Planreal AG / KWB Planreal AG
Planreal AG (often associated with its operational entity KWB Planreal AG) is a specialized environmental technology and consulting firm headquartered in Switzerland, with significant operational presence in Langenfeld, Germany, through its European Business and Analytic-Production Center. Founded with a vision to redefine contaminated site management, the company has spent over 20 years establishing itself as an international expert in biological in-situ remediation of soil and groundwater.
The company operates at the intersection of environmental engineering, biotechnology, and waste management. It is notably recognized as a critical partner in the Swiss recycling ecosystem, serving as a primary contractor for the specialized collection and logistics of photovoltaic (PV) modules across Switzerland.
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Core Operations and Expertise
Planreal?s primary mission is the sustainable restoration of industrial and commercial brownfields. The company distinguishes itself by using scientific, demand-driven techniques that allow for decontamination without disrupting the ongoing operations of the site.
1. Environmental Remediation (In-Situ)
Planreal specializes in "in-situ" methods, meaning the treatment of pollutants occurs directly in the ground or aquifer rather than excavating soil or pumping water for external treatment.
* Biological Degradation: Using specific microorganisms to break down complex pollutants like mineral oils, solvents, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
* Remediation of "Megasites": The company manages large-scale international projects across Europe, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, assessing the feasibility of biological processes for massive contaminated zones.
* Technological Innovation: Planreal develops its own patented processes and measurement methods to monitor and accelerate natural degradation processes.
2. Specialized Recycling Logistics
In Switzerland, the company operates as KWB Planreal AG and holds a unique strategic position in the renewable energy waste sector.
* PV Module Collection: It is the sole company commissioned by SENS eRecycling (the Swiss foundation for electrical and electronic equipment) for the nationwide collection of discarded solar panels.
* Cross-Border Value Chain: Planreal manages the complex logistics of collecting, storing, and transporting PV modules from Switzerland to specialized mechanical recycling facilities in Germany, ensuring that rare metals and glass are recovered in compliance with ecological standards.
Products and Services
Planreal offers a vertically integrated portfolio of services and proprietary chemical/biological agents designed for environmental engineers and site owners.
Environmental Services
- Soil and Groundwater Monitoring: Long-term observation of contamination plumes using high-resolution measurement techniques.
- Depth Profiling and Water Sampling: Precise site characterization to identify the exact vertical and horizontal extent of pollutants.
- Laboratory Analysis: In-house and partner-accredited laboratory testing to determine the most effective biotechnological "cocktail" for a specific site.
- Land Management: Advising investors on the revitalization of contaminated industrial areas into profitable commercial real estate.
Proprietary Products
Planreal manufactures and distributes several "active agents" used to stimulate microbial activity in the subsurface:
| Product | Function | Target Pollutants |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| ONE plus | Liquid electron donor | Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (CHC/PCE/TCE) |
| RedoxPrep | ORP (Redox) regulator | Adjusting aquifer conditions for anaerobic degradation |
| microMAX | Colloidal activated carbon | PFAS, PFOS, PFOA remediation |
| BIOx | Oxygen release compound | Aerobic degradation of BTEX, PAH, and MTBE |
| metaGain | Microbial nutrient additive | Accelerating growth of pollutant-degrading bacteria |
| carbONE | Carbon and oil suspension | Combined adsorption and microbial degradation |
Quality and Sustainability Standards
Planreal AG adheres to rigorous international quality management standards, specifically DIN EN ISO 9001:2015. This certification covers their entire workflow, from initial site assessment and laboratory analysis to the production of specialized remediation agents.
The company's strategic focus remains the qualitative improvement of water and soil. By promoting "Dynamized Natural Bio-Attenuation" (DNBA), Planreal enables a "just transition" for industrial legacy sites, turning environmental liabilities into clean, reusable land assets.
