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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HW2000 (Hydrowashr 2000)

Teaser

Summary

Hydrowashr has developed an all-in-one washing device, which rinses and dries hands without the use of soap or a towel. The Hydrowashr can save up to 99% water, compared to traditional handwashing. This is achieved through an innovative water-spraying technology, where water is sprayed under high pressure and at high temperature.

Through a feasibility study the technical feasibility, operational plan and marketing strategy have been investigated. The technical feasibility study has led to an improved Hydrowashr, and most of the technical issues have been solved. These concerned, amongst others, the odour, drainage system, temperature management and sound levels. Further development is required to keep the inside of the Hydrowashr clean.

The development of an operational plan resulted in a structured approach on production capacity and an ERP system. On top of this, a CE certificate has been obtained, and a KIWA certificate is pending, making the market introduction easier and the product more widely accepted.

Another part of the operational plan was the execution of a risk assessment, to identify possible pitfalls and risks. High production costs were identified as the major risk. Some of the main components are produced in very small batches or even as a single piece, resulting in high costs. Mass production could decrease the costs, and make the Hydrowashr more affordable. However, large investments are required to enable mass production.

Finally, a marketing strategy has been developed. First, an analysis of the potential market has been performed, showing large potential for the Hydrowashr. Second a strategy has been developed on how to enter the market successfully. Although the marketing strategy is not finished, the preliminary results showed there is enough potential to continue development of the Hydrowashr.

The feasibility study has contributed to consolidation of the concept of the Hydrowashr. It showed a large market potential and for most technical issues a solution has been found. Even though there still are certain issues that need to be addressed, the developers are positive that successful development of the Hydrowashr is technically and economically feasible. Therefore, a phase 2 application for further development will be submitted.

Work performed

During the feasibility study, the technology of the Hydrowashr has significantly been improved . On top of this, the development of an operational strategy and a marketing strategy has been started. Preliminary results show no inevitable obstacles for successful market introduction of the Hydrowashr, but there is still a large amount of work to be done. This concerns the realization of a final version of the Hydrowashr and market introduction and the development of an operational strategy. Therefore, the project will continue.
In the grant agreement, three overall objectives have been set. The first objective is a commercially ready product. This has not yet been achieved, but there has been significant progress. Most importantly, the feasibility study did not reveal inevitable obstructions. Therefore, the technical realization is the Hydrowashr is considered feasible based on current knowledge.

The following objectives concern a marketing strategy and production plans. These objectives, as formulated in the grant agreement have been studied during the Horizon 2020 SME phase 1. However, not all results are satisfying. This will be a part of a possible Horizon 2020 SME phase 2.

The concept and the approach as described in the grant agreement have not been changed. The principle of the Hydrowashr is the same, with only some small modifications to meet the required quality and required specifications. Therefore, the expected impact also remains the same. The primary benefit, a reduction of the water use per hand washing of 99%, is still considered feasible. So although there have been many developments, the core components of the project remain the same.

Because the huge environmental benefits are still very likely, it is of high importance that the developers can continue working on the Hydrowashr and the marketing and operational strategy. To do so, further funding is required, possibly by means of participation in the Horizon 2020 SME program, phase 2.

Cost reduction is a key issue, which requires significant investments. When funding is available, this could greatly reduce the cost price, increasing the potential of the Hydrowashr. But also sheer continuation of the development is depending on funding, as the company does not have sufficient resources to keep developing at its ow risk. A financial contribution is therefore greatly appreciated as well as pivotal for further development of this environmental friendly product.

Final results

The expected final results after phase 2 are:

1: Commercially ready product which is fully tested on a large scale and has proven its use in a daily setting and is able to save the intended amount of water. Validation, testing and demonstration will have been done on larger scale and therefore a commercially ready product can be produced and commercialized.

2: Hydrowashr will have introduced the HW2000 on the European market. Following pilots and demonstrations Hydrowashr still expects great potential for the product and to commercialize it on a European scale.

3: Hydrowashr will produce the product mainly in-house, and the company will be ready for large production. The company will consist of about 20 employees, which is expected to be sufficient to produce the HW2000 for the European market.