The LIFE RECAD project, which is transforming industrial wastewater into a valuable resource for the metal industry, took a step forward in its market journey thanks to the targeted support provided by the C2M initiative. Following the team’s participation in the Water Smart Economy & Society Congress 2025 (WSES2025) in Rotterdam, the team gained visibility among key industry stakeholders, including potential investors, refined their investor pitch and adopted a more business-oriented mindset – building on insights from the C2M coaching programme.
A new perspective on a traditional process
“Every plant like ours has a wastewater treatment facility. What makes ours different is what we do with the waste,” explains Hristo Terziev, LIFE RECAD Project Manager. “We’ve developed an internal recycling system to recover cadmium and zinc from wastewater. Something quite rare in our industry. This reduces landfill use and supports long-term sustainability.”
The innovation lies in integrating metal recovery within the same facility, reducing the need for external disposal and conserving valuable landfill space. As noted by Hristo Terziev , “landfill capacity in Europe is shrinking, and opening new landfills is increasingly difficult. In 20 to 50 years, we could face major limitations. So, this reduction is critical.”
The technical approach is based on a two-stage precipitation process, designed to improve the extraction of valuable metals and lower pollutant discharge into the Chaya River, in Bulgaria. The environmental and financial payoffs are clear: the team expects to save up to €300 000 annually by selling recovered metals and reducing raw material dependency, paving the way for financial self-sustainability of the wastewater treatment facility.
Support that went beyond the pitch
In the lead-up to the Rotterdam event, LIFE RECAD received pitch coaching as part of the C2M support. The group coaching session, led by the C2M expert Thierry Senechal, helped participating projects to focus on what matters most to investors.
“The support we received wasn’t just about the presentation,” says the Project’s Manager. “It triggered a shift in mentality. We started thinking from the investors’ perspective, not just the technical side. It taught us to keep potential investors in mind now, so we’re ready to showcase our results and secure support in the future.”
During the WSES2025 session titled “EU LIFE Close-to-Market Projects: Accelerating Circular Water Innovations,” LIFE RECAD presented their pitch alongside two other LIFE projects (LIFE ELEKTRA and LIFE WARRIOR) and two Horizon Europe initiatives. The session featured feedback from an expert jury including HighTechXL representatives, emphasising the importance of clear value propositions, well-balanced teams and full value-chain thinking.
Why C2M is worth it
Asked whether he would recommend C2M support to other beneficiaries and projects, Terziev is clear: “Yes, of course. If we come across other projects or start-ups working in similar fields, we’d definitely recommend the C2M support to them. This was a great opportunity: not only to connect with the C2M team, but also to explore ideas outside our usual industrial network.”
As LIFE RECAD continues its journey toward commercialising its innovative wastewater treatment approach, the project exemplifies how targeted C2M support can unlock real market potential, helping environmental technologies scale up and create a faster impact.
Learn more about the project solution, which focuses on advancing the circular economy and sustainable value chains through cleaner technologies, chemicals management, and innovation in the metal industry. The project also addresses key areas such as human health protection, industrial risks linked to hazardous substances, pollutant reduction, industrial waste and wastewater treatment, waste recycling, and water quality improvement – all of which are detailed in our project fiche.
The LIFE RECAD project supports key EU environmental and circular economy policy areas, including the Directive (EU) 2018/851 amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste, the Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a Framework for Community Action in the Field of Water Policy, and the Directive 2008/105/EC on Environmental Quality Standards in the Field of Water Policy. It also aligns with the goals of the Circular Economy Action Plan – For a cleaner and more competitive Europe (COM/2020/98), the Directive 91/271/EEC on Urban Waste Water Treatment, and the Directive 2010/75/EU on Industrial Emissions (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control).
How LIFE helps close-to-market projects
LIFE RECAD is one of the projects supported under LIFE’s close-to-market (C2M) activities.
C2M supports LIFE beneficiaries in bringing their innovative green solutions into the market. The projects gain access to a dedicated support team with extensive experience, offering insights on business coaching, advisory on business strategy development, pitching presentation guidance and expert connections, among other activities.
Looking for support to develop your cleantech solution and bring it to the market? Check out the LIFE Close-to-market page.