Solmax launches OSMORIA: A new era for stormwater management

Innovative Aquatextiles designed for sustainable rainwater treatment

Solmax, a global leader in geosynthetics and a pioneer in infrastructure innovation, proudly announces the launch of OSMORIA, a dedicated brand for advanced aquatextile solutions that focus on the treatment and management of stormwater. With OSMORIA, Solmax aims to redefine sustainable land management and address the growing challenges posed by climate change.

Addressing modern environmental challenges

From torrential rainfall to prolonged heatwaves, the impacts of extreme weather events are increasingly visible, often exacerbated by climate disruption. This evolving environmental landscape demands adaptive infrastructure to manage stormwater more effectively. De-impermeabilization—enabling the infiltration of rainwater directly into the ground—has emerged as a vital solution. It alleviates pressure on drainage networks, reduces the risk of flooding, and supports the natural water cycle by improving soil hydration.

However, stormwater runoff often carries harmful pollutants, such as hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), posing a threat to soil and water quality. In response, Solmax has developed high-performance aquatextiles under the OSMORIA brand to both manage stormwater and decontaminate it, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable runoff management.

OSMORIA: A breakthrough in stormwater treatment 

With OSMORIA, Solmax introduces two groundbreaking product lines: OSMORIA Geoclean, engineered for general stormwater decontamination, and OSMORIA Indigreen, tailored for use in permeable parking areas. These aquatextiles not only manage water quantity but also significantly enhance the quality of water returned to the environment.

“The introduction of aquatextiles marks a transformative moment in land-use planning,” says Jan-Willem Heezen, Managing Director at Solmax EMEA. “OSMORIA provides a scalable, revolutionary solution for managing stormwater runoff. By addressing both quantity and quality, we’re taking an essential step toward sustainable water management.”

A decade of research and development 

OSMORIA aquatextiles are the result of over 10 years of rigorous research and development, launched commercially in 2018. Inspired by biomimicry, these technical textiles offer unmatched performance by capturing and biodegrading hydrocarbons and PAHs during the infiltration process. They stimulate the activity of naturally occurring soil microorganisms, including bacteria and micro-fungi, which break down pollutants. Once treated, the water continues to infiltrate into the ground, replenishing soil moisture and protecting underground biodiversity.

Independent studies conducted by Cerema and Leesu confirm the ecological effectiveness of OSMORIA Geoclean aquatextiles, demonstrating their ability to capture and biodegrade up to 99.9% of hydrocarbons (classified C₁₀-C₄₀) and up to 78% of the six most toxic PAHs. The research highlights the aquatextiles’ capacity to preserve nearly all functional microbial diversity in soil ecosystems impacted by hydrocarbon pollution.

A market poised for growth 

Produced in France, OSMORIA aquatextiles are meeting diverse stormwater management needs across Europe. To date, over 1,000 projects have successfully utilized OSMORIA solutions.

"With OSMORIA, we are driving a new generation of sustainable materials for better rainwater management,” says Nicolas Ladie (Sales Director EMEA). “Our aquatextiles are not only a practical response to environmental challenges but also a testament to Solmax’s commitment to sustainable development. Clean water infiltration is a critical issue, and OSMORIA represents a key step forward in addressing this global challenge.”

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