Düren tests CAPTURION: Filtration against microplastics from tire abrasion

Group photo: f. l. Stefan Marks (Deputy Operations Manager of the Municipal Drainage Department Düren), Kübra Sayin (Operations and project organization for urban drainage Düren), Frank Peter Ullrich (Mayor of the City of Düren), Benjamin Savelsberg (Operations Manager, Municipal Drainage Düren), Niels-Christian Schaffert (Technical Deputy Mayor of the City of Düren), Dr. Daniel Holstein (CTOO, GKD Group), Daniel Venghaus (Key Market Manager Water, GKD Group). © GKD Group

10. September 2025

Europe, Industry, Sustainability

Whether accelerating at a traffic light or navigating a curve: According to studies, 500,000 tons of tire wear particles enter the environment in the EU every year. In Germany alone, the Federal Environment Agency estimates that over 100,000 tons of these tiny particles account for the majority of the country’s microplastic emissions. The city of Düren is now tackling this environmental issue with a pilot project for water filtration directly at the storm drain: Four CAPTURION filter systems are being installed on two streets currently undergoing renovation.

During a press event, the filters will be installed live. The system was developed by local family-owned company GKD – Gebr. Kufferath. The company is a global leader in solutions made of metal mesh, plastic mesh, and spiral mesh – and a pioneer in microplastic filtration. Following pilot projects in Copenhagen and Berlin, Düren is the first city in North Rhine-Westphalia to test this new filter technology. CAPTURION reduces the entry of road debris and tire wear into water bodies. The system is robust, low-maintenance, and can be integrated into municipal maintenance cycles.

The project got rolling in a curious way: Daniel Venghaus, responsible for the Key Market Water at GKD, was walking to work one morning when he saw a team with a special suction vehicle at a storm drain. Since he has been involved in stormwater filtration for many years, he struck up a conversation. His question: Would the team be interested in testing a particle filter? This spontaneous exchange led to the CAPTURION pilot project.

Voices on the project

Daniel Venghaus, Key Market Manager Water, GKD Group:

“I’m excited to support this pilot project on-site in Düren. The event shows how CAPTURION works in real-life operation. This allows us to answer questions directly at the drain and clearly demonstrate the benefits for water filtration and the environment.”

Dr. Daniel Holstein, CTOO, GKD Group – on the Düren location:

“Düren is our headquarters, so I’m especially pleased that after Copenhagen and Berlin, we can now showcase our solutions here as well – working with the city to implement practical filtration of fine particles like microplastics for cleaner water.”

Dr. Daniel Holstein – on innovation and regulation:

“CAPTURION is the result of years of development at GKD – driven by a clear need: In Germany, around 100,000 tons of tire wear are generated annually. With our technology, we make microplastic filtration practical and enable municipalities and legislators to take action now.”

Project overview

What: Pilot project with four CAPTURION systems in two renovated streets; DIN-standard manholes

Why: In Germany alone, 60,000 to 100,000 tons of tire wear are generated annually (Fraunhofer UMSICHT, 2024). A study by the Federal Environment Agency from 1999/2000 estimates annual input at 130,000 to 160,000 tons. Tire wear is thus one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution. CAPTURION reduces the entry of tire wear and other particulate pollutants into aquatic environments.

How: Integration into existing street drainage; compatible with municipal maintenance routines. The CAPTURION filter system replaces the commonly used leaf bucket. Unlike the bucket, CAPTURION remains in the manhole and can be cleaned from above using suction hoses during regular maintenance.

Who: Düren City Drainage, City of Düren, GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG