The first phase of Arena Network’s industrial water management project has proven that ignoring water use is costing Welsh manufacturers money. Participating in the project were:

  • Alberto Culver, Swansea
  • Castle Dairies, Caerphilly
  • Heritage Cheeses, Aberystwyth
  • Roberts of Port, Dinorwic
  • CP Pharmaceuticals, Wrexham
  • Danisco, Merthyr Tydfil
  • Huntsman, Llanelli
  • Sony Manufacturing, Bridgend

A second phase is underway, with a new set of Arena Network member companies putting their water use patterns to the test. “If we learn more lessons and can get funding we may add further phases to the scheme,” Andrew Hopkins of Arena Network told edie.

The main motivating force behind the project has been manufacturers’ increasing effluent charges. “If you go back five years of so, most Welsh industrial effluent was not treated and went to sea,” explains Hopkins.

As up-to-date effluent treatment has been introduced by Welsh Water, the cost to industry has risen. Arena Network’s water management project aims to show industry that it can reduce its water use and, therefore, effluent by more careful management.

The second phase of the project is being sponsored by Environment Agency Wales, with additional funding from Welsh Water (who sponsored the first phase) and Arena Network member companies.

Arena Network has more than 600 member companies, 80% of which are manufacturing firms.

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