BKT signs an exclusive Proteus licensing agreement with France’s Stereau, marking a major step into the EU market under tightening DERU II wastewater regulations.
BKT has taken another major step toward expanding its presence in Europe. The company recently signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Stereau, the engineering subsidiary of France’s Saur Group, granting the firm exclusive rights to use Proteus in France and Switzerland. This partnership marks the official beginning of BKT’s entry into the EU water market.
Proteus has already proven its value in the United States and Canada, particularly in primary sedimentation replacement and first-flush stormwater treatment. Now, with Stereau—one of Europe’s leading water engineering companies—on board, the technology is set to make its way into the European market in earnest.
Unlike many Korean water companies that have focused primarily on China and Southeast Asia, BKT has built its track record in more demanding markets such as the U.S., Canada, and the EU. The new agreement represents a meaningful milestone, as it signals official recognition from a European industry leader of BKT’s long-standing technical achievements.
EU countries, including France, are currently in the process of aligning their national laws with the newly strengthened EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (DERU II). With climate change intensifying heavy rainfall events, maintaining river hygiene and controlling stormwater pollution have become critical issues. Against this backdrop, Stereau selected Proteus as a suitable technology to meet DERU II requirements.
Hugo Bardi, President of Saur Water Engineering and Stereau, shared his perspective on the partnership:
“Through our collaboration with BKT and its subsidiary Tomorrow Water, we can offer stronger and more innovative solutions to public authorities. Proteus is easy to maintain, compact, and delivers excellent performance in meeting strict treatment goals. It also reduces civil engineering costs, enhancing overall cost-efficiency.”
He added that Proteus has already been installed in over 60 wastewater treatment facilities worldwide, ranging from small plants serving 5,000 residents to major facilities processing more than one million people. Its proven adaptability makes it especially well-suited for dense urban areas, space-constrained sites, and upgrades to existing infrastructure, all of which align closely with DERU II priorities.
Emmanuel Rutman, BKT’s Head of European Operations, also emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Stereau, one of France’s leading water companies. The fact that Proteus—featuring chemical-free operation, compact design, and flexibility for both new and existing plants—has been recognized by a European leader is truly meaningful for us.”
This partnership combines BKT and Tomorrow Water’s global technical experience with Stereau’s deep understanding of the European market. Together, the two companies aim to provide practical solutions that address the region’s tightening environmental regulations and climate-driven challenges.
Starting with Proteus, BKT and Stereau plan to proactively respond to DERU II and expand the technology’s use across Europe in the years ahead.
Get in touch to discuss how Proteus can support your compliance goals and modernize your water treatment infrastructure i
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