Green chemistry: why is BWT choosing alternative chemicals?

If water is BWT's core mission, so is preserving the environment in the broadest sense. To this end, BWT is committed to an innovative approach: alternative chemicals. This innovative approach aims to revolutionise the sector by reconciling technical efficiency and ecological responsibility. Find out how BWT is rethinking water treatment for a more sustainable future.

Alternative chemicals, as conceived by BWT, is an ambitious scientific approach aimed at transforming water treatment into a more virtuous process. Its main objective is to limit environmental impact while maintaining optimum efficiency. This innovative strategy is part of BWT's desire to fundamentally rethink practices in the sector.

Although the expression 'green chemistry' is often used, BWT prefers the term 'alternative chemicals'. This semantic choice is by no means insignificant: it reflects a more pragmatic approach that is no doubt less overused. But be warned: BWT's alternative chemicals do not claim to replace traditional chemicals entirely, but offer complementary and innovative solutions.

At the heart of this approach is a rigorous formulation charter. BWT is committed to developing chemicals incorporating biodegradable, renewable or recycled active ingredients. The emphasis is on biosourced, non-toxic components with a reduced carbon footprint. This charter guides all of the company's developments in alternative chemicals.

BWT is taking a long-term approach to alternative chemicals, investing heavily in fundamental research. Collaborations with prestigious institutions, such as Chimie ParisTech - PSL, have made it possible to explore new avenues for innovative scale and corrosion inhibitors and other active ingredients, in the context of water treatment for industry, but also for tenement and service buildings.

BWT ensures the reliability of its solutions through rigorous testing. Each new formulation is subjected to extensive testing, both in the laboratory and on test benches, and then on industrial installations or heating and air conditioning systems in tenement and service buildings in particular. These various essential phases ensure that products derived from alternative chemicals meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency and biodegradability. To this end, BWT has incorporated the OECD 301 F test into its approach, the test best suited to products formulated in the liquid phase.

In partnership with the SGS laboratory, a world leader in the field of analysis and testing, each formula is tested in its entirety, i.e. in the presence of all the active ingredients simultaneously. The aim is to ensure that the formula is biodegradable in less than 28 days, and that there are no harmful and/or negative effects of the formulation on the biodegradability of the active ingredients present. Following these tests, our products are certified to a certain percentage of biodegradability.

Research and testing lead to the development of tangible products. BWT has developed a range of biodegradable products, including scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors and biodispersants for treating cooling towers, as well as a sludge removal cleaning agent that removes limescale from air conditioning and heating systems. And that's just the beginning! These innovations, which are now available in the company's catalogue, demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of BWT's alternative chemicals approach.

One of the key strengths of BWT's alternative chemicals is its ability to significantly reduce environmental impact without sacrificing efficiency. The solutions developed aim to offer performance that is at least equivalent to that of conventional chemicals, while being more respectful of the environment.

This alternative approach is not new to BWT, as illustrated by BWT ECO-UV. Using a mixed biocide process (UV-C + hydrogen peroxide), BWT ECO-UV is an eco-responsible solution for disinfecting circulating and/or stagnant water in the pond, for perfect control of the microbial load and a reduction in COD. In this way, the microbiological risk, including the risk of legionella, is completely controlled, without leaving any trace in the networks or discharges, guaranteeing zero chemical impact.BWT ECO-UV is a safe, healthy and effective alternative to conventional disinfection, eliminating the extra cost of transport and, above all, the risks to employees when handling the product.

For BWT, alternative chemicals are not just a trend, but a genuine long-term commitment. The company aims to develop a complete range of products formulated from biodegradable, biosourced, renewable and/or recycled active ingredients. This vision not only anticipates regulatory developments but also meets customers' future needs, while remaining economically competitive.