Microplastics are no longer just a marine issue — they’re now a pressing concern for stormwater management across France. These tiny particles, often invisible to the naked eye, are increasingly detected in rivers, lakes, and even protected freshwater environments. As someone working closely with municipalities, developers, and water authorities, I’ve seen firsthand how this challenge is reshaping the way we think about runoff and infrastructure.

Why microplastics matter for French waterways

Microplastics — originating from tyre wear, synthetic fibres, packaging, and urban debris — are carried by stormwater into drainage systems and ultimately into natural water bodies. Once there, they:

• Accumulate in riverbeds and aquatic ecosystems
• Enter the food chain, affecting fish, wildlife, and potentially human health
• Complicate water treatment and biodiversity protection efforts
• Undermine the goals of the AGEC law and EU Water Framework Directive

France has made strong commitments to reduce plastic pollution through national legislation and regional water agency targets. But to meet these goals, we need solutions that intercept microplastics at the source — before they reach the environment.

 

Image source Stradal

The Up-Flo® Filter: A proven solution for urban runoff and microplastic capture

At Hydro International, we’ve spent years developing and refining technologies that address this exact challenge. The Up-Flo® Filter is a high-performance stormwater treatment system that targets fine particles — including microplastics — through advanced filtration and media-based treatment.

Here’s why it’s so effective:

• Proven microplastic retention: Independent testing confirms its ability to capture particles down to the micron scale
• Certified performance: Validated by global third-party bodies for hydraulic and environmental efficiency
• Passive and low-maintenance: No power, no moving parts — just reliable, consistent filtration
• Compact and scalable: Ideal for dense urban areas, industrial platforms, and retrofit projects
• Trusted worldwide: With hundreds of installations globally, it’s a go-to solution for engineers and municipalities

Unlike basic sediment traps that only capture coarse solids, the Up-Flo® Filter actively removes fine and dissolved pollutants — making it a powerful tool for protecting sensitive waterways and meeting regulatory expectations.

Engineered for France — with trusted local partners

In France, we’re proud to work alongside our sister company Stradal, part of the CRH group and a leader in precast concrete manufacturing. Together, we deliver fully integrated stormwater treatment systems that combine Hydro’s filtration technology with Stradal’s robust, locally produced chambers.

This partnership ensures that our solutions are not only technically sound, but also tailored to French infrastructure, installation practices, and regulatory frameworks — ready to install, easy to maintain, and built to last.

Image source Stradal

Planning a project?

Whether you’re working on an urban development, logistics platform, or industrial site, the Up-Flo® Filter offers a regulation-ready, future-proof solution for capturing pollutants — including microplastics — before they become a problem downstream.

We’re here to help. Let’s talk about your site, your goals, and how our certified, globally trusted technology can support your next project.

By Mathieu Jequece, Business Development Manager