Alier selected among the 24 companies in catalonia with the best water cycle management

Alier has been selected as one of the 24 companies in Catalonia with the best water cycle management, a recognition awarded by the Generalitat of Catalonia (Department of Business and Labor) and the Catalan Water Partnership (CWP) – Catalan Water Cluster. Among these 24 companies, Alier was a special guest to present its case in a lecture on July 18, 2024, at the Palau Robert in Barcelona. The presentation was led by our Project and Investments Director, Pere Alier, who shared the stage with other prominent business leaders: Marta Font, Environment Director at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners; Romul Prat, Manager of Vincolor at Grupo Crevin; Nuria Mallen, Environmental Management Head at Familia Torres; and Marc Fargas, CEO of Aitasa. The event was also directed by Xavier Amores, Director of the Catalan Water Partnership, with both the opening and closing remarks delivered by Oriol Alcoba Malaspina, Director General of Industry.

Consideration Criteria and Business Improvement Actions

The outstanding companies are those that, within our investment capabilities, location, and the current regulatory framework, have surpassed established standards. Through concrete and realistic actions, we have become integral references in water cycle management.

How have we achieved this? Through a proactive strategy and a vision that goes beyond the current drought. In fact, some companies introduced water-saving strategies before the major drought that affected Catalonia. We are industries committed to transparency, sharing best practices and data from our projects. We highlight actions, carried out individually by each company, such as the following:

• Savings in sector-specific processes and training as a common element in many cases.
• The importance of internal recirculation.
• Investment in improving wastewater treatment as a preliminary step to future reuse projects.
• Digitization as a first step for monitoring, and as the next major advance both in the present and the future, through the use of digital twins and advanced decision-making systems.

Alier’s Dual Water Management Strategy: Reduction in Production Processes and in Cooling and Hot Water Systems

At Alier, we operate from two fronts: reducing water use in the production process and decreasing water consumption in cooling and hot water systems.

I: Reduction in the Production Process:

The main water consumption occurs in paper manufacturing

Processes:

– Pulping of raw materials
– Conditioning of paper pulp
– Production systems: sprayers
– Preparation of chemicals

We have worked on:

– Accumulation systems: vats and towers
– Filtration systems: disc filters
– Modification of water and pulp circuits

Main results and indicators:

– 25% reduction in water consumption
– Investment of €6.2M

The second installation shown in the photo carousel you will see below has facilitated the greater recirculation of water used in the paper manufacturing machines.

II: Reduction in Water Use for Cooling and Hot Water:

Temperature control allows for closed circuits and also the use of hot water in various operations

Processes:

– Blower cooling
– Cooling of the WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant)
– Hot water: descaling and cleaning

We are working on:

– The implementation of heat exchangers
– The construction of cooling towers
– Hot water circuits

Main results and indicators:

– 10% reduction in water consumption
– Investment of €1M

The fourth installation shown in the photo carousel you will see below has enabled greater water recirculation, as well as the optimization of cleaning sprayers.

Together, We Achieve Continuous Improvement in the Industry

The advantages of cooperation, both in large investments through public-private partnerships between companies in the same sector and with water stakeholders, are significant. This cooperation and the individual efforts of each company not only facilitate the development of innovative projects but also promote water savings within a broader corporate strategy. This strategy can include strengthening resilience, competitiveness, and, in some cases, meeting environmental certifications and the expectations of demanding clients.

At Alier, we are proud to highlight our commitment to sustainability. We will continue to strive to implement improvements in this area, following our strategic plan and environmental roadmap. Our vision advocates for an industry that promotes the circular economy and resource optimization, maximizing process water recirculation, reducing water consumption, and minimizing the discharge of regenerated water. We also congratulate all the companies that, like us, are contributing to these efforts. Only when we all collaborate is it possible to achieve joint improvement in the industry.

The Importance of Studying Success Stories in Water Management: Inspiration, Guidance, and Perception Change

A study on success stories in industrial water management is essential for several reasons:

Inspiring New Initiatives: Although each factory is unique, learning about different success stories is a source of inspiration for other companies. These examples can motivate organizations to adopt conscious approaches and lead with innovative practices in water management.

Guiding Companies: The study provides guidance to companies facing constraints that could affect their future competitiveness. It offers a series of practical recommendations that help companies adapt and improve their water management.

Contributing to Improving Social Perception: The study helps correct misunderstandings about the industry’s role in droughts. By highlighting the significant investments and actions undertaken by the industry in recent years, even during periods of drought, it aims to improve public perception and dismantle preconceived notions about industrial water consumption.

Meet the 24 Companies Recognized in Catalonia for the Best Water Cycle Management:

Alier, Coca Cola, Damm, Celsa Group, Costa Brava, Molins, Crevin, DeryPol, Escorpión, Esteve química, Familia Torres, Fluidra, Gramona, Grup Viñas, Hipra, INKE, LAKME, LC Paper Liquats, Mecanitzats Privat, Miwon, Montibello, Vilarnau Cava.