Water conservation floods into food and drink sector

Water footprinting will become a greater priority for the food and drink industry as it looks to develop services that limit production costs while tapping into the economic benefits of water conservation and reuse.


New analysis from Frost & Sullivan has highlighted a growing focus on smart and green production from water and wastewater treatment companies operating in this field, many of whom are looking to standardise water and energy footprint reductions.

These firms are also reacting to moves from large global corporations that are setting targets to improve water use ratios and wastewater discharge levels, not only in their own operations but through their supply chains.

According to Frost & Sullivan’s environmental research analyst Paulina Szyplinska, advanced water treatment solutions for closed loop systems are gaining in importance.

“They support lower operational costs and mitigate the effect of increasing water prices,” she said, adding that stringent environmental legislation will drive demand for services related to high-end water and wastewater treatment.

The trend of water reuse practices is expected to push further developments and improvements in water recycling technologies, especially in the water-stressed regions of North America and Asia-Pacific.

Opportunities for design and engineering, as well as operation and maintenance, are likely to expand as industrial customers increasingly turn to water specialists to improve their operational efficiency and meet stricter environmental standards.

“Many food and beverage manufacturers and industry groups, such as dairy and beverages, have already implemented sustainable water management practices,” noted Szyplinska.

The study forecasts accelerated growth for this industry, estimating that the value of the water and wastewater treatment market in the global food and beverage industry will reach $4.65bn by 2020.

Maxine Perella

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