Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has successfully integrated a state-of-the-art Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology at its Mahachai plant in Thailand. This solution, designed by Gradiant, a global innovator in water and wastewater treatment, enables the recovery of 90-95% of wastewater for reuse while extracting valuable minerals for industrial applications.
Situated in a water-stressed region near Bangkok, the Mahachai plant is now a benchmark for sustainable textile dye production. The initiative significantly reduces reliance on local water sources, reinforcing Archroma’s dedication to responsible water management in the textile industry.
Driving Sustainable Water Management
Archroma is committed to addressing critical water challenges within the textile and apparel industry. “We strive to minimize water use throughout our production processes and consumer laundering,” said Dhirendra Gautam, VP Global Marketing and Strategy at Archroma. “By eliminating toxins and contaminants, we make wastewater treatment easier for our facilities and customers. Our objective is to ensure that all our plants, especially those in water-stressed areas, operate with efficient water conservation systems, contributing to global water sustainability.”
Since 2019, Archroma has explored advanced ZLD solutions to address increasing water challenges in Thailand. Gradiant’s Counterflow Reverse Osmosis (CFRO) technology was selected for its superior ability to treat complex wastewater compositions with minimal energy use. This modular system integrates seamlessly with existing wastewater treatment infrastructure, optimizing desalination capacity and water recovery while lowering the plant’s environmental footprint.
Cutting-Edge Water Treatment Technologies
Gradiant’s Free Radical Oxidation (FRO) technology complements CFRO by eliminating color and organic substances from the RO concentrate, ensuring safe discharge that meets stringent environmental standards. The system also facilitates the recovery of concentrated brine, which Archroma repurposes within its dyeing processes or supplies to industrial partners for applications like resin regeneration and chlorine production. This approach fosters a circular economy in water and resource management.
“As industries face growing pressure to implement sustainable practices, our partnership with Archroma showcases how innovative water treatment technologies can enhance both environmental impact and operational efficiency,” said Prakash Govindan, COO of Gradiant. “Our ZLD solution at Mahachai leverages cutting-edge membrane and oxidation technologies to maximize water recovery and resource reuse, supporting Archroma’s sustainability goals.”
Addressing Water Scarcity in Thailand
Thailand is increasingly affected by water scarcity due to climate change, severe droughts, and aging infrastructure. By adopting Gradiant’s ZLD solution, Archroma reduces its dependency on freshwater sources, ensuring long-term operational sustainability in a resource-limited setting.
This multi-million-dollar investment underscores Archroma’s ongoing commitment to water conservation and its broader mission to transform the textile industry through sustainable innovation. Beyond Thailand, the company continues to expand its ZLD initiatives worldwide, including its Sustainable Effluent Treatment (SET) plant in Jamshoro, Pakistan, which supplies irrigation water to local communities.
Through its collaboration with Gradiant, Archroma reaffirms its dedication to pioneering innovative solutions that drive economic, environmental, and industrial sustainability across the globe.
