Pioneers in Zero Liquid Discharge

Chemplast Sanmar pioneered the concept of Zero Liquid Discharge

The company has installed Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) facilities at its Mettur plant at an investment of Rs.27 crore. In Chemplast Cuddalore Vinyls Limited, Cuddalore and Chemplast Sanmar Limited, Karaikal, the ZLD has been the norm right since the inception of the units. These plants completely recycle and reuse liquid effluents. The ZLD facility involves significant recurring revenue outgo, which Chemplast embraced as its duty and contribution to the protection of the environment. The facility ensures that no treated effluent from the plant operations will be discharged on to the land or into the sea.

In September 2009, Chemplast became the first chemical manufacturer to achieve 100% ZLD in all its plants.

The Sanmar Group plays a responsible role in water conservation, with none of its coastal plants drawing any water from the ground. These plants resort entirely to converting seawater by means of contemporary desalination technology. In Cuddalore, an aquifer runs just three metres below the surface and the entire water requirements are met by a sea water desalination plant set up at an investment of Rs. 20 crore.

The ZLD initiative and its water policies won two awards for Chemplast at the 7th National Award for Excellence in Water Management organised by the CII in December 2010.  “We have always believed in investing in the best available technology at any point of time. Technology is particularly important for environment management,” says N Sankar, Chairman of The Sanmar Group. “With the unique situation of working with plants producing multiple products, such as in Mettur, we needed to look at new and innovative methods to ensure that we do not discharge a single drop of treated effluent from our plants. These awards are a recognition of team work but most of all an appreciation of our social commitment.”