An Innovative Response to Microbial Growth in Filtration Systems
In many applications – particularly in water treatment – microbial growth on filter media poses a major challenge. The formation of biofilms can significantly impair the performance of activated carbons while also increasing hygiene risks. “Microbial growth and biofilm formation not only compromise hygiene but also the performance of filter systems. This is precisely where AGXX comes in: the technology acts directly on the surface and tackles microbial growth right where it occurs. “In collaboration with CarboTech, we are specifically applying this technology to high-performance activated carbon materials, making its added value for filtration applications tangibly evident,” explains Martin Danz, Head of the Antimicrobial Technologies division at Heraeus Precious Metals.
The jointly developed solution by CarboTech and Heraeus Precious Metals specifically addresses this problem: By combining high-quality activated carbons with AGXX technology, an antimicrobial effect is created directly on the surface of the filter material. This ensures sustained inhibition of microbial growth and supports stable process conditions over the long term. “In water treatment in particular, it is crucial to protect adsorption materials from microbial colonisation in the long term. AGXX offers a sustainable approach to this, helping to reduce hygiene risks and maintain the stability of adsorbents’ functionality. Together with Heraeus, we are transferring a highly effective antimicrobial technology into real-world applications,” emphasises Satrugna Vinjarapu, Chief Commercial Officer of the CarboTech Group.
Collaboration Across the Entire Value Chain
The partnership combines two complementary areas of expertise to create a high-performance, integrated solution:
Heraeus Precious Metals
- Development and provision of AGXX technology
- Comprehensive Expertise in precious metal solutions and catalytic coating systems
- Optimisation of the technology for specific applications and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
CarboTech Group
- Extensive experience in the development, impregnation and processing of activated carbons
- In-depth expertise in filtration applications
- Production and global distribution of the functionalised products
Together, the partners are creating a solution that combines the advantages of both technologies and sets new standards for hygienic and high-performance filtration systems.
Added Value Through Complementary Technologies
The integration of AGXX technology into activated carbon creates clear added value:
- Prevention of biofilm formation
- Improvement in hygienic safety
- Increased service life and efficiency of filter materials
- An alternative to conventional biocides
Close collaboration enables the optimal coordination of development, application and marketing – from material innovation to industrial use.
Invitation to FILTECH 2026
The CarboTech Group and Heraeus Precious Metals cordially invite all interested parties to find out more about the joint technology platform on site and to exchange ideas with experts from both companies. Visit us at FILTECH 2026 in Hall 8 at Stand B28.
About Heraeus Precious Metals
Heraeus Precious Metals is globally leading in the precious metals industry. The company is part of the Heraeus Group and covers the value chain from trading to precious metals products to refining and recycling. It has extensive expertise in all platinum group metals as well as gold and silver.
With more than 3,000 employees at 16 sites worldwide, Heraeus Precious Metals offers a broad portfolio of products that are essential for many industries such as the automotive, chemicals, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, hydrogen and jewelry industry.
CarboTech Group
The CarboTech Group, headquartered in Essen, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of activated carbon and customised adsorption solutions. Through its technologies, the company helps purify air, gases, and liquids, and supports customers across a wide range of industries in reducing emissions, using resources efficiently, and complying with environmental standards.
