Water Next Solutions, based in Italy with over 30 years of industry expertise, is transforming wastewater treatment in the textile sector by focusing on sustainable and cost-effective solutions. With a commitment to reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental footprints, the company has introduced groundbreaking biological treatment technologies that are reshaping the way effluent treatment plants (ETPs) operate.

The core of Water Next's innovation lies in its biological treatment systems, which harness the power of beneficial bacteria to break down wastewater pollutants. Unlike traditional ETPs that use toxic chemicals, Water Next’s approach eliminates the need for chemical treatment.

“In conventional ETPs, effluents first undergo chemical treatment before biological processing. In contrast, our approach is entirely biological, making it more sustainable and significantly reducing operational costs,” explains Mr. Pranay Behl, Co-Founder & CEO of Water Next Group.

One of the standout advantages of Water Next’s biological treatment systems is their remarkable cost-effectiveness. The company’s systems can be up to five times cheaper to operate compared to traditional chemical-based systems. “Electricity is our primary operational cost, with all other elements optimized for maximum efficiency,” says Mr. Behl.

In addition to cost savings, Water Next’s biological systems are more environmentally friendly. Unlike chemical treatments that generate hazardous sludge, Water Next’s systems produce non-toxic sludge that can be repurposed as organic manure, further promoting sustainability.

Water Next also utilizes cutting-edge membrane bio-reactor (MBR) technology to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency and facilitate Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). By integrating membrane filtration with biological treatment processes, the company ensures up to 95-97% reuse of textile wastewater, a critical feature for the textile industry.

“Our water recovery process involves just three steps, with high automation levels,” Mr. Behl explains. “Unlike conventional plants requiring a minimum of 10-15 operators, our systems are managed by just one skilled operator.”

This innovative system not only maximizes water recovery but also dramatically reduces operational complexity, ensuring continuous 24/7 water feed to dye mills with low operational costs.

Water Next has executed over 500 effluent treatment plants globally, including more than 100 focused on wastewater recovery. With offices in Italy, Mexico, and Colombia, the company has established a strong international footprint, delivering projects in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Colombia, Africa, and beyond. Their systems have become especially popular within the textile sector, where efficient wastewater management is essential.

“In India, we have served leading textile companies and set up green field projects in the recent past,” notes Mr. Behl.

At the heart of Water Next’s success is its ongoing commitment to innovation. The company’s R&D teams, based in Italy and India, are constantly working to enhance system performance, achieving impressive advancements in water recovery and operational efficiency. “Initially, reverse osmosis systems achieved 70% water recovery; today, they surpass 95%,” says Mr. Behl, emphasizing the significant leap in water conservation.

In addition to water recovery improvements, Water Next has also developed innovative systems that use CO2 from chimney smoke for pH neutralization in wastewater. By directing boiler smoke to the effluent treatment plant, the process neutralizes high pH levels in wastewater, reducing or eliminating carbon emissions while minimizing the use of sulphuric acid.

Water Next’s focus on sustainability extends beyond technological innovations. Many of the company’s plants, installed over a decade ago, continue to operate efficiently with minimal maintenance costs. This long-term reliability is a testament to the company’s dedication to creating durable, eco-friendly solutions for the textile sector.

Ensuring customer satisfaction, Water Next provides comprehensive after-sales support. With a dedicated team of engineers who resolve most technical challenges remotely, the company is known for its commitment to keeping plants running smoothly. “Our customers trust us for continuous support,” says Mr. Behl. “We deliver high-quality, automated ETPs that maintain high efficiency while reducing costs and environmental impact.”

Water Next Solutions is at the forefront of providing sustainable, cost-effective wastewater treatment solutions for the textile industry. With its innovative biological technologies, the company is setting new standards for effluent management, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve both environmental sustainability and economic viability.

“We are dedicated to advancing sustainability in the textile sector by offering solutions that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable and strive for customer delight by ensuring smooth plant operation,” concludes Mr. Behl.