year,” explains Frederik Verstraete, CEO of C-biotech. “That’s why we’ve now set up an ex-situ test environment in a greenhouse at the Cordeel Group and at DEME’s recycling center in Charleroi, where we treat contaminated soil and dredged sediment under controlled conditions. This allows us to achieve multiple harvests per year and drastically increase remediation capacity.”

The technical setup of the test labs is similar to that of recreational hemp cultivation, but the objective is fundamentally different: not consumption, but purification of soil and dredged sediment. The first sowing in the Temse lab was officially carried out this week by Alderman Wim Van Rossen, responsible for Spatial Planning and Environment in Temse.

“Local innovation is essential in addressing global challenges such as PFAS pollution,” says Alderman Van Rossen. “We are proud that a company like C-biotech is doing pioneering work here in Temse. As a municipal government, we fully support these kinds of initiatives because they offer both ecological and economic perspectives for the region.”

Frederik Verstraete explains: “We do not believe in a single miracle solution for the PFAS problem, but with this project, we are contributing a significant part of the solution. Our ambition is to scale up after this testing phase to larger volumes so that we can truly make an impact – both locally and internationally.” Dirk Ponnet from DEME adds: “With hemp, we can remediate soil and dredged material that cannot be treated with washing techniques. This way, we prevent them from ending up in landfills and instead make them safely reusable.”

About C-biotech

C-biotech is an innovative pioneer in using natural processes for sustainable solutions. As part of the Cordeel Group, C-biotech harnesses the power of industrial hemp for the remediation of contaminated soils and for the development of bio-based construction materials. With a strong scientific foundation and respect for nature, C-biotech works on structural solutions to environmental issues such as PFAS pollution. The company believes in nature as a lever for long-term change – both locally and internationally – and is committed to a circular future where soil restoration and construction innovation go hand in hand.

Discover more about Hempurizer+

About DEME Environmental

DEME Environmental is an international environmental contractor with over 35 years of experience in remediating contaminated land. DEME Environmental specializes in soil and groundwater remediation, sediment treatment, recycling techniques, landfill technologies, and environmental dredging.

Thanks to its multidisciplinary teams, DEME Environmental can provide services at every stage of a project; from remediation projects to multi-year design, construction, maintenance & financing contracts for complex environmental solutions.

As part of brownfield redevelopment, DEME Environmental builds strong and sustainable partnerships with investors and site owners and facilitates complex real estate transactions.

The technical, research, and development departments of DEME Environmental continuously work on developing and improving existing remediation techniques and introducing new technologies (e.g. PFAS remediation) into the environmental market.

As a leading company in the environmental sector, DEME Environmental holds sustainability and safety in high regard. It manages independently accredited QHSE systems and other relevant certifications.

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