Nurox & Interwaste partner to bring clean hazardous waste tech

Nurox Hydrothermal and Interwaste have formed a partnership to advance hazardous waste management solutions in New Zealand and globally, with support already secured from the medical sector.

The collaboration focuses on deploying Nurox Hydrothermal's proprietary hydrothermal processing technology. This method relies solely on heat, water and air to break down hazardous waste - including substances like PFAS, cytotoxic pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemical residues - into clean water, inert materials and acetic acid, a commercially valuable chemical component. The process is designed to minimise emissions and avoid the creation of harmful by-products.

A new approach to waste

Nurox's system was developed in response to the limited options available in New Zealand for treating certain hazardous waste streams onshore. Traditionally, much of the country's most dangerous waste has been transported overseas for incineration, due to a lack of suitable processing technology domestically.

"We're excited to join forces with Interwaste to bring our novel waste management solution to market," says Duncan Stewart, co-founder and CEO of Nurox.

"Hazardous waste generation and disposal is an enormous problem worldwide that can pose significant health and environmental risks if not treated properly. There is a global need for more sustainable processes in how we manage hazardous wastes and this is a particular problem in New Zealand which has limited technology alternatives to dispose of many of our most hazardous waste streams."

"Our technology provides a solution for many wastes that are currently sent offshore for incineration. It also provides a cleaner alternative to incineration - protecting the environment and enabling the recovery of valuable resources."

"With the support from Interwaste, Nurox is well positioned to help businesses reduce risks and emissions and transform the way industries manage hazardous waste," said Stewart.

In practical terms, the technology is designed to handle waste typically sent for incineration, potentially allowing these materials to be dealt with within New Zealand's borders using a cleaner process. It is also intended to support the recovery of resources, contributing to circular economy goals.

Partnership aims

According to Kelvin Hyland, Chief Executive of Tennex Group, the parent company of Interwaste, this development advances New Zealand's position in clean technology and helps fulfil international environmental obligations.

"By partnering with Nurox, we're bringing to market a powerful new tool that supports a circular economy, reducing New Zealand's reliance on offshore disposal. This partnership reflects our shared commitment in innovation and sustainability, and we're proud to work with Nurox as we pave the way together to a more sustainable approach to waste management."

Nurox Hydrothermal plans to implement an international scaling strategy centred on its intellectual property, with a light-capital-expenditure approach. The company intends to commercialise the technology via a combination of Equipment-as-a-Service and technology licensing models. The first processing plant is scheduled for commissioning in New Zealand in 2026, with a second facility to follow.

Industry support

This new approach has received approval from businesses in the medical sector, including Douglas Pharmaceuticals, one of New Zealand's largest pharmaceutical firms.

Kent Durbin, Chief Financial Officer at Douglas Pharmaceuticals, commented on the initiative's alignment with the company's strategic objectives:

"As a business, we're always looking for ways to improve the sustainability and resilience across our supply chains and we welcome any new innovation that leads to better environmental outcomes."

Interwaste's involvement in the initiative is expected to provide its clients with access to the hydrothermal processing solution as soon as the first plants are operational. The plants are designed to process a variety of hazardous waste types prevalent across industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

Background and outlook

Nurox Hydrothermal was founded in Auckland and is supported by a scientific team led by Professor Saeid Baroutian, Chief Scientific Officer, and Alex Hannon, Chief Operating Officer. The company's stated aim is to position New Zealand as a centre for sustainable, onshore hazardous waste destruction and resource recovery, using modular solutions that can be scaled globally.

Interwaste, part of Tennex Group, serves the healthcare, aviation, freight, and biosecurity sectors with medical and biohazardous waste disposal services. The company also engages in product destruction and advanced recycling, supported by tracking and logistics systems.

The partnership between Nurox Hydrothermal and Interwaste indicates a shift towards greater self-sufficiency in hazardous waste management for New Zealand, with international commercialisation as a longer-term goal.