Veolia has helped Rhodia, part of the Solvay Group, achieve 94% water reuse at its textile chemical production facility in Santo André, São Paulo State, Brazil — saving the equivalent of 133 Olympic swimming pools of water annually. The achievement represents a major step forward in Rhodia’s industrial water circularity and sustainability strategy.
Following more than a year of successful operation under a 10-year service contract, the project demonstrates the results of decades of investment and continuous innovation at the site, transforming an existing effluent treatment plant into a modern water reuse facility through Veolia’s advanced technologies and operational expertise.
Veolia implemented a comprehensive technology-as-a-service model that leverages existing infrastructure and flexible investment agreements to accelerate project delivery. By integrating a state-of-the-art ZeeWeed™ MBR (membrane bioreactor) system and advanced effluent homogenisation processes, Veolia converted the site’s wastewater treatment operations into a high-performance reuse production system capable of supplying top-quality water for Rhodia’s industrial processes, including cooling systems.
This project is particularly impactful in São Paulo State, an area frequently affected by drought and water scarcity. By reducing groundwater extraction and increasing resource efficiency, the facility supports regional water resilience and contributes directly to local conservation efforts.
“The project in partnership with Veolia contributed to the Santo André site reaching the milestone of 94% water reuse, an impressive achievement. It also brought significant improvement in water quality, which can now be used in other applications. The solution is fully aligned with the principles of the circular economy and with Rhodia’s sustainability programme.”
Ronia Oisiovici, Senior Sustainability, Research and Innovation Manager, Rhodia
By reusing existing equipment and optimising installed systems, Veolia minimised new infrastructure needs, reinforcing its circular economy commitments. The modernised facility ensures compliance, enhances process reliability and reduces the environmental footprint of Rhodia’s operations.
“This project reflects Veolia’s ability to integrate high-performance engineering with a robust, results-oriented operational model. It exemplifies our GreenUp strategic programme, where water technologies serve as a catalyst for ecological transformation. We are proud to accompany clients such as Rhodia to transform environmental goals into scalable solutions that prove performance and sustainability go hand in hand.”
Mauro Cruz, Executive Vice President and Head of Water Technologies for Latin America, Veolia
The collaboration underscores Veolia’s commitment to driving industrial water reuse and decarbonisation as part of its global GreenUp strategy, placing ecological transformation at the heart of industrial performance.
