Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has successfully implemented an advanced Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology at its Mahachai plant in Thailand. Designed and developed by Gradiant, a global expert in water and wastewater treatment, this cutting-edge solution recovers 90-95% of wastewater for reuse while extracting valuable minerals for industrial applications.
Located in a water-stressed region near Bangkok, the Mahachai plant now serves as a model for sustainable textile dye production. This initiative significantly reduces reliance on local water sources while enhancing environmental resilience, reinforcing Archroma’s commitment to responsible water management in the textile industry.
Commitment to Sustainability
As part of its broader sustainability mission, Archroma is addressing critical water consumption challenges in the apparel and textile industry. “Our focus is on reducing water use both in production and consumer laundering,” said Dhirendra Gautam, VP Global Marketing and Strategy at Archroma. “By innovating to remove toxins and contaminants from our products, we simplify wastewater treatment for our plants and customers. Our goal is to equip all our facilities, particularly those in water-stressed regions, with effective water conservation systems to help mitigate global water scarcity.”
Since 2019, Archroma has evaluated various ZLD technologies to combat increasing water challenges in Thailand. Gradiant’s Counterflow Reverse Osmosis (CFRO) technology was chosen for its ability to efficiently treat diverse wastewater compositions with minimal energy consumption. This modular system seamlessly integrates with existing wastewater treatment infrastructure, maximizing desalination capacity and water recovery while reducing the plant’s environmental footprint.
Innovative Water Treatment Technologies
In addition to CFRO, Gradiant’s Free Radical Oxidation (FRO) technology has been deployed to remove color and organic compounds from the RO concentrate, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations. The system also recovers concentrated brine, which Archroma repurposes in its dyeing processes or supplies to industry partners for resin regeneration and chlorine production. This approach further supports circular economy principles in water and resource management.
“Water-intensive industries are facing growing pressure to adopt sustainable solutions, and this partnership with Archroma demonstrates how advanced water treatment can enhance sustainability without compromising efficiency,” said Prakash Govindan, COO of Gradiant. “Our ZLD solution at Mahachai leverages innovative membrane and oxidation technologies to maximize water recovery, reduce environmental impact, and create valuable resource streams. We are proud to support Archroma’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and water stewardship.”
Addressing Water Scarcity Challenges
Thailand faces increasing water stress due to climate change, extreme droughts, and aging infrastructure. By implementing Gradiant’s ZLD solution, Archroma is significantly reducing its dependence on freshwater sources, ensuring long-term operational resilience in a resource-limited environment.
This multi-million-dollar investment highlights Archroma’s dedication to water conservation and its mission to transform the textile industry through sustainable innovation. Beyond Thailand, the company continues to expand its ZLD initiatives globally, including its Sustainable Effluent Treatment (SET) plant in Jamshoro, Pakistan, which has been providing irrigation water to local communities.
Through its partnership with Gradiant, Archroma reaffirms its commitment to employing innovative solutions that drive economic, environmental, and industrial sustainability worldwide.
