Brewery wastewater and circular water use
Comply with discharge regulation and make more beer with less water.
Wastewater in the brewery industry
Not only is water the main ingredient for drink production and brewing, rinsing and cleaning also demand large amounts of water. But water is becoming a valuable resource. For these reasons, cutting back the water intake has always been key in the beverages and brewery industry. Moreover: treating wastewater is essential for the sustainability of the brewing industry. Good news: we help you to reduce your brewery and beverage wastewater and water footprint.
Treating wastewater and sustainable brewing
We are committed to protect every drop of water, our most precious natural resource. Moreover, we help you reduce the cost of procuring water and comply with regulation soaring.
We help global breweries and soft-drink brands to comply
with wastewater discharge regulations, recover biogas from wastewater and recover process water from bio-effluent. We also assist optimizing treatment processes, provide operation services or find smart solutions for financing new treatment needs. With Waterleau expertise within reach, beverage producers and breweries can significantly improve production KPI.
We help global breweries to comply with wastewater discharge regulations, recover biogas from wastewater and even process water from bio-effluent.
The process of brewery wastewater treatment
To treat brewery wastewater effectively there are various treatment processes and systems available. These systems typically involve a combination of physical, chemical and biological processes to remove impurities and contaminants from the wastewater. Some examples of brewery wastewater treatment systems include anaerobic digestion, aerobic treatment and membrane filtration. Anaerobic digestion is the biological degradation of organic matters in the absence of oxygen and converts the chemical energy in organic carbon to biogas.
Energy recovery from brewery effluent
anaerobic wastewater treatment unlocks the organic load in the bio-effluent. The recovered biogas can be used for the production of thermal energy, needed for heating the brewery. Per hl bio-effluent, 1 kWh can be recovered, cutting down up to 15% of the overall electricity needs. Waterleau is a global world leader in energy recovery through anaerobic digestion of wastewater.
Discover our wastewater treatment system
Containerized water treatment
Thanks to the WaterleauBox® you can easily adapt your existing wastewater treatment infrastructure to output expansion without freezing financial assets and hindering value creation. A full range of rented-out and containerized modules integrate seamlessly into any existing wastewater treatment facility.
Rent the anaerobic technology to unfold the bio-effluent energy potential, integrate MBR technology to improve effluent quality or add a process water production unit to increase water efficiency. Either way, the WaterleauBox® technology range is adaptable to any process flow or infrastructure.
SmartLab, the digital water
With our SmartLab digital platform, we help breweries embrace the digital transformation. With data analysis of IoT-enabled infrastructure, our Waterleau exports optimize your treatment facility, improving the water, energy and carbon footprint of your production entity.
ASSISTING breweries all over the world IN THE TREATMENT OF brewery wastewater
Sustainable beer production in South-Africa
Turning a wastewater treatment plant into a water resource factory.
A capex-free upgrade for Martens Brewery
A new treatment strategy materialized in an out-of-the-box approach and a long-term partnership.
Sustainable Brewing in Colombia: How Waterleau's BIOTIM® UASB Transforms Central Cervecera
The CCC Brewery treats different wastewater & waste streams before safe discharge to the open water bodies.
FAQ
What is brewery waste?
Brewery waste, commonly referred to as brewery wastewater, is the byproduct generated during the brewing process. This wastewater contains organic materials and residues from the production of beer, making it necessary to undergo a specific brewery wastewater treatment process. The treatment of brewery wastewater involves specialized systems designed to handle the unique composition of this effluent. These brewery wastewater treatment systems are essential for efficiently treating brewery wastewater, ensuring that it meets environmental standards before being discharged or reused. The process of treating brewery wastewater is a critical aspect of sustainable brewing practices, balancing production needs with environmental responsibility.
What does brewery wastewater contain?
Brewery wastewater typically contains remnants of yeast, grain, and fermentable sugar. These components are residual from the brewing process where yeast is used for fermentation, grain acts as the primary source of starch and flavour, and fermentable sugar is a key by-product of this process. The presence of these elements in brewery wastewater contributes to its unique composition and necessitates specific treatment methods to effectively manage and treat the waste before it can be safely discharged or reused.
What are the brewery wastewater characteristics?
Brewery wastewater is characterized by certain distinct properties that are crucial for effective treatment. One of the primary characteristics is its high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which indicates the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down the organic matter present in the wastewater. This high BOD level is a result of the organic components like yeast, grains, and sugars found in brewery wastewater. Managing and treating this high BOD is essential in the bod water treatment process, as it ensures the reduction of environmental impact when the treated water is released back into the ecosystem or reused.
Find your local contact
Our expertise is always within reach. Digital communication has cut long distances short, but we advocate the traditional way of sharing insights.
Contact us today. We are looking forward to help you reach your sustainable development goals.
