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About

BAIONYX

Our

STory

BAIONYX's journey is deeply rooted in both a professional and personal realization.
Our founder, Søren Dandanell Nielsen - a passionate car enthusiast and amateur race driver with over 20 years of experience working closely with the automotive industry, and a background in information technology and management - met the development team during his collaboration with the German automaker Audi. This encounter opened his eyes to a critical yet often overlooked issue: where do tire particles go when they wear down? Like many, he hadn’t given it much thought. However, learning that a significant portion of tire wear ends up in our natural environment - in lakes, rivers, oceans, and even groundwater - became a turning point for him.
Over the years, Søren’s growing interest in protecting the environment and preserving wildlife has evolved into a personal calling.
BAIONYX is not just a business; it represents his deep-seated desire to address an unregulated and highly overlooked problem with a tangible, positive impact.
What began as a specialized 'nerd project' in Germany has now transformed into a mission to protect our ecosystems.
With our drive and vision, BAIONYX is bringing advanced filtration solutions to the Nordic market, committed to safeguarding water resources and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
Søren Dandanell Nielsen installing the first BAIONYX filter in Copenhagen.
Mission & Vision
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Cupped hands with clean water from a stream.
At BAIONYX, our mission is to pioneer innovative solutions that safeguard the environment by effectively filtering and removing microplastics, particularly from tire wear, from runoff water. We are committed to preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world through our cutting-edge filtration technology.
Our vision at BAIONYX is to lead the way in revolutionizing water management by setting new standards for reducing microplastic pollution. We are committed to becoming a leader in advanced filtration solutions and recognized for our unwavering dedication to environmental preservation. Through continuous research, collaboration, and technological advancements, we envision a future where our efforts help restore the purity of our planet's water resources, fostering a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem for generations to come.
Innovation & Testing
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A lady in a lab coat testing water in nature.
The journey began in 2020, leading to thousands of hours of research and testing in both laboratory and real-life environments.
With rising rainfall levels placing increasing strain on stormwater systems, it was essential to develop a filtration system that would not obstruct water flow while effectively capturing harmful particles, such as microplastics from tire wear, as well as other pollutants like snus pouches, cigarette butts, and candy wrappers. Our filter was developed and tested at the Technical University of Berlin, with support from the AUDI Environmental Foundation. After four years of rigorous research and a process of 'try, fail, and try again,' our filter is finally ready. BAIONYX proudly holds responsibility for implementing this advanced solution across the Nordic region.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
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BAIONYX filters provide a simple yet highly effective solution, installed exactly where they deliver the most value. Microplastics are an unfortunate consequence of our freedom of mobility- a freedom we celebrate - yet one that has received little public attention, as the focus has primarily been, and continues to be, on CO2 emissions. Our sewer network is a vast system of water flows built over generations. While some of it routes water through treatment facilities, much of it releases surface water directly into nature - this is where BAIONYX makes an impact.
The filter can be installed directly in relevant wells, providing immediate effectiveness without the need for costly and complex construction work, which itself can strain the environment. On average, a passenger car leaves around 100 grams of microplastics on the road per 1,000 km, while a truck leaves over half a kilogram (!). We are determined to minimize this environmental impact and protect our natural ecosystems.
Rain water flowing into a street gutter.
Our values
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A brown bear hunting fish.
At BAIONYX, our values are the foundation of everything we do. We are driven by a commitment to sustainability without being woke, creating solutions that support a cleaner, healthier environment. Innovation is at the core of our approach, enabling us to address overlooked challenges with cutting-edge technology. We uphold a sense of responsibility toward both our communities and natural ecosystems, working to ensure that our solutions genuinely make a difference. Lastly, we believe in collaboration - that through strong partnerships, we can amplify our impact and bring meaningful change to our shared environment.
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
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At BAIONYX, we align our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to maximize our positive impact on the environment. Our focus on filtering microplastics and other pollutants directly supports Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by reducing water contamination and protecting our water resources.
Additionally, we contribute to Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by providing decentralized filtration solutions that reduce pollution at the local level, and Goal 14: Life Below Water by minimizing the influx of harmful particles into aquatic ecosystems. Through our commitment to these goals, we strive to build a more sustainable and resilient future for both people and planet.
Sustainable Development Goals logo.

FAQ

These critical questions and answers can help BAIONYX and partners prepare for potential criticism and communicate effectively with prospective partners, authorities, and the public.
WANT TO KNOW MORE

The "Y" with the dot above in our logo carries a dual meaning. It symbolizes a filter with a raindrop above it, reflecting our dedication to purifying water and removing harmful particles like microplastics. Additionally, the "Y" represents choice and direction, showcasing our mission to address environmental challenges with precision and impact. Together, these elements embody BAIONYX's purpose and innovation.

"BAIO" refers to biology, the field in which our particle filters operate. The inclusion of "AI" highlights our ambition to integrate advanced technology in the future, enabling us to monitor various aspects of the water our filters interact with. "ONYX" refers to the black stone, renowned for its symbolic qualities such as protection, clarity, strength, and resilience - qualities that are also reflected in our filtration solutions.

It will typically be municipalities and road authorities being responsible for the roads and water management. However, private entities such as racetracks, runways, and roads with dedicated heavy traffic to private areas can also be relevant.

It depends on the size of the area and the infrastructure of the well system, but approximately 10% of an area's wells with our filters is typically enough to create effective filtration.

Our filters are designed with sustainability in mind and have minimal environmental impact. They require only minimal energy and maintenance, and the collected particles can be managed through existing waste treatment systems, reducing the risk of negative environmental effects.

Our filter technology is developed to address the challenges that regular sewer systems cannot handle, such as very small particles. With our partners, including Audi Environmental Foundation, we have developed a solution that is not only effective but also practical to implement and maintain – providing immediate results after installation. Our solution is decentralized, meaning it does not require extensive roadworks. It can be quickly and cost-effectively installed in locations where its efficiency will have the greatest impact, making it an ideal choice for targeted and sustainable improvements.

Although our primary focus is on microplastics, our filters also capture other types of harmful particles commonly found in rainwater, such as cigarette butts, snus pouches, chewing gum, candy wrappers, and other pollutants that pose serious risks to the environment and to animals that may encounter them in nature.

A single filter can capture a significant amount of microplastics and other harmful particles that would otherwise end up in the aquatic environment. When many filters are installed across a city or area, the cumulative effect can have a substantial impact on water quality.

Our filter design is modular, making it easy to adapt to different infrastructures and needs. We seek to collaborate with local partners in each country to ensure smooth implementation and operation, making the solution scalable. Contact us if you want to know more about our Partner in Progress Program.

The filters have a long service life thanks to their robust construction and choice of materials. Maintenance is simple and does not require frequent replacement. We also offer a maintenance plan to maximize efficiency and extend the filter's lifespan.

Our filters are produced in Germany with a focus on minimizing environmental impact throughout the process. We also work to use as many sustainable materials as possible and ensure that production is energy-efficient and responsible. Our partners production facilities in Germany reports according to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The filters are constructed to minimize any impact on water flow. The design ensures that no blockages occur, even during heavy rainfall, making them suitable for areas with varying water flow.

It is not about choosing one initiative over another but combining several measures to maximize environmental benefits. Our technology complements existing green initiatives by focusing on a source of pollution that is often overlooked – microplastics from road traffic.

Our filter technology has been tested in both laboratories and in the field, including with the Technical University of Berlin. Test results show that up to 97% of total suspended solids are captured by the filter, demonstrating a high level of efficiency in reducing harmful particles.

Our solutions are designed with cost efficiency in mind and can help reduce long-term environmental costs, such as cleaning polluted water and biodiversity damage. Additionally, it is possible to attract support from environmental funds and CSR programs, which can assist with financing.

Microplastic from tires is one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution in urban areas. It is particularly problematic because it is difficult to capture and has a direct pathway into the aquatic environment through rainwater. The particles also contain potentially harmful chemicals that can negatively affect aquatic organisms – as documented in several studies on, among others, salmon life.

Our filters are designed not to affect the function of the sewer and require minimal maintenance. The intelligent design of the filters ensures that water flow is maintained even under high loads. We also offer a maintenance plan to ensure and monitor optimal performance.

As part of the annual inspection of the filter, we ensure that the collected materials are gathered and delivered for proper handling at wastewater treatment facilities, which are highly skilled in managing and treating wastewater responsibly.

Our filters add an important extra layer of protection by capturing many of the small, harmful particles that would otherwise end up in nature, making them essential for safeguarding our water resources. Another advantage of BAIONYX filters is that they are a decentralized solution, working effectively at the point of installation without requiring large-scale construction, road closures, or other costly measures for installation.