Manufacturers will need to step up their water stewardship strategies to mitigate water scarcity and safeguard the future of the process industries, according to a new report.
Experts from NIRAS, one of the largest process industries consultancies in Northern Europe, have set out the steps businesses can take to optimise water use both in their operations and across their supply chains.
Their comments appear in a new report, Water Stewardship: Trends and perspectives within the global process industry, which was launched at the Aquatech Amsterdam event in March.
The report explores how manufacturers can implement practical solutions to mitigate water-related risks, enhance resource efficiency, and meet evolving regulatory standards.
Søren Nøhr Bak, senior expertise director at NIRAS, said:
“Water plays an essential role in the manufacturing process, including products, cleaning of process equipment and packaging materials, as well as for utilities. As global water scarcity and environmental concerns mount, the industry faces transformative changes driven by sustainability, legislation and cost imperatives.
“Access to water is crucial for both business success and the environment. For the brewery and soft drink industries, water is the most significant raw material ingredient, constituting a significant risk for business continuity. Likewise, the dairy sector relies heavily on clean water for hygienic cleaning, with many dairies adopting innovative water reuse strategies. In the life sciences industry, water is heavily depending upon for GMP requirements, but more companies are looking into new water reduction processes and technologies.”
The report also details how manufacturers can adopt a strategic approach through ‘watershed management’. Søren Hvilshøj, senior market director at NIRAS, added:
“Watershed management is not just a regulatory obligation but a strategic imperative for industries. Ensuring that water use is balanced with the needs of the environment and local communities is essential to securing a vital social license to operate.
“By engaging with local stakeholders and investing in sustainable water practices, companies can build trust, mitigate water scarcity risks, and strengthen the long-term resilience of local watersheds. Investing in water recycling and reuse is helping companies not only save costs and secure their water supply but also contribute to broader environmental goals.”
