Recently, the technical magazine aguasresiduales.info interviewed Patricia Ugarte Elhombre, Executive Director of Technology at BIOBOX®. During the conversation, Patricia discussed innovation, technology, and sustainability in water treatment, as well as the advancements that have quickly established BIOBOX® as a leading reference in the sector.
Full interview:
Aguasresiduales.info: Patricia, BIOBOX® was founded in January 2023, yet you’ve already reached milestones that typically take many companies years to achieve. How have you managed to accomplish so much in such a short time?
Patricia Ugarte: Although BIOBOX® is a young company, we benefit from the support of Ingeniería de Obras Zaragoza, S.L. (INGEOBRAS), our parent company, which was founded in 2005. INGEOBRAS has been working on engineering projects and developing water treatment technologies for 20 years, driven by its R&D center.
BIOBOX® is, in a sense, the outcome of that accumulated work: we’ve leveraged all the engineering expertise and technologies developed by INGEOBRAS to create a tangible, market-ready product. That’s why, even though the company is new, we have a strong foundation of experience that has enabled us to progress so quickly.
Aguasresiduales.info: From your experience, what would you say is the main added value that BIOBOX® provides to its clients?
Patricia Ugarte: I believe the greatest added value lies in three fundamental pillars: proprietary technology, advanced engineering, and automation.
We provide unique, tailored solutions designed to address the specific needs of each client, always with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and profitability. Moreover, our plants are fully automated, which greatly streamlines their daily operation and ensures reliable and efficient performance.
Aguasresiduales.info: BIOBOX®’s solutions range from medium flows to large treatment volumes. How do you manage to maintain efficiency and adaptability in such diverse projects?
Patricia Ugarte: The key is in our modular and scalable design. All our plants are built to be flexible and tailored to the specific needs of each client. For instance, for smaller projects, we use compact container-based formats, while for larger installations, we use modular skid systems.
Additionally, our solutions are easily scalable. If a client starts with a small plant and their needs grow, they can add extra modules in parallel or series without having to modify the initial setup. This enables us to offer efficient, customized solutions, whether for small businesses or large industries.
Aguasresiduales.info: BIOBOX® integrates advanced technologies such as bioreactors and automated systems. How does technological innovation contribute to your ability to provide such comprehensive and robust solutions?
Patricia Ugarte: Innovation is the driving force behind everything we do. Our R&D team is continuously developing proprietary technologies that surpass traditional solutions. One example is the use of fixed-bed bioreactors, which remove contaminants in a natural and sustainable way, or our patented technology for nitrate removal through a heterotrophic biological process.
These technologies not only address complex issues but are also more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Additionally, advanced automation ensures that our plants are easy to operate and that they deliver reliable and efficient performance.
Aguasresiduales.info: Patricia, do your technologies have the support of health organizations?
Patricia Ugarte: Yes, our technologies are backed by international certifications and health approvals. One example is our BIOBOX® Nitrates solution, which is one of the most innovative in our catalog. This technology is patented and certified by SGS, an internationally recognized independent organization.
Moreover, since 2017, this technology has been approved by European health ministries, such as Spain’s, for drinking water projects. This highlights the reliability and effectiveness of our solutions across various markets.
Aguasresiduales.info: From your experience, what do companies primarily seek when turning to BIOBOX®, and how do your solutions meet those needs?
Patricia Ugarte: Companies primarily seek sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable solutions. In a context where water resources are becoming increasingly scarce, efficiency in water use and treatment is essential.
Our plants not only meet the highest quality standards but also encourage the reuse of treated water, closing the loop and optimizing resources. Furthermore, we provide comprehensive support, from initial design to post-sale services, ensuring that our solutions align with both the operational and environmental goals of each client.
Aguasresiduales.info: Finally, Patricia, what are you most proud of regarding the impact BIOBOX® is having on the industry and global sustainability?
Patricia Ugarte: What I’m most proud of is seeing how our solutions contribute to a more efficient use of water resources and environmental protection. Each project we carry out not only helps businesses become more sustainable but also strengthens our commitment to a better world.
Knowing that we’re playing our part in conserving such a valuable resource as water is a constant source of motivation to keep improving.
A big thank you to aguasresiduales.info for conducting this interview and giving us the opportunity to share our vision on innovation in water treatment!