#Italy #Milan #Bracco Imaging #Zereau BV #The Water Project

Bracco and Zereau Join Forces for Advancements in Medical Imaging

In an exciting partnership, Bracco Imaging SpA, a global leader in diagnostic imaging, has teamed up with Zereau BV, an innovative provider of water technology for the healthcare industry, to launch a new phase of their research initiative focused on sustainable practices in medical imaging. Announced on February 26, 2025, this collaboration aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with contrast media used in diagnostic procedures.

The initiative, known as "The Water Project," focuses on the development of scalable and robust urine collection and filtration devices designed specifically for use in hospital radiology departments. These devices will allow patients receiving contrast agents to use specially designed toilets that will collect and filter the contrast from their urine. Once these filters reach capacity, they will be sent to external partners for processing, enabling the recovery of valuable materials like iodine, which would typically end up in wastewater.

This announcement marks the beginning of the next phase of their sustainability program, building upon the successful conclusion of a prior study that assessed the performance of urine filtration systems for iodinated contrast agents. Attendees at the European Congress of Radiology, which takes place from February 26 to March 2 in Vienna, will have the opportunity to see the innovative filtration system firsthand at Bracco's booth (Foyer E, Level 0, ACV).

An Innovative Approach to Environmental Challenges

By targeting water quality preservation and resource recovery, this research initiative creates a model of circular economy that aligns with Bracco's commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions and environmental stewardship. Zereau’s expertise in water filtration technology and innovative healthcare solutions significantly contributes to the project, helping to minimize the environmental footprint of contrast media use in medical imaging.

The significance of this initiative is highlighted by comments from key leaders in both organizations. Erik Bruno, Bracco's Innovation Manager for Sustainability, emphasized, "As a leader in medical imaging, Bracco knows that sustainability and innovation must go hand in hand, and we feel a responsibility to drive meaningful change in the industry. By collaborating with Zereau, we are leveraging our combined expertise to tackle waste reduction, which remains one of the largest challenges in medical imaging."

On the other hand, Mattijs Maris, Zereau's Commercial Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled that our innovative technology and vision for recovering clean water and raw materials in healthcare are gaining recognition through our collaboration with Bracco. We are poised to scale up, revolutionizing radiology with our water filtration systems and advancing a more circular and sustainable healthcare sector."

About Bracco Imaging

Bracco Imaging is recognized as a global leader in diagnostic imaging, providing advanced imaging agents and state-of-the-art administration systems across a wide range of modalities, including X-ray, MRI, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to improving patient outcomes, Bracco continues to pioneer technologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy and transform patient care.

About Zereau

Zereau specializes in groundbreaking water technology designed for healthcare institutions, focusing on source-based filtration solutions tailored to specific patient groups and hospital departments. Their source-based approach effectively reduces the amount of specific medical microcontaminants entering the environment, paving the way for circularity of valuable raw materials. Zereau's solutions cater to various departments, including radiology, nuclear medicine, intensive care units, hospital pharmacies, and oncology departments.

This partnership between Bracco Imaging and Zereau underscores a significant step towards a more sustainable future for medical imaging, benefiting both healthcare facilities and the environment alike.