Advancing Membrane Technology for industrial water reuse, energy saving and zero microplastic discharge

The SusBrane project will design an industrial wastewater reuse system with functional SiC membrane technology to reuse 90% of the water while also saving 20% of energy and eliminate harmful discharge, enabling a sustainable laundry industry.

Did you know that 35% of the annual discharge of micro- and nano-plastic pollutants (MNPs) into the environment comes from the washing of synthetic textiles? This, as well as the fact that contaminants of emerging concerns (e.g., PFAS) from garments can be absorbed by MNPs, makes the discharge of MNPs from laundry wastewater an environmental problem. Moreover, the surge in travel, healthcare, and manufacturing in the post-COVID era has amplified the demand for industrial laundry services, which raises the question of how releases of MNPs in the textile service industry can be reduced effectively.  

The SusBrane consortium aims to develop a cutting-edge solution to address this critical issue by introducing an advanced membrane filtration system to capture MNPs, followed by a catalytic reactor to degrade nano-plastics and other contaminants. Implementation of this system will enable industrial laundries to achieve zero harmful discharge and reduce freshwater usage by 90% while saving 20% of energy.

- SusBrane project brings leading scientists and industrial experts together to collaborate across disciplines. The new SusBrane system will create substantial cost savings while also promoting a circular economy.¨ says Prof. Wenjing (Angela) Zhang, who is the Project Leader and Associate Professor at DTU Sustain. ¨This project offers a platform for LiqTech to collaborate with top scientists and key players in the laundry industry to advance water reuse systems based on LiqTech superior SiC membrane technology with sustainability at the core, benefiting the environment, society and industry, says Dr. Fei Chen, who is the CEO of LiqTech.

The focal point of the project is to develop a cost-effective wastewater treatment and reuse system for industrial laundries to achieve zero-harmful discharge and reduction in both freshwater and energy consumption. The project spans the entire value chain from proof-of-concept development to implementation and commercialization.

The SusBrane project has assembled an interdisciplinary team of six partners. Leading scientists from DTU Sustain and UEX bring cutting-edge research experience in materials, membranes, and the environmental impact of MNPs. LiqTech, a world-leading membrane technology provider, is focused on membrane fabrication and system integration. Central Vaskeriet, the largest hospital laundry in Central Region Denmark, provides experience in laundry operation and test sites, while the JENSEN-GROUP brings in unparalleled expertise in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty laundry equipment. Ecolab, a global supplier of chemicals, offers solid insight into laundry chemicals and water reuse.

The SusBrane consortium is poised to make a true impact on industrial laundry water management, showcasing technological innovation to create economic and environmental values.

Facts

• The Innovation Fund's investment: DKK 13.8 million. DKK
• Total budget: 21.1 million DKK
• Duration: 4 years
• Official title: SusBrane: Mod nul-skadelig udledning – bæredygtig industriel spildevandsrensning af vaskerivand ved hjælp af avancerede membranteknologier

About the partners

DTU Sustain: DTU Sustain is one of the largest university departments specializing in water, environmental engineering and sustainability in Europe. The department is working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies and disseminate this knowledge to society and new generations of engineers. www.sustain.dtu.dk/