Swiss chemical company Archroma has implemented a membrane and oxidation-based Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system at its dyestuffs manufacturing plant in Mahachai, Thailand. Developed by Gradiant, headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, the ZLD solution represents a significant advancement in water circularity, enabling the recovery of 90-95% of wastewater for reuse and the extraction of valuable minerals for industrial purposes.
Situated in a water-scarce region near Bangkok, the Mahachai plant now serves as a model for sustainable textile dye production. This system reduces dependence on local water supplies and enhances the plant’s environmental resilience. The ZLD system integrates Gradiant’s Counterflow Reverse Osmosis (CFRO) technology, which treats diverse wastewater compositions with high efficiency and low energy consumption. The modular system integrates smoothly with the plant’s existing infrastructure, maximizing desalination capacity and water recovery.
In addition to CFRO, Gradiant’s Free Radical Oxidation (FRO) technology is used to remove color and organic matter from the reverse osmosis concentrate, ensuring safe discharge in compliance with stringent environmental standards. The system also facilitates the recovery of concentrated brine, which is either reused in the dyeing process or supplied to industry partners for applications like resin regeneration and chlorine production.
Archroma’s successful implementation of the ZLD system in Thailand reflects the growing global emphasis on sustainable water management, particularly in water-intensive industries. The company is expanding its ZLD initiatives worldwide, including a similar project in Jamshoro, Pakistan.
(Source: Innovation in Textile)
