Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has successfully implemented an advanced Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology at its Mahachai plant in Thailand. Designed and built by Gradiant, a global expert in water and wastewater treatment solutions, this innovative system enables the recovery of 90-95% of wastewater for reuse while extracting valuable minerals for industrial applications.
By deploying a high-efficiency, membrane- and oxidation-based ZLD solution, Archroma reinforces its commitment to responsible water management in the textile industry. Located near Bangkok in a water-stressed region, the Mahachai plant serves as a model for sustainable textile dye production. The system significantly reduces reliance on local water supplies while enhancing environmental resilience.
As part of its broader sustainability strategy, Archroma continues to address key challenges in the apparel and textile sector, particularly water consumption. “We believe in reducing water use in production and home laundering. We innovate to remove toxins and contaminants from our products, making wastewater treatment easier for our plants and customers,” said Dhirendra Gautam, VP of Global Marketing and Strategy at Archroma. “Our goal is to require our plants to have effective water conservation facilities with special focus on water-stressed areas, contributing to water conservation and helping to combat acute water scarcity worldwide.”
Since 2019, Archroma has assessed multiple ZLD technologies to address growing water concerns in Thailand. Gradiant’s Counterflow Reverse Osmosis (CFRO) technology was selected for its ability to efficiently treat various wastewater compositions while maintaining minimal energy consumption. The modular system integrates seamlessly with the plant’s existing wastewater treatment infrastructure, optimizing desalination capacity and water recovery while reducing the environmental footprint.
Gradiant’s Free Radical Oxidation (FRO) technology is used to eliminate color and organics from the reverse osmosis concentrate, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations
In addition to CFRO, Gradiant’s Free Radical Oxidation (FRO) technology is used to eliminate color and organics from the reverse osmosis concentrate, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations. The system also facilitates the recovery of concentrated brine, which Archroma repurposes in the dyeing process or supplies to industry partners for applications such as resin regeneration and chlorine production, fostering a circular approach to water and resource management.
“Water-intensive industries are under increasing pressure to adopt responsible solutions, and this partnership with Archroma demonstrates how advanced water treatment can drive sustainability without compromising operational efficiency,” said Prakash Govindan, COO of Gradiant. “Our ZLD solution at Mahachai leverages innovative membrane and oxidation technologies to maximize water recovery, reduce environmental impact, and create valuable resource streams. We are proud to support Archroma’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and water stewardship.”
With Thailand facing mounting water stress due to climate change, extreme droughts, and aging infrastructure, sustainable water management is an urgent priority. By implementing Gradiant’s ZLD solution, Archroma reduces its reliance on freshwater sources, ensuring long-term operational resilience in a resource-constrained environment.
This multi-million-dollar investment underscores Archroma’s dedication to water conservation and its broader mission to transform the textile industry through sustainable innovation. Beyond Thailand, the company continues to expand its ZLD initiatives globally, including its Sustainable Effluent Treatment (SET) plant in Jamshoro, Pakistan, which has been providing irrigation water to surrounding communities.
By partnering with Gradiant, Archroma reaffirms its commitment to implementing innovative solutions that support economic, environmental, and industrial sustainability on a global scale.
