We recognize the importance of responsible water management in a world that faces increasing drought conditions and water stress. We are committed to using this valuable resource as carefully and efficiently as possible.

View our Water Policy

2022 Performance

In 2022, our total water consumption continued to decrease. We recorded a 7% reduction of water use per metric tonne of product compared to 2021. We are now using 54% less water per metric tonne of product in our manufacturing processes than we did in our 2006 baseline year.

Water Use

Water Saving Activities

Below are some examples of projects introduced over recent years, that have helped to reduce our water consumption and improve the quality of wastewater discharge from our sites.

  • Herne, Germany: Improvements made to the washing stage of a key fuel additive’s manufacturing process have not only reduced energy and waste usage but have also saved water. By reusing the waste aqueous distillate instead of fresh water, the site has reduced water usage by 140 m3 per year.
  • Leuna, Germany: Replacement of four aging condensate coolers at our facility in Leuna with two more efficient coolers in a new closed-loop cooling distribution system, has reduced the consumption of condensate, saving 1,534 m3 of water per year.
  • Ellesmere Port, UK: Work continued to upgrade the aging underground water main and distribution pipelines. This addressed two significant water leaks on the potable water system and the closed-loop cooling water distribution system. In total the site has saved 78,000m3 of water which was being lost to ground in a year.
  • Castiglione, Italy: An annual water saving of 13,000 m3 was achieved at our Castiglione site by changing the water treatment additives used. This resulted in a reduction in the water make-up needed to operate the site’s cooling towers.
  • Midland, Pleasanton and Oklahoma City, US: Our Oilfield Services sites in the US are reusing wash water rather than fresh water in compatible product batches to help reduce water consumption. This also eliminates the need to dispose of the wastewater.
  • High Point, NC, US: Replaced the gravel surface on stormwater runoff routes with concrete. This has improved the water quality of stormwater discharged to the city outfall by reducing the amount of total suspended solids.
  • Vernon, France: Reduced the sites water consumption by 14% in its iron soap process and 10% in the magnesium soap process, following the installation of new agitators. This has improved the efficiency of the cooling stage of both processes resulting in less fresh cold water being needed. The site has also improved the quality of the wastewater produced during the manufacture of a key fuel additive by reducing the TOC (Total Organic Carbon) content by 85%. As a result, wastewater previously sent for offsite disposal is now suitable to be treated through the site's wastewater treatment facility on site and ultimately reused.

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