Industrial resilience depends on water stewardship - new report from NIRAS

It goes without saying that without water, there would be no process industry. It’s also painfully clear that challenges in the form of e.g. contamination, scarcity and climate changes are calling on the industry to take action.

Whether we’re talking about food & beverage manufacturers or pharmaceutical manufacturers, there is a need to safeguard water supplies - but what exactly can process manufacturers do, given that the work is, by its nature, water-intensive?

In the report "Water stewardship - Trends and perspectives within the global process industries", experts from NIRAS have set out the steps businesses can take to optimise water use both in their operations and across their supply chains.

The report explores how food & beverage and pharma & life science manufacturers can implement practical solutions to mitigate water-related risks, enhance resource efficiency, and meet evolving regulatory standards.

Søren Nøhr Bak, Senior Expertise Director at NIRAS, explains:

"Water plays an essential role in the manufacturing process, including cooling, heating, and cleaning. As global water scarcity and environmental concerns mount, the industry faces transformative changes driven by sustainability and efficiency imperatives."

"Access to water is crucial for both business success and the environment. For the brewery and soft drink industries, water is the most significant raw material ingredient, constituting a significant operating cost regardless of the source. Likewise, the dairy sector relies heavily on clean water for hygienic cleaning, with many dairies adopting innovative water reuse strategies. In the life sciences industry, reliable public water supply is essential, particularly in developed regions where the majority of global production is concentrated."

The report also details how manufacturers can adopt a strategic approach through ‘watershed management’. Søren Hvilshøj, Senior Market Director at NIRAS, adds:

"Watershed management is not just a regulatory obligation but a strategic imperative for industries. Ensuring that water use is balanced with the needs of the environment and local communities is essential to securing a vital social license to operate."

“By engaging with local stakeholders and investing in sustainable water practices, companies can build trust, mitigate water scarcity risks, and strengthen the long-term resilience of local watersheds. Investing in water recycling and reuse is helping companies not only secure their water supply but also contribute to broader environmental goals.”

To explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities surrounding industrial water sustainability, download the full report here: Water stewardship | Download the report here! - NIRAS