TAUW

TAUW is a key partner in the "Solving the Urban Plastic Soup" project, contributing its innovative Shoreliner technology to tackle plastic pollution in Amsterdam’s waterways. As part of the project, TAUW designed, installed, and tested a Shoreliner system in the Sloterplas, a large lake in the city. This pilot, running from July 2024 to at least January 2025, provides an opportunity to evaluate the system’s effectiveness, explore its integration with Amsterdam’s existing measures to combat plastic waste, and foster collaboration with the local community. Notably, community members have actively supported the initiative by voluntarily taking responsibility for regularly emptying the device, demonstrating their commitment to keeping their neighborhood clean.

The Shoreliner system is designed to intercept floating plastic waste by utilizing the natural movement of water. Installed near the shore, it consists of a series of strategically placed floating barriers and a collection unit that guide and trap debris without disrupting the water flow or harming aquatic life. The system is easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and is designed to be scalable for various waterway configurations.

The benefits of the Shoreliner technology extend beyond its immediate function of waste collection. By capturing plastic at its source, the system prevents pollution from spreading further into larger waterways. It also raises awareness about the importance of clean water environments, encouraging community engagement and responsibility. Additionally, the collected waste can be analyzed to provide valuable data on the composition and sources of plastic pollution, which can inform broader sustainability strategies.

TAUW’s Shoreliner pilot highlights the importance of combining innovative technology with community involvement to address urban environmental challenges effectively, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Amsterdam.

More information on the company's mission and the technology can be found here: De Shoreliner - Innovatieve oplossing plastic soep | TAUW