Carlsberg Bulgaria invests 4 mln euro in wastewater treatment plant

The plant uses an innovative anaerobic ICX reactor for internal water purification, ensuring the biological treatment of all of the brewery's waste water with a capacity of 800 cubic metres of water daily, Carlsberg Bulgaria said in a press release. Additionally, the water goes through a sand filter to eliminate phosphates and solid particles.

The average annual volume of waste water at the company's Shumen brewery amounts to over 217,000 cubic metres, depending on production levels.

The reactor was supplied by Dutch-based anaerobic water purification systems developer Paques and installed by local construction company Universal Stroy Konsult, with both companies selected as part of a tender auction. The project, implemented over four years, is part of Carlsberg Bulgaria's commitment to sustainability, aiming to minimise environmental impact throughout its production process.

"We work in several main directions related to the reduction of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere, ensuring energy efficiency in breweries and programs aimed at saving water, so as to ensure sustainability at all stages of the brewing process," Carlsberg Bulgaria production director Metodi Stoyanov said.

Carlsberg aims to achieve zero carbon emissions in its breweries by 2030 and a zero carbon footprint of the company's global operations by 2040. In November, Carlsberg Bulgaria said it is replacing its entire company fleet by investing in Toyota hybrid automobiles.

Carlsberg Bulgaria operates two breweries - in Shumen and the southwestern city of Blagoevgrad, alongside logistics centres and sales offices throughout the country. The company is part of the Carlsberg Group, which employs more than 30,000 people and sells its products in more than 150 markets.

(1 euro = 1.95583 levs)