Auckland cleantech startup Nurox Hydrothermal is partnering with the country’s leading bio-waste remover Interwaste to make clean, onshore waste disposal a reality.
Hazardous waste disposal is a persistent public health and environmental challenge with many of the most dangerous waste streams — including PFAS, cytotoxic pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemical residues — still being shipped offshore for incineration.
Nurox Hydrothermal has developed a way of using only heat, water, and high pressure to break down hazardous materials into inert by-products and useful industrial chemical acetic acid.
“We’re excited to join forces with Interwaste to bring our novel waste management solution to market,” says Duncan Stewart, co-founder and CEO of Nurox.
“Hazardous waste generation and disposal is an enormous problem worldwide that can pose significant health and environmental risks if not treated properly.
“There is a global need for more sustainable processes in how we manage hazardous wastes and this is a particular problem in New Zealand which has limited technology alternatives to dispose of many of our most hazardous waste streams.
“Our technology provides a solution for many wastes that are currently sent offshore for incineration. It also provides a cleaner alternative to incineration – protecting the environment and enabling the recovery of valuable resources.”
Interwaste, part of the Tennex Group, has taken an investment stake and will help roll out two commercial processing plants, with the first expected online in 2026.
Kelvin Hyland, Chief Executive of Tennex Group, said the partnership helps New Zealand meet international treaty obligations like the Basel Convention.
“By partnering with Nurox, we’re bringing to market a powerful new tool that supports a circular economy, reducing New Zealand’s reliance on offshore disposal,” he said.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment in innovation and sustainability, and we’re proud to work with Nurox as we pave the way together to a more sustainable approach to waste management.”
The initiative has already attracted support from the medical sector with Douglas Pharmaceuticals, the country’s largest pharma company, getting on board.
Kent Durbin, Douglas Pharmaceuticals CFO said the business welcomes “any new innovation that leads to better environmental outcomes”.
Beyond providing an environmentally responsible solution, Nurox’s business model is structured for international scalability. It relies on a light-capital, IP-rich strategy, offering either Equipment‑as‑a‑Service or technology licensing arrangements — positioning New Zealand as a global player in hazardous‑waste‑to‑resource cleantech.
New Zealand’s broader climate tech and deep-tech ecosystem is gaining momentum. VC firm Outset Ventures, which supports cutting-edge climate and sustainability startups, recently closed NZ$41.5 million for its second fund.
Daily startup news and insights, delivered to your inbox.