Omnia Holdings has commissioned a reverse osmosis water treatment plant at its Sasolburg site to enhance its water efficiency and edge it closer to achieving its sustainable development goals.
“Our approach to sustainability is deeply embedded across the business value chain and we will continuously aim to ensure that our operations meet the relevant sustainable development plan goals to ensure the careful use and recycling of water. Introducing a reverse osmosis water treatment plant is evidence of our commitment to achieving this goal and advancing our drive towards cleaner technologies and responsible operations.” says Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO.
Reverse osmosis is a process of water treatment that removes a large majority of contaminants by pushing the water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane. The aim is to reduce water consumption by effectively recycling the cooling tower discharge into the cooling tower make up and thus reducing potable water consumption. Furthermore, this will reduce Omnia’s reliance on municipal water, its use of potable water, as well as reduce the effluent discharge produced in the manufacturing process.
The project is estimated to yield an approximate saving of 180 megalitres per annum. The social benefits include indirect job creation generated during the construction and commissioning, as well as the direct employment of the operational staff responsible for the daily running and maintenance of the plant.
“Living in a water scarce country offers companies in our line of business the opportunity to champion ecology and conservation. For Omnia it is one way to ensure our long-term sustainability, creating employment opportunities to positively impact the communities in which we operate.” concludes Gobalsamy.
