ELAY advances DOIKA with a new wastewater treatment plant that improves efficiency and sustainability

ELAY has commissioned a new mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) plant for the treatment of industrial wastewater at its ELAY EUROPE facility, representing another step forward within the DOIKA philosophy of continuous improvement. This strategic investment optimizes wastewater management and recovery, significantly reduces energy consumption, and strengthens the sustainability of production processes.

The new facility increases treatment capacity to 9,000 liters per day and reduces the power required for operation from 100 kWh to 37 kWh. In addition, it operates with a power consumption of only 28 kW, a particularly noteworthy figure considering its low energy use relative to the treatment capacity achieved.

This initiative is also part of ELAY's strategy to reduce energy consumption and contribute to the decarbonization objectives promoted by the automotive industry. In this regard, the investment helps reduce Scope 3 CO₂ emissions associated with value chain activities such as resource consumption, waste management, and external services required for operations.

The new installation incorporates Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) technology, a highly efficient system that concentrates wastewater and recovers high-quality water for reuse within the production process. This reduces the consumption of external resources and supports a more circular and sustainable production model.

These environmental benefits are complemented by significant operational improvements. The facility enables the complete internal management of all wastewater generated during production processes, reducing costs, limiting dependence on external waste management providers, and enhancing control over wastewater treatment operations.

The new plant also incorporates high levels of automation, improving operational safety and reducing manual intervention in operation and maintenance tasks.

With this investment, ELAY reinforces its commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrating how the DOIKA philosophy translates into investments that make its processes increasingly efficient, safe, and sustainable, generating value for both the organization and its environment.

The implementation of this new wastewater treatment plant has received support from the Grant Program for Business Investments in Environmental Protection, managed by IHOBE, the Basque Government’s Public Environmental Management Agency. This initiative contributes to improving the energy efficiency, environmental performance, and sustainability of ELAY's production processes.