“Wastewater as a resource: Transforming industrial water use”

“By 2030, the global water deficit is projected to exceed 40%, highlighting an urgent need for sustainable water consumption practices. In Europe, the industrial sector consumes approximately 40% of all freshwaters, while globally, industry accounts for 19-22% of freshwater withdrawals, with a mere 2.4% being reused. Alarmingly, 80% of wastewater worldwide is discharged back into the environment without adequate treatment. These statistics underscore the critical need for improved water management strategies. Industries, especially the food sector discussed in this seminar, must urgently adopt more conscientious water use practices, focusing on reuse, reduction, and recycling. Producing one kilogram of food product requires several liters of water, illustrating the significant impact of food production on water resources. However, implementing water reuse faces several challenges, including the legislative framework, knowledge of putative hazards (chemical and microbial) and design of robust water treatment systems to ensure the reconditioned water is safe for consumers. To protect our precious water sources, it is imperative that sustainable water consumption and management practices are implemented across all sectors without delay.”

Register by 11 November for the seminar and a light lunch.