Imagine a world where every drop of water is used wisely, where food and beverage production thrives without depleting our most precious resource. As the global population approaches 10 billion by 2050, the demand for food and beverages will soar, placing unprecedented pressure on freshwater supplies. This reality compels manufacturers to rethink their water management strategies, embracing innovative technologies such as water reuse and desalination to ensure sustainability and operational efficiency.

The Water Footprint

Water is not merely an ingredient; it is the lifeblood of food and beverage production. From irrigation in agriculture to processing in factories, water is integral at every stage.

For instance, it takes about 1,800 gallons of water to produce just one pound of beef and approximately 600 gallons for a pound of cheese. In the beverage sector, it takes around four liters of water to produce just one liter of beer . These figures underscore the industry’s heavy reliance on freshwater resources, prompting a critical examination of how this consumption impacts both the environment and business sustainability.

As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, the food and beverage industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. The interconnectedness of water usage and environmental stewardship has never been more apparent.

Harnessing Innovative Technologies

To address these challenges, food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly turning to advanced technologies designed to optimize water use and enhance sustainability.

Desalination has emerged as a key solution, particularly in coastal regions where freshwater sources are limited and renewable energy sources are available to develop. This process transforms seawater into potable water, providing a reliable supply for production. As desalination technology advances, it becomes increasingly energy-efficient and cost-effective, making it an attractive option for many companies facing water scarcity.

Water reuse systems are also gaining traction within the industry. These advanced recycling technologies enable manufacturers to treat wastewater generated during production processes, allowing them to reuse this water within their operations creating a circular water program. By implementing such systems, companies can significantly reduce their freshwater intake while minimizing the volume of wastewater that requires treatment off-site.

An example would be Nestlé, which has made significant strides in reducing its water footprint by implementing advanced recycling systems across its factories. Their commitment to sustainability has resulted in notable reductions in freshwater usage without compromising product quality.

Source: Nestle

The adoption of closed-loop systems further enhances water efficiency by recirculating water within production processes. This approach minimizes waste and ensures that less water is drawn from external sources, conserving vital resources while improving operational efficiency. The integration of these technologies not only addresses immediate water needs but also aligns with long-term sustainability goals.

Carlsberg, a global leader, inaugurated a new, revolutionary water recycling plant that recycles 90% of the process water at the Carlsberg brewery in Fredericia, Denmark in 2021. Accordingly, water consumption will be halved from the current 2.9 hl of water per hl of beer to 1.4 hl of water per hl of beer.

As food and beverage producers increasingly rely on recycled or desalinated water, ensuring that this water meets stringent quality standards is paramount. Purification technologies play a critical role in this process. Techniques such as reverse osmosis membrane filtration effectively remove impurities and contaminants from recycled or desalinated water, rendering it suitable for consumption.

Moreover, innovative cleaning methods are being developed to reduce the amount of water needed for sanitation processes in production facilities. By enhancing operational efficiency in this area, companies can further decrease their overall water usage while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

The advantages of adopting desalination and water reuse technologies extend beyond regulatory compliance; they offer substantial benefits for both manufacturers and the planet. By minimizing reliance on municipal water supplies and reducing wastewater disposal needs, companies can achieve significant operational efficiencies and cost reductions achieving water stewardship in their operations.

Moreover, these practices align with global sustainability targets, contributing positively to efforts aimed at improving overall water quality and availability. As organizations embrace these sustainable practices, they not only enhance their operational resilience but also improve their public perception among environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize brands committed to social responsibility.

Today, the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) plays a pivotal role in advancing research and policy frameworks surrounding desalination and reuse technologies. By facilitating collaboration between industries and stakeholders, IDRA is instrumental in driving forward innovative solutions that address global water challenges.

Through events like the upcoming IDRA World Congress scheduled for December 2024 in Abu Dhabi, IDRA serves as a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices related to desalination, water reuse, and renewable energy. These gatherings foster collaboration among governments, technology providers, and researchers promoting a unified approach toward sustainable solutions.

Reference:

https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/world-population-prospects-2019-highlights

https://www.vice.com/en/article/1800-gallons-of-water-goes-into-one-pound-of-meat/#:~:text=Beef%E2%80%94which%20is%20the%20second,curb%20your%20personal%20water%20footprint.

https://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-gallons-of-water-to-make-a-burger-20140124-story.html#:~:text=1%20pound%20of%20cheese%20requires,requires%20198%20gallons%20of%20water.

https://www.beer-brewing.com/beer_brewing/beer_brewing_chapters/ch05_brewing_water.htm#:~:text=Generally%2C%20it%20takes%20between%204,produce%20one%20liter%20of%20beer.

https://www.ipcc.ch/reports

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004224005820

https://www.nestle.com/sustainability/water/sustainable-water-efficiency-operations

https://www.nestle.com/sustainability/water/sustainable-water-efficiency-operations

https://www.carlsberggroup.com/newsroom/carlsberg-opens-water-recycling-plant-and-becomes-the-world-s-most-water-efficient-brewery

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379311074_Advanced_Membrane_Technologies_for_Water_Purification

https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2023/90/e3sconf_icsdg2023_01040.pdf

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/14/10940