The Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit, held in Frankfurt, Germany, on September 26-27, 2024, was attended by professionals, researchers, industry heads, and policymakers in search of solutions to the problem of sustainable water management in the Industrial processes. The summit served as a forum for sharing experiences, promoting interdisciplinary activity, and advanced research and real-life case studies. Under the tagline “Sustainability through Innovation,” the summit acknowledged the growing demands on water resources and the eventual need for new ways and innovations to mitigate the negative effects of the same on the environment.

Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit: What Were The Sessions About

This summit featured diverse sessions covering various aspects of industrial water and wastewater management. From water footprint assessment to innovative technologies, the presentations were valuable sources of information for the current challenges and emerging solutions.

Water Footprint Assessment: A Key Driver For Sustainable Water Management In A Thirsty World

Speaker: Jane Lei, Expert in Corporate Water Footprint Assessment, Technical University of Munich

The keynote gave a general overview of the challenges that came with the world’s and regional water use, targeting industrial use. Furthermore, discussions of water regulations, frameworks, and ratings that give clues on how companies can manage their water footprint were done. Additionally, the session made the foundation for understanding the significance of sustainably managing water in industrial settings. 

Water Stewardship And What Is Expected From Industrial Companies

Speaker: Ben Davis, Sector Coordinator, Alliance for Water Stewardship

The session at the Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit went deep into the definition and principles of water stewardship for industrial companies. Furthermore, the speaker reflected the importance that understanding the context holds in looking for best practices for a reduction in water use, pollution and also the promotion of sustainable water use. Moreover, the session emphasized the significance of partnering with local communities, governments, and other interested parties. This is for finding and solving commodity-identified problems that are water-related.

Water Management In The Mining Industry

Speaker: Juliette Lainé, Research Engineer in Mineral Processing – Mining, ArcelorMittal

This session focused on the challenges that are seen in iron ore production when it comes to the mining industry. Furthermore, the speaker spoke on water usage in mining & its impact on sustainability. The session also explored the expectations of the mining sector to reach global sustainability goals. Additionally, the session saw a case study on Arcelor Mittal’s approach to managing water. 

Zero Downtime and Consistent Performance Wastewater Aeration For 50 Years. Is It Possible?

Speaker: John McConomy, Commercial Director, VorTech Water Solutions

The session focused on empowering engineers to make changes in the wastewater sector. The speaker introduced the concept of Vortex-Powered Aeration and showed why it’s changing wastewater aeration. Moreover, the presentation looked deeply into the methods of maximizing existing assets and gave case studies as examples. This was to showcase the potential of the technology. 

Minimizing Its Water Impact & Pollution Controls In Our Upstream Supply Chain

Speaker: Devika Perera, Environmental Compliance Leader Sustainability in Production, Decathlon

The presentation at the Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit gave strategies for executing sustainable practices of water management in the upstream supply chain. Furthermore, the speaker showed methods for reducing water usage and pollution at the source. The speaker also went deep into the approaches for collaborating with suppliers. This is to enhance water efficiency and measures of pollution control. The session also covered establishing partnerships with local communities and stakeholders to address any water-related concerns. 

Enabling Industry Defossilization & Driving Circularity

Speaker: Wolfgang Edel, Director of Business Development Sustainability, Brenntag

This session explored the global call to action for sustainability and EU regulations. The speaker talked about some methods of making CO2e emissions visible and some defossilization and circular economy potential. The presentation gave a holistic viewpoint of sustainability in industrial processes.

Closing The Loop: L’Oréal’s Journey In Industrial Water Reuse & Recycling

Speaker: Hans Buchholz, Environmental Compliance Manager Water, Waste Water, Biodiversity QEHS, L’Oréal

The speaker spoke on L’Oreal’s experiences in driving sustainable management of water. The session went through the company’s goals 7 key drivers, sustainable water practices in production, and the transition to circular management of water. Moreover, the session highlighted water-saving innovations, technologies, and methods of recycling to reduce withdrawal.

Agile Wastewater: Creating More Efficient Treatment Systems

Speaker: Omar Meléndez, Energy Specialist, University of Environmental Studies (UMA), Mexico and Mercedes

The session at the Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit focused on the main issues of wastewater management systems. Furthermore, the speaker spoke on energy generation from wastewater & strategies for mitigating water usage as part of sustainability initiatives. Moreover, the session explored some incredible ways to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency in wastewater systems. 

Aiming At A Positive Impact On Water Cycles And Nature: Methodology And Examples From A Mineral Water Business

Speaker: Achim Drewes, Sustainability & Stakeholder Relations Nestlé Waters Europe, Nestlé Waters

The session went through the methodologies and frameworks for water and nature-related interventions. Furthermore, the sessions covered the foundations for water stewardship at Nestle. It also covered the company’s water regeneration program. Additionally, the session had project examples and the impact it has on water cycles and nature. 

Datacenter – Water & wastewater management

Speaker: Volkan Avcu, Engineering Lead & Project Manager, Amazon Web Services

This session at the sustainability event had its focus on water and wastewater management in data centers. So, the speaker discussed conducting deep research and risk assessment before entering new areas. Moreover, the session covered methods for minimizing water usage, executing recycling and reuse strategies, and following the local water regulations in the operations of the data center. 

Maximising Energy Efficiency for Membrane-Based Industrial Water Reuse and Recycling Treatment

Speakers: Amogh Sharma, Application Marketing Manager, and Francisco Javier Lorenzo, Technical Sales Manager, High-Pressure Pumps, Danfoss

The speaker in the session gave an overview of the current water crisis and the importance of sustainably managing water. Furthermore, the speaker reflected on the role of membrane technologies in reusing and recycling industrial wastewater. Moreover, the session witnessed discussions on the impact of energy costs and carbon footprint in wastewater treatment. This is using membrane technologies and strategies to maximize energy efficiency. 

Panel Discussion: Sustainable practices in industrial water management

Panelists: John McConomy from VorTech Water Solutions, Devika Perera from Decathlon, Wolfgang Edel from Brenntag, Ben Davis, Jane Lei from Technical University of Munich

This panel discussion was set on exploring the implementation of circular economy models in industrial water management. Furthermore, the panelists discussed assessing the water footprint across the industrial value chain. It also had discussions on identifying hotspots of water consumption. Additionally, the panelists explored collaborative approaches between industries and governments. This is to achieve water sustainability targets. 

Panel Discussion: Optimising Industrial Water Efficiency

Panelists: Amogh Sharma from Danfoss, Omar Meléndez from the University of Environmental Studies (UMA) Mexico & Mercedes, Achim Drewes from Nestlé Waters, Volkan Avcu from Amazon Web Services

The panel assessed and evaluated water consumption patterns in industrial spaces. Furthermore, the discussion covered setting up cost-saving measures, warranting sustainability, and executing water-saving technologies. Additionally, the panelists shared their insights from their respective industries and expertise. 

​​Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit: Event Partners

The Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit found the support of several key industry partners. Each of them brought their unique expertise and solutions to the Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit. So, let us take a look at the sustainability event partners ahead: 

Brenntag – Bronze Sponsor

Brenntag is a global leader when it comes to the chemical and ingredient distribution market. Their product line is wide and has a range of items for environmental and water treatment applications. Furthermore, Brenntag offers safe high-quality products, sophisticated technologies, and customized solutions with technical expertise. Moreover, Brenntag can tailor solutions to fit the needs of any business application – municipal, food, pharma, power, and mining. So, their value-added services and extensive application knowledge make them a key player in addressing unique water treatment challenges.

VorTech – Bronze Sponsor

VorTech Water Solutions Ltd., an Irish technology company, harnesses vortex fluid dynamics to revolutionize the water and wastewater industry. Their patented Vortex Powered Aeration Standard (VPA-S) technology transforms wastewater aeration, solving issues related to complex retrofits, maintenance, and energy inefficiencies. Moreover, by inducing a vortex, VorTech produces fine bubbles similar to diffused air systems while avoiding complexity and high costs. Additionally, their innovative approach allows plant operators to retrofit and increase capacity at lower operational costs for an extended lifespan.

Ecolutia – Exhibition Partner

Ecolutia specializes in outsourced water treatment services, offering flexible BOO and short-term solutions. Their fleet includes filtration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and EDI systems, capable of producing up to 1000 m³/h of water. Furthermore, Ecolutia’s modular and pre-engineered systems ensure quick project delivery and adaptability to seasonal or long-term site requirements. Moreover, their ‘Rapid Response’ emergency service, featuring Europe’s largest capacity mobile demineraliser system, provides crucial backup for water production needs across the continent.

Danfoss – Presenting Partner

Danfoss, a global leader in energy-saving innovations, designs and produces energy-efficient high-pressure pumps and energy recovery devices for seawater and wastewater RO applications. Furthermore, with over 24,000 installations worldwide, their products provide fresh water through reverse osmosis with industry-leading efficiency and reliability. Moreover, Danfoss aims to engineer tomorrow’s solutions, become the preferred decarbonization partner for customers, and create long-term value across various industries and applications.

VTA – Exhibition Partner

VTA – Verfahrenstechnische Abwasserreinigung, an Austrian group of companies, is revolutionizing water treatment with state-of-the-art nanotechnology. Furthermore, their pioneering processes set new standards in wastewater and environmental technology, inspired by nature’s cycles. Moreover, VTA’s innovative solutions benefit over 250 million people worldwide daily. Operating in more than 65 countries, they deliver ecological VTA Liquid Engineering processes for clean, sustainable water treatment, embodying their motto “VTA – Water for the world!”

To Sum Up

A comprehensive forum for business executives, academics, and policymakers to exchange creative ideas for sustainable water management in industrial processes was made available by the Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit 2024. The wide variety of workshops and knowledgeable presenters provided insightful information on current issues, cutting-edge technology, and industry best practices. The Industrial Water & Wastewater Management Summit, which had the backing of significant industry players, underscored the significance of teamwork and creativity in tackling worldwide water concerns and progressing towards a more sustainable future in industrial water management. To attend more such events, make sure you check out the upcoming sustainability summits by Future Bridge!