Efficient use of water in Seppic’s industrial processes
Seppic's Water strategy is a continuation of that of Air Liquide, the objective of which is the implementation of a water management plan for highly consuming operations in areas of high water stress by 2025.
The Castres facility accounts for the majority of Seppic’s water consumption. Water is used in the manufacturing of ingredients, the cooling of installations, the cleaning of machines and sanitary use. This water used for cooling comes primarily from the town and the Agout river.
In recent years, the Castres site has taken steps to reduce water consumption. In 2022, by expanding to additional units the use of steam to wash tanks initiated in 2021, around 97% of municipal water has been saved compared with conventional tank washing. In 2021, the installation of automatic valves on various production equipment, combined with the substitution of municipal water with river water in a closed circuit launched in 2022, resulted in a saving of around 5% of municipal water over the course of the year. After a pilot phase on a facility unit starting in 2022, Cleaning In Place (CIP) combined with washing balls not only saves water but also saves energy. Compared with conventional washing, the estimated saving in municipal water is around 80% for every wash. The system is now being deployed across the company's other facilities.
