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.
