Water – A Vital Resource to Preserve
Because every drop counts, we are implementing a series of initiatives — both big and small — to manage water more sustainably.
From optimizing cleaning cycles and installing rainwater recovery systems to reducing wastewater and training our teams, each action helps us build a more resilient and resource-conscious model.
To embed responsible water management at the core of our industrial strategy, we have set a clear objective: reaching a water intensity below 1 by 2030.*
(*Less than 1 m³ of network water consumed per tonne of product manufactured)
+
0m³ of water consumed in 2024 at our production site
Rain Water
With 2,238 m³ collected, rainwater accounted for half of our total water consumption in 2024.
Key ingredient in our solutions
In 2024, we produced over 2,500 tonnes of solution. The water used for formulation totaled 1,400 m³, accounting for 33% of our overall consumption (4,153 m³).
Waste Water
Our industrial wastewater represents 18% of our total discharges. It is collected and sent directly for treatment.
Our Water Management Strategy
At Realco, circular economy principles guide our decisions — from packaging design to consumption management and resource optimization. We’ve already embraced the 5R principles in our broader approach, and are now applying them specifically to water, with a sustainable and pragmatic vision.
Our strategy is built around the 5Rs of water: Recover, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Restore. By applying this methodology, we maximize the efficiency of our water use and minimize our environmental impact. Recover helps us make the most of rainwater and alternative sources, while Restore reflects our commitment to protect and regenerate aquatic ecosystems.
A consistent and meaningful approach aligned with our broader ambition to build a more resilient and responsible industry.
Recover
Since July 2024, we have been collecting rainwater to reduce our reliance on mains water.
Reduce
Optimizing cleaning is one of our biggest challenges: reducing cleaning cycles, improving our equipment, and more.
Reuse
Even before building our new facility, we made the reuse of cleaning water a priority. Our plan is to reuse the water from the second rinse as the first rinse in the next cleaning cycle.
Recycle
And why not go even further by filtering our industrial wastewater (IWW) directly on site to reuse the recycled water?
This is a project currently under review, with implementation planned before 2030.
Restore
Our wastewater is handled by a certified collector. For over 30 years, we’ve been helping our clients better manage and treat their own wastewater.
An integrated water strategy serving efficiency
At Realco, water supply relies on a mixed infrastructure combining public mains and rainwater recovery. Treatment systems ensure optimal quality for both production and sanitary uses. Industrial wastewater is collected and monitored through a secure setup that includes overflow systems and backup tanks.
Water supply: two complementary sources
Realco relies on two resources to meet its water needs:
• Rainwater, collected via a 250 m³ tank and a 200 m³ storm basin, is used as a priority.
• Mains water, supplied by the public network, complements this source for production and internal use.
Treatment systems tailored to each use
Water — whether sourced from the mains or from rain — is treated according to its final use to ensure optimal quality for our industrial processes.
• Softening: A water softener reduces hardness before use in boilers and sensitive equipment.
• Disinfection: Rainwater is chlorinated upon entering the site. A contact time within the piping network ensures effective elimination of microorganisms.
• Filtration: Water passes through sand and activated carbon filters to remove particles and organic residues. It is then stored in a 25 m³ buffer tank, where it undergoes UV treatment, followed by the addition of hydrogen peroxide to prevent any microbial contamination.
A wide range of uses for carefully treated water
Treated water at Realco is used across several key areas:
• Production: cleaning, mixing of liquid and powder products, holding tanks, and packaging lines.
• Sanitary facilities: supplying toilets and sinks in production areas and offices, with dedicated consumption monitoring.
• Laboratories: used for equipment cleaning as well as R&D and quality control testing.
• Fire safety: a 400 m³ reservoir supplies the sprinkler system, hydrants, and hose reels, all equipped with overflow prevention systems.
Wastewater management: precision and safety
- ndustrial wastewater: Wastewater generated during production (equipment cleaning, floor scrubbers, testing) is collected in a 42 m³ tank, then pumped and sent to an external treatment facility.
- Greywater: Water from sanitary facilities (showers, sinks) is discharged through a separate network dedicated to greywater.
Monitoring and Controls
To ensure optimal water management, Realco has installed meters in key areas (production, offices, fire system) to closely monitor consumption. Alert sensors and a monitoring system are also in place to prevent any overflow of wastewater or emergency tanks.
Risk Management des risques
Production and storage areas are equipped with retention basins to prevent any contamination of the sewage system in the event of leaks or overflows. An overflow system redirects accidental water discharges to a dedicated 25 m³ tank, ensuring full control over unintended outflows.
Our ambitions to reduce our water footprint by 2030
- Reduce our water intensity to 1 m³ per tonne of product, in line with the sector average (1.22 according to A.I.S.E., 2022), while strengthening our resilience to future water-related challenges.
- Cut industrial wastewater volumes by 30% by the end of 2030, using 2024 as the baseline year. This ambitious target reflects our commitment to minimizing environmental impact and optimizing every step of our production process.
