Danish Modular Flood System Wins Global Award: Building Climate-Resilient Cities with Recycled Plastic

UWR’s Modular Square Pipe   Photo Credit: Polykemi 

In a world where urban flooding has become an increasing challenge due to climate change, innovative solutions are crucial. The latest breakthrough comes from Danish Urban Water Retention (UWR), whose modular stormwater management system recently won an award at the 2025 Aquatech Innovation Awards in Amsterdam. This innovative system, designed to handle stormwater and prevent flooding in urban areas, uses modular blocks assembled like Lego pieces and made from advanced recycled polypropylene (PP).

An Eco-Friendly and Durable Solution

According to the report from Polykemi, the backbone of UWR’s system lies in its unique material. The modules, which are stacked underground to manage water flow, are made from a customized recycled PP supplied by Polykemi and Rondo Plast. This material, which is also widely used in the automotive industry, has been modified with glass fiber reinforcements to meet the system’s demanding strength and stiffness requirements. This adaptation ensures the modules can bear heavy loads from above while providing long-term reliability.

“We would not have achieved the success we have with our product without the material composition,” says Christian Rosenvinge, UWR’s Production and Procurement Manager. The material’s exceptional stiffness allows the modules to be installed at a relatively shallow depth, reducing the amount of soil that must be moved during installation, contributing both to sustainability and cost savings.

Remarkable Environmental Benefits

Beyond durability, the system’s environmental impact is equally groundbreaking. The decision to use recycled plastic in the system is rooted in UWR’s commitment to sustainability. Rosenvinge highlighted that the use of recycled PP has reduced the carbon footprint of their product by an impressive 65–70%. In addition, by increasing the depth flexibility and reducing soil disruption, UWR’s solution offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods, which often require more invasive techniques.

The system also boasts a significant advantage in terms of longevity. While traditional stormwater solutions typically have a lifespan of just 25 to 30 years, according to Polykemi, UWR’s modules have been engineered to last up to 75 years. This extended lifespan translates to reduced maintenance costs and less waste over time.

Global Recognition and Expansion

UWR’s innovative system recently received top honors at the 2025 Aquatech Innovation Awards, held at the world’s largest water technology trade show in Amsterdam. This recognition solidifies UWR’s standing as a leader in sustainable stormwater management. Rosenvinge emphasized that since starting production in October 2023, UWR has expanded its reach with ongoing projects across Europe, including in Denmark, Norway, the UK, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Winning the Aquatech Innovation Award is akin to receiving an ‘Oscar’ in the water technology industry. “Winning the award is a great sign of quality,” says Rosenvinge.

The success of UWR’s product also highlights the importance of collaboration. Polykemi and Rondo Plast worked closely with UWR throughout the development process, ensuring that the recycled plastic material met stringent specifications. The proximity of the companies allowed for direct communication and on-site demonstrations of the material, further ensuring the product’s quality.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this collaboration and follow UWR in their success,” says Fredrik Holst, Product Manager for Recycled Materials at Polykemi. “They’ve earned this spotlight, and their fantastic system really makes a difference in society! For us, it’s proof that we’re doing the right things as a supplier.”

With the growing impact of climate change on urban infrastructure, the need for resilient and sustainable flood protection is more pressing than ever. UWR’s innovative solution is shaping the way for more sustainable urban planning, offering a practical solution to an ever-present problem.

Source: Polykemi