It is the first green forest filter developed in our country for this industry.

IMDEA Water of the Community of Madrid is working on a pioneering project to treat wastewater from the brewing industry using technologies based on the circular economy, biosustainability and biomass production. It is the first green forest filter developed in our country for this industry.

The project, known as Generating biomass with regenerated water, is funded by the Community of Madrid through the Industrial Doctorates call. In addition to IMDEA Water, the EULEN Group and the National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA) also take part in the project. It will take place over 36 months and a doctoral thesis will result from the project.

The green filter installation and maintenance system proposed by this project goes beyond a simple water treatment plant, since it is based on the production of biomass by fast-growing plant species that will capture CO2 as they grow. This process reduces costs while having a significant positive environmental impact through the creation a forest ecosystem of outstanding natural and landscape value.

The testing phase is already ongoing, both in the labs, in the greenhouses and in the fields, where wastewater from the Heineken Spain factory in San Sebastián de los Reyes is being used. The tests help select the plant material that best suits the characteristics of the water.

Last April, a green filter was installed on the 1,000 square meter pilot plot owned by the company to verify its effectiveness. Depending on the results, a decision will be made on its possible expansion to other facilities across its national network.