PRESS RELEASE
Recently a number of articles have appeared with incorrect reporting regarding the Waterkracht project (power of water) and Ekopak. Ekopak wishes to respond to these.
First of all, it goes without saying that Ekopak always follows all legal obligations and guidelines.
Regarding the Waterkracht project, Ekopak refers to the press release of September 20, 2024: “After two years of intensive preparation and successful pilot tests, the path is now clear for the construction of a state-of-the-art cooling water plant in the port of Antwerp. This will supply cooling water to the port for 30 years. The basic framework for this has been contractually established and will be further refined as in function of the realization of this groundbreaking project.” Thanks to this project, 20 billion liters of water will be recycled annually starting in 2026.
Since the announcement of the final signing of the Waterkracht project, all parties involved have been working with heart and soul on this innovative project. Progress is being made every day. Once operational, Waterkracht will have a major impact on both the port of Antwerp and water policy in Flanders in general.
In addition, business is operating at full speed. The WaaS model is central to Ekopak’s strategy. Thanks to the many WaaS contracts signed (complemented by a very promising pipeline), Ekopak is already assured of growing, guaranteed sales for the next 20 to 30 years. The increase in signed WaaS contracts is accompanied by pre-financing and brings with it a logical and temporary increase in the debt ratio. The debt ratio will gradually decrease once the WaaS projects are operational. Moreover, the financing of the WaaS projects is fully covered.
Ekopak recently confirmed (and hereby reaffirms) its goals for 2028: significant growth in current annual sales to at least EUR 140 million and an increase in EBITDA margin to 25-30%. This is a significant increase over the IPO business plan.
In summary, Ekopak looks with particular confidence toward realizing both its short- and long-term ambitions.
About Ekopak
Ekopak is a Belgian company that markets circular water solutions. Ekopak’s solutions offer industrial clients the opportunity to significantly reduce their water consumption from the main network in a sustainable, dependable and cost-effective way. Ekopak therefore focuses on optimizing water consumption with modular water treatment units that convert off-grid water sources, such as rainwater, surface water and/or waste water into cleaner water that can be used and reused in clients’ industrial processes.
Ekopak offers its solutions on a global scale and operates worldwide with offices in Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Morrocco, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, Singapore and the US.
All Ekopak shares are listed on Euronext Brussels (ticker EKOP).
About Waterkracht
Waterkracht is a project initiative between Ekopak, EPICo² and water-link, with Aquafin as a partner. The parties are joining forces to upgrade treated wastewater (=effluent) from Antwerp households into cooling water for companies in the Port of Antwerp. The collaboration is a milestone in the transition to a sustainable port and is a leading example of public-private cooperation.
A new, high-tech cooling water plant to be built will bring 20 billion liters of Aquafin-treated wastewater to the much higher quality level of cooling water on an annual basis from 2026.