Establishing leadership in water treatment

Challenge

Micropollutants, PFAs (forever chemicals) and microplastics present a pressing environmental challenge for the water industry in the UK and Europe, with the mitigation of these contaminants demanding bold new ways of working with the sector. Curio Water had the background, expertise and vision to lead the industry in this challenge — but needed to build the profile and credibility to become the go-to voice in the sector.

Strategy

Working closely with Curio’s engineering and leadership team, 3:nine developed a sustained communications programme to support Curio’s work as a technical authority and a strategic partner on emerging water treatments.

By securing consistent coverage across key titles — including Water Industry Journal, Utility Week and Water Magazine — and placing Howard Marles and the leadership team as expert commentators on emerging regulation, we built visibility around Curio’s most significant milestones: the UK’s first wastewater micropollutant removal plants with Severn Trent Water, the launch of its BlueBarrier™ treatment train for PFAS removal, and industry-leading work navigating UK REACH compliance for ozone-based treatment.

Each announcement was framed as part of Curio’s broader commitment to building long-term foundations and introducing innovative solutions ahead of regulatory change.

Outcome

Curio Water is now firmly established as a leading voice in UK water treatment, regularly sought out by trade press for commentary on regulation and advanced treatment technologies.

Its strategic partnerships — from Severn Trent and Yorkshire Water to Cranfield University — have been communicated in a way that reinforces both technical credibility and a collaborative approach, positioning Curio as an indispensable partner for utilities preparing for tomorrow’s environmental challenges.