The significance of sustainability has never been more emphasized than today. The rapid depletion of natural resources, the increasingly evident impacts of climate change, and rising environmental awareness have amplified interest in sustainability across all sectors, including the beverage industry. Manufacturers are prioritizing efforts in water conservation, recycling, and reducing carbon emissions to not only protect the environment but also ensure economic sustainability. In this context, wastewater treatment and recovery systems, as well as achieving Net Zero Emissions, play a critical role.
What Is Net Zero Emissions?
Net Zero, or Net 0, refers to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities to ensure our planet remains habitable. This objective, defined by the Paris Agreement, requires numerous changes, from using renewable energy sources to adopting energy-efficient technologies. Wastewater recovery plays a vital role in achieving this goal. Recovery systems not only save water but also reduce carbon emissions, thereby supporting environmental sustainability.
The Beverage Industry, Wastewater Treatment, and Sustainability
Sustainable business operations have become a necessity rather than a trend for the beverage industry. A significant majority of consumers expect the brands they prefer to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Additionally, rising energy costs, limited water resources, and supply chain challenges are pushing businesses toward solutions that ensure lower consumption and higher efficiency. At this point, wastewater treatment systems offer beverage companies unique opportunities to reduce costs and develop environmentally friendly production processes.
Many businesses view improving water management not only as an environmental goal but also as a way to gain a competitive advantage. Wastewater management strategiesencompass various areas, including improving process efficiency, conserving energy, reducing and reusing water, and minimizing chemical use. These strategies cover a broad cycle, starting from water sourcing to production processes, auxiliary water treatment, clean-in-place (CIP) or surface cleaning, and disinfection. For instance, Coca-Cola aims to reduce the amount of water used in beverage production by 20% by 2025, while Nestlé saved 2.39 million m³ of water in its factories in 2021.
In Turkey, Pınar Water and Beveragestands as a notable example. Focusing on the efficient use of natural resources in line with the principle of sustainable living, the company works on reducing water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Highlighting the importance of access to safe water, company officials emphasize that they utilize modern technologies in production and develop energy efficiency projects aimed at reducing wastewater and carbon emissions. The company, which also fulfills responsibilities regarding the monitoring and development of suppliers, aims to minimize environmental impacts through eco-friendly production practices. As a result, they reported a reduction in carbon emission intensity by at least 33% compared to previous years.
Similarly, MEY DIAGEO’s mission is highly significant and noteworthy. The company has implemented projects such as water recovery in production and the reuse of treated water in its facilities. In 2021, the company initiated projects aimed at returning water to nature in regions experiencing water stress, including efforts for irrigation and water conservation in cities such as Manisa, Nevşehir, and Alaşehir. Achieving zero waste in facilities, ensuring 100% recyclability of packaging, increasing the recycled content in materials, and supporting farmers trained in regenerative agriculture are among the company's top priorities.
Our Exemplary Project on the Path to Success
Ekosistem Engineering’s CCU (Compañía Cervecerías Unidas) Projectis an excellent example demonstrating the potential of wastewater recovery in the beverage industry. Implemented in Chile, a country with scarce water resources, this project established a wastewater recovery facility with a capacity of 300 m³/day. Operating at an impressive 98% recovery rate, this facility significantly contributes to the preservation of water resources and the reduction of environmental impact.
This project not only enhanced CCU’s environmental responsibility but also provided robust support for economic sustainability. Recovering a significant portion of the water used in production reduced the company’s environmental footprint substantially and facilitated the achievement of its sustainability goals. Ekosistem Engineering’s innovative approaches in this field make a difference not only regionally but also globally.
Effective Results with Ekosistem Engineering
Companies in the beverage industry are increasingly leveraging wastewater treatment systems to achieve their sustainability goals. These systems offer significant benefits in water conservation and reducing carbon footprints. At Ekosistem Engineering, we continue to work toward a cleaner future with the innovative and eco-friendly solutions we provide to the industry. Wastewater treatment systems are critical not only for the environment but also for economic sustainability. Therefore, the goal of a sustainable world is our shared responsibility, and we must work together on this path.
For more information or to collaborate, feel free to contact us!
RESOURCES:
1. https://www.evoqua.com/en/blog/raising-the-water-sustainability-stakes-for-the-beverage-industry/
2. https://www.coca-cola.co.uk/sustainability/water-and-environment/world-water-day
3. https://www.nestle.com/sustainability/water/sustainable-water-efficiency-operations
4. https://bilimgenc.tubitak.gov.tr/makale/net-sifir-hedefi-nedir-net-sifir-hedefine-ulasmak-mumkun-mu
7. https://www.tetrapak.com/tr-tr/insights/cases-articles/reduce-eco-footprint-soft-drinks-production
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