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Brembo, a global leader in braking systems, is pioneering sustainable water management with its innovative “Re-water” project at its Escobedo, Mexico, production facilities. This initiative champions the principle of “produce more with less” by reusing treated wastewater from the local municipal plant, thereby reducing reliance on fresh water sources and demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, economic prudence, and community well-being.
Key Highlights
- Innovative Water Sourcing: The “Re-water” project utilizes treated “dark water” from Escobedo’s municipal plant.
- Significant Daily Supply: Over 500 cubic meters of water per day are supplied to Brembo’s facilities, exceeding current operational needs.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: An underground pipeline system minimizes road traffic, emissions, and associated costs.
- Drought Resilience: The project ensures uninterrupted operations, even during water scarcity periods.
- Circular Economy Model: Wastewater is transformed into a valuable, constant, and cost-effective resource.
- Achieved Full Reusability: The Escobedo plant now uses 100% treated wastewater in its production processes.
- Global Replicability: Brembo is exploring similar “Re-water” initiatives in Europe and Asia.
The strategic decision to implement the “Re-water” project stemmed from a desire for a technically sound and highly effective solution. Sara Peccati, Brembo’s Environmental Excellence Manager, explained that the core idea involved transforming the city’s treated wastewater, often referred to as ‘dark water,’ into “Re-water.” This treated resource is then channeled directly to the two adjacent Brembo production sites. A crucial element of this system is an underground pipeline, nearly three kilometers long, which directly transports the water to the industrial facilities. This infrastructure significantly reduces road traffic that would otherwise be necessary for water transportation, leading to lower emissions and operational costs.
The “Re-water” project supplies over 500 cubic meters of water per day. This volume not only meets but exceeds the plants’ current actual needs, providing a buffer and ensuring uninterrupted operations—a critical advantage, especially during periods of drought. “The circular economy model developed in Mexico,” Peccati elaborated, “allowed us to reuse an important, constant, and cost-effective resource.” This efficiency is further enhanced by an additional secondary treatment plant installed by Brembo, which improves the water quality before it enters the production cycle. This commitment to resourcefulness underscores the project’s dual benefits of environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
Gerardo Palacios Elizondo, Health, Safety & Environment Manager at the Escobedo facility, emphasized the proactive investment in responsible water infrastructure. “We believed it was essential to invest in infrastructure that promotes the responsible use of water,” he stated. The primary objective, which has now been successfully met, was to utilize 100% treated wastewater in the plant’s production processes. This achievement marks a significant reduction in the facility’s reliance on the conventional municipal water supply, showcasing a tangible positive social impact by alleviating pressure on local freshwater resources.
The success of the Escobedo “Re-water” initiative serves as a powerful and replicable model for other Brembo locations globally, particularly those facing similar water scarcity challenges. “We are currently conducting feasibility studies for new Re-water projects in Europe and Asia,” Peccati confirmed, highlighting Brembo’s commitment to extending this sustainable practice across its international operations. This forward-thinking approach positions Brembo as a leader in industrial water conservation and demonstrates how businesses can effectively integrate circular economy principles to achieve both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
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