Evonik opens its first zero liquid discharge plant in India
Specialty chemicals producer Evonik has opened a new Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plant at its facility in India, as part of its circular economy strategy.
The new plant reduces the amount of fresh water required for production processes and turns material that was previously considered waste into saleable products.
ZLD purifies and recycles wastewater at the end of an industrial process, leaving little to no effluent remaining when it is completed. This means not only more efficient water use but also a significant reduction in waste liquid.
Read more: Evonik to build a new plant in Darmstadt
“Environmental excellence has always been a top priority for Evonik in India, and the ZLD plant at our catalysts site is a centrepiece in Evonik’s efforts to minimise its production-associated ecological footprint,” said Sanjeev Taneja, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Catalysts business line, at the inauguration of the plant.
“The efficient reuse of process water, and products extracted from it, is in line with our circular economy principles, and a key contribution to the sustainability targets of Evonik and our customers.”
Evonik is developing site-specific action plans as part of its global water management system. One focus is on sites in regions that could be affected by water scarcity. It also strives for the most efficient use of water.
The requirement for fresh water will be reduced by 65% after stable operation of zero liquid discharge and the company is targeting further reductions through process optimisation.
In addition, processing leads to the production of 15-20 metric tonnes of sodium sulphate and certain mixed salts which can be resold as commercial products.
Read more: Unilever & Evonik to remove fossil fuels from detergents
Vinod Paremal, Regional President, Evonik India Subcontinent, commented: “Sustainability is a central element in our purpose ‘Leading Beyond Chemistry’, and we look to provide innovative solutions that help to make everyone’s lives more sustainable, healthier, and more comfortable.
"Sustainability is important to our customers and the end consumer and has long been a growth driver in many of our businesses. This new ZLD initiative carries forward that sustainable outlook.”
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