Water reuse and recycling in Indian Beverage industry

摘要

Waste minimisation and recycling of waste is one of the important issues in Indian beverage industry. The beverage industry which includes alcoholic drinks and soft drinks is a part of the food processing sector and accounts for 14% of the total industry output. It consists of 19% of the country's industrial labour force and is responsible for providing additional job opportunities, particularly to the rural population. Majority of these industries are in the small scale sector. Water consumption and consequently waste water generation are very high in these industries. The waste generated in these industries has a high organic content. Water is an important raw material used in the process and a large quantity is also used in the utilities and equipment washings. In these industries, in spite of limited water availability and high demand, conservation measures are not given adequate priority. Further, small and medium enterprises suffer from poor waste management and resource recovery practices, often discharging effluents with minimal or no treatment. This paper is based on a study conducted as part of a project sponsored by European Commission under the Asia-Pro Eco programme for promotion of industrial water efficiency. The paper covers the current trends in water consumption, the possibility for minimization of water use, strategies for wastewater treatment and options for wastewater recovery and reuse in beverage industry. The paper also highlights the initiatives undertaken by the units towards achieving the goals of minimising water use and waste.