A major player in the recycling industry in Mexico, with the help of Veolia Water Technologies. This collaboration marks a new milestone for the company in its efforts to move closer to achieving water neutrality, a key goal in its sustainability journey.
PetStar, which processes over 5.5 billion polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles annually, is known for producing high-quality food-grade recycled resin. However, the company’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond plastic recycling, now encompassing water conservation and regeneration through advanced technologies provided by Veolia. Veolia has implemented state-of-the-art wastewater treatment and reuse systems that allow PetStar to recycle up to 550 cubic meters of water per day from its operations. This is a crucial development considering the significant environmental challenges faced by industries, including water scarcity. By reusing this water, PetStar is not only adhering to strict environmental regulations but also substantially reducing its reliance on groundwater, which is a vital resource in many regions. The project was launched earlier this year and meets the stringent standards set by NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021, Mexico’s national environmental quality standards.
For PetStar, this move is part of a broader commitment to the principles of a circular economy, which the company has championed since its inception in 1995. Known for being a model of sustainable business practices, PetStar has consistently worked to address global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution. By partnering with Veolia, PetStar continues to align its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to reduce its environmental impact through the use of innovative technology. Carlos Mendieta, a senior executive at PetStar, highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, which drives its continuous process innovation. He noted that the partnership with Veolia is a critical part of achieving the company’s water neutrality objectives, adding that the reuse of water in their processes is a pivotal step in minimizing their ecological footprint. The company’s water management strategy also includes rainwater harvesting through green roofs and regeneration efforts in local ecosystems such as the Nevado de Toluca. These initiatives are designed to replenish natural water sources and foster sustainability within the community.
The technological solutions provided by Veolia are designed to support PetStar in its water conservation efforts. These include the Densator, which accelerates the sedimentation process, and the ZeeWeed Membrane Bioreactor, which ensures the efficient treatment of wastewater. In addition, the ProFlex reverse osmosis process and Aquaray UV disinfection technology allow for the safe reuse of water in the recycling process. The outcome of this technology is a daily recovery of 370 cubic meters of water, a significant achievement in the context of global water conservation efforts.
Mauro Cruz, a representative from Veolia, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that it exemplifies the company’s GreenUp strategic programme, which aims to harmonize business operations with resource conservation. The success of this partnership demonstrates the power of innovative technology in balancing industrial growth with the responsible management of natural resources. It also underscores the importance of industry leaders joining forces to develop sustainable solutions that protect the environment for future generations.
This initiative represents a broader trend within the global business community where companies are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability and the role of technology in achieving environmental goals. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, businesses are being called upon to contribute positively to environmental regeneration, and PetStar’s water reuse project is an excellent example of how industry can lead the way in conservation efforts.
Veolia Technology Supports Water Neutrality Goals
