At WRc we recognise that sustainability challenges facing your business are getting tougher.

We help our clients improve their environmental impact, secure regulatory compliance and eliminate risk, while improving productivity and profitability.

WRc can offer your organisation expertise in chemical engineering, modelling, toxicology, water and wastewater treatment process and waste science, all supported by our in-house laboratory services.

We help our clients to:• Maximize reliability and maintainability of

processes and production• Improve product safety/integrity/shelf-life

(water risk management)• Reduce water and carbon footprint as well as

O&M costs• Implement and develop effective water

strategies• Use science to inform decisions to restore

natural capital • Enhance personnel’s technical expertise,

performance and understanding of process • Achieve compliance with regulations and

sustainability targets• Derive effluent management options• Apply circular economy tools to achieve

sustainability targets• Reduce waste and maximize its value • Characterise and assess treatability of

food waste

Our experience includes the agro-chemical, manufacturing and waste management sectors. We have a strong reputation and track record with Regulators, Governmental organisations and utility companies.

Food and Beverage

wrcplc.co.uk

Product Registration & Stewardship• Food contact materials assessment• Performance claims for materials in products

(microbeads, chemicals, biodegradability)• Risk assessments for food additives, colours and

flavourings.• Assessment of end-of-life options for packaging

materials including plastics and glass• Advice for REACH• Life cycle assessment of products

Water SafetyMaximize reliability and maintainability of the quality of the water used in manufacturing and production• Assess “soft spots” and sources of contamination

(chemical and microbial) • Address water risk management with tailored solutions

Design a comprehensive solution strategy including:• Improved process design and operations (product

safety/integrity/shelf-life)• Maintenance strategies and CIP protocols • Personnel training and process observation guidance

Process Design and Optimisation • Maximize value from current design and operations

while lowering carbon footprint • Implement best practices to maximize water quality and

quantity output• Lower O&M costs while improving production capacity • Lower production risks associated with process integrity

breaches • Implement water/wastewater management and

operations protocols

Water Reuse and Wastewater Recycling Support and guidance to attain the best water footprint from the process • Process optimisation and improved water efficiency• Implementation of validated advanced and cost

effective approaches and technologies• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) strategies and effective

effluent treatment • CIP strategies and minimized discharge capacity

and costs

Integrated Water Cycle Management• Optimise the overall water cycle, covering all steps

in water management, treatment, production and discharge for water quantity and quality

• Integration of water supply risks with environmental constraints in seasonal and future demand

• Modelling tools for optimising site discharge permits at a river catchment scale

• Partnership working with catchment stakeholders

Regulatory Compliance • Address challenges from new legislation and

maintain compliant operations• Use of authoritative information to inform strategic

environmental decisions and deliver compliance assessment

• Statistical modelling and interpretation of environmental data

• Ecosystem services assessment to quantify, monetise and map natural capital and ecosystem service delivery

Resource Efficiency and Waste Management• Applying circular economy tools to achieve

sustainability targets• Material flow mapping and waste audits• Characterisation and classification of wastes• Foodwaste and packaging evaluation for treatment

including biodegradability• Practical laboratory trials • Resource recovery assessments to maximise value

from wastes (e.g. energy, nutrients, biomass, plastics)• Technology reviews and benchmarking for more

effective recovery

© Water Research Centre Limited 2018

wrcplc.co.uk | @WRcplc

For further information contactTel +44 (0) 1793 865000 Email margarita.cabrera@wrcplc.co.uk Frankland Road, Blagrove, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 8YF

Zero waste strategy for a food processorReducing waste volumes across manufacturing sites is a common challenge for operators within the food supply chain. WRc is currently working with one processor to develop a zero waste plan. Following an audit to benchmark performance, and submission of an action plan, WRc is now supporting improved procurement and management of waste collection contracts to both minimise the ‘cost’ of their waste through improved recycling. A staff awareness and training programme will provide additional operational sustainability.

Assessing the effluent permit for a new food processing plant The permit for a new meat processing plant to discharge effluent to the environment was reviewed using river modelling tools. This involved agreeing the methodology with the regulator, analysing river statistics and calculating compliance against the downstream river quality standards. The modelling assessment showed that the new plant would have minimal impact on the local environment and the permit to operate the effluent plant was granted.

Assessment of pesticides in natural and drinking water Periodic surveys of herbicide and pesticide monitoring in surface, ground and drinking waters are carried out for agro-chemical companies. This involves seeking publically available data from governments, regulators, agencies, literature and databases across Europe. Findings are presented in regulatory reports to provide evidence for plant protection product registration.

Performance Review and Operator Training Programme at Brewery SitesReview of existing wastewater plant with compliance issues across a range of water quality parameters incorporating an assessment of wastewater influent flows and loads. This included an assessment of all upstream operations that affect the wastewater arising from the production facilities and ETP chemical consumption.

Review of site maintenance and procedures and operational staff training to attain “self-sufficient” operational skills.

UK Beverage Manufacturer Site Audit and Process RemediationThe aqueous treatment plant at a distillery was failing within a year of commissioning. The plant includes an extended treatment process comprising: Conditioning and dewatering of spent wash, treatment and recycling of the dewatering liquor, anaerobic digesters, anaerobic bioreactors, tertiary treatment including UF/RO for water reuse. A site and data investigation was carried out to validate provided data against engineering, chemical and biochemical common practice and knowledge; advise was provided on how to improve the processes performance.

Case Studies