Sustainable brewing in dry regions: SAB Ibhayi
The Ibhayi SAB brewery fosters a circular economy. Energy, nutrients as well as process water are recovered from the brewery wastewater, limiting its environmental footprint. The new Ultra Filtration plant recovers 5.000m³ of precious water, each month.
Gqeberha, South Africa – A Milestone in Sustainability
On December 9th, SAB ABInBev Ibhayi Brewery and Waterleau inaugurated an Ultra-Filtration Recovery Plant in Gqeberha, South Africa, marking a breakthrough in sustainable water management. Co-financed by Waterleau and the Flemish government through UNIDO, the plant embodies a circular economy approach, addressing water scarcity while supporting local communities.
Closing the Loop in Water Reuse
The containerized UF unit reclaims up to 250,000 liters of water daily for brewery operations like cleaning and cooling. “This plug-and-play system requires minimal intervention and can scale to meet higher demands,” explained Christopher Groenewald, Project Engineer at Waterleau. Integrated with SmartLab, it ensures real-time monitoring for optimal performance.
Beyond environmental benefits—saving 5,000m³ of potable water monthly—the initiative generates employment through wetland biocrop cultivation. “It’s a model for sustainable economic growth,” said Jean-Luc Désire, CEO of Waterleau. This project not only demonstrates cutting-edge engineering but also highlights the impact of partnerships in tackling global water challenges.
Other news
Saudi Municipal Wastewater Projects in Tabuk, Buraydah & Medina Win Global Water Award
Discover how Waterleau’s LUCAS® technology powered three award-winning wastewater treatment plants in Saudi Arabia. Treating 700,000 m³/day for reuse, the projects support Vision 2030 goals and earned the Global Water Award for Municipal Project of the Year.
Overcoming Oxygen Challenges in Biogas Desulphurisation: Solutions for Europe’s Growing Biomethane Market
The Best Biogas Desulphurisation Solutions for the Potato Processing Industry: A Performance Comparison
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