09.07.2025
Clesana AG
When Vision Meets Persistence
When Vision Meets Persistence
The development of successful technologies rarely begins with a finished product—it starts with an idea pursued consistently over many years. This was also the case for Clesana. As early as 2009, the founding team recognized that conventional sanitary technology—especially in the mobile sector—needed a radical rethink. The vision was clear: a hygienic system without water consumption that would be both resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.
A key element of this idea from the start was the film liner. What seems simple in application—a sealed bag enclosing waste—was a massive technical challenge in execution. The high-barrier film needed to guarantee absolute impermeability to moisture and oxygen to provide the required level of protection.
In the early years, the focus was on one thing: safety. Clesana’s guiding principle was that a waterless toilet system would only be accepted if its hygienic sealing functioned with absolute reliability. Petrochemical-based materials were therefore used—not out of disregard for environmental concerns but due to technological necessity. Bio-based materials at the time were simply not capable of delivering the required performance in terms of stability, barrier properties, and durability against odors, germs, and moisture.
Daniel Beller, CEO of Clesana AG, explains:
"We started with the core idea of making hygiene possible without access to water. But when we entered the caravanning market, a new demand arose—to become even more sustainable."
The next step was therefore to develop a more sustainable high-barrier film liner. From 2018 onward, a systematic search for alternative bio-based materials began.
The challenge: A bio-based film had to deliver the same barrier performance as its petrochemical predecessors—while maintaining machine compatibility, storage stability, and temperature resistance.
Working with research institutions and industry partners, various bio-based substances were tested—such as lignin, talc, wax, and natural resin. The results? Often discouraging. Materials either failed to seal properly, lost their barrier properties when exposed to moisture, or could not withstand processing speeds. Yet despite numerous setbacks, the goal remained unchanged—driven by the conviction that hygiene and sustainability must not be mutually exclusive.
The turning point came when a material combination was discovered that met all requirements: bio-based, recyclable, weldable, featuring a high barrier—and fully compatible with Clesana’s sealing technology.
In close cooperation with compounders, equipment manufacturers, and Clesana’s own development team, an entirely new formulation was created. At the same time, sealing and welding technology was optimized to seamlessly integrate the new film into the Clesana system.
At the beginning of the year, the Bio High-Barrier Film Liner underwent extensive testing. First, the Fraunhofer Institute evaluated its oxygen and moisture barrier properties—with results showing it even slightly outperformed the previous petrochemical liner. This was followed by successful DIN certification by TÜV Rheinland. Serial production will begin mid-2025—initially for the caravanning sector, and later for medical applications, home care, and deployment in disaster relief and development aid.
The Vision Remains
A hygienic and sustainable waste disposal solution that makes people worldwide independent—of water connections, sewage systems, and infrastructure. The new liner marks another decisive step toward this vision.
Conclusion:
"Now we have a film that is bio-based and reliably delivers the high barrier values. That was the goal—and we achieved it. This is not only about innovation but also about responsibility."
(Daniel Beller, CEO Clesana AG)
The new Bio High-Barrier Film Liner is more than a product—it is the result of ten years of research, setbacks, learning, and progress. At the same time, it is proof of what is possible when a company believes in its vision and commits fully to achieving its goals.
Exhibitor Data Sheet