AquaSPICE - Water Efficiency Applications Framework for the Process Industry

“Deliverable 1.6 presents the Water Efficiency Framework (WEF) developed under Task 1.5 of Work Package 1 of the AquaSPICE project. This deliverable demonstrates the application and validation of the WEF across various Case Studies within the process industry. The framework addresses the critical need for a structured approach to enhance industrial water efficiency and circularity, guiding improvements in water management across diverse industry sectors.
The WEF is composed of four phases:
1. Evaluation of As-Is Situation and Target Setting
2. Investigation and Inventory of Opportunities
3. Assessment and Expected Outputs
4. Policy Development and Dissemination Activities.

These phases aim to systematically guide industries in improving water use through innovative technologies, process improvements, and strategic planning. The WEF is designed to be flexible
and adaptive, allowing it to be tailored to the specific needs of different industrial processes while
supporting sustainability goals.
In this Deliverable, the WEF was applied across multiple Case Studies, demonstrating its adaptability and effectiveness. Case Studies from industries such as hydrogen peroxide production, meat production, and the chemical sector have validated the WEF’s ability to enhance water efficiency by identifying areas for water reuse, treatment, and recycling. These Case Studies highlight the WEF’s broad applicability in reducing freshwater intake, enhancing wastewater reuse, and improving water circularity within industrial processes.
The Case Studies successfully incorporated advanced water treatment technologies such as membrane filtration, UV disinfection, and digital tools like real-time monitoring and water management systems. For example, in the Dow Case Study, the reuse of cooling tower blowdown water significantly reduced freshwater consumption. Meanwhile, in Solvay’s peroxide production
Case Study, innovative digital sensors optimised the treatment process and enabled wastewater reuse.”

(Citation: Poinapen, J., Teo, C.J. – AquaSPICE – Water Efficiency Applications Framework for the Process Industry – D1.6 b (2024))