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Wastewater Treatment, which is the most suitable technique for laundries?

by
Marzio Nava

Wastewater treatment is a crucial issue for companies across many production sectors. In this context, the focus shifts to laundries, in cleaning labs, and industrial laundries. In recent years, stricter regulations and closer oversight from authorities, municipalities, and ATS (Local Health Authorities) have made effective treatment not just a compliance matter but also a strategic priority. For industrial laundries in particular, wastewater treatment is essential for reducing environmental impact. Their effluents often contain high concentrations of surfactants, oils, heavy metals, and organic substances. The treatment of this wastewater, requires a combination of techniques: mechanical filtration to remove solids, physico-chemical treatments to separate dissolved pollutants, and biological processes to break down organic matter. Many plants are also integrating advanced solutions such as ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, which deliver high-quality treated water and enable its reuse within the production cycle. This raises a fundamental question: which treatment techniques represent the most effective and reliable solutions for the sector? And what is considered the best practice for small, medium, or large laundries, whether as a model to recommend broadly or as a flagship example of your interventions?

CHRISTEYNS

“At CHRISTEYNS, we have developed HydRO, a plug-and-play solution designed specifically for laundries to recover, treat, and recycle wastewater,” explains Jacopo Persico, Water & Energy Project Leader at the company, as he inaugurates an in-depth discussion on wastewater treatment techniques in the sector.

With HydRO, Christeyns’ new purification system, potable water consumption can be reduced by at least 80%. Thanks to our decades of experience in the field of professional detergents, we have a comprehensive understanding of the elements present in wastewater after the washing cycle - knowledge that allows us to optimize washing performance, ensure effective treatment, and enable water reuse”.

How is the system exactly designed?

“The system is built from modular monoblocks that can also be stacked, optimizing the available space and adapting to the evolving needs of each customer. In practice, it is a plug-and-play container unit that recovers, treats, and recycles water from washing processes, transforming it into higher-quality water ready to be reused in subsequent wash cycles”.

Can you explain in detail how the system works?

“The system functions as a closed-circuit water supply. In the first phase, wastewater is treated, reducing the need for potable water by 80%, which translates to an average consumption of around 0,5 liters per kg of linen.

Phase two uses a plate-based system that allows the reuse of detergent components, including anti-foaming silicones, that traditional membrane systems cannot handle or can only process with limitations. This capability reflects Christeyns’ comprehensive understanding of the entire washing process, from input to final water treatment.

The final phase addresses the discharge of less than 20% of the washing water, ensuring it is free of microplastics, heavy metals, and bacteria. The treated water also has low conductivity, enhancing rinsing efficiency and increasing the brightness of laundered textiles.

The process additionally delivers a 25% reduction in gas consumption through heat recovery. By integrating water management into its solutions, Christeyns positions itself as a single point of reference for clients at every stage of the laundry process, effectively acting as a super-consultant”.

Can the installation be applied as a standard solution, or is it adapted to the specific needs of each laundry facility?

“It is a solution that offers excellent flexibility and is easy to install. Naturally, it can be fully customized to the client’s specific needs, depending on the volume of wastewater to be treated.
We also provide a primary water treatment module to address all washing requirements, including a desalinator, water softener, and other essential equipment for treating both primary and boiler water.

In this way, the system supports the management of the entire laundry production process,” concludes Persico.

DEPUR PADANA ACQUE

“Wastewater treatment is always aimed at ensuring the compliance with current regulations, particularly Legislative Decree No. 152/2006. Typically, treated water is discharged into the public sewerage system; where sewers are unavailable, there is the alternative of discharging into surface waters (such as rivers or streams). However, the reuse of treated water is becoming increasingly important, especially for laundries, which are characterized by high water consumption”, explains Giovanni Pio, Technical and Commercial Manager at DEPUR PADANA ACQUE.

What percentage of treated water is typically reused, based on statistical data?

“The maximum recovery rate that can typically be achieved is around 65 - 70%. Reaching this level, however, requires more than just a standard wastewater treatment plant; additional polishing stages are necessary, including the installation of a reverse osmosis system downstream of the biological treatment process. Our ECOBLOCK® modular plants utilize MBR (membrane bioreactor) technology with ultrafiltration membranes, which allows up to 25% of treated water to be recycled even without the use of a reverse osmosis system.

Recently, we carried out a project at a major industrial laundry known nationwide, to which we dedicated an in-depth analysis a few months ago (https://detergo.eu/articoli-blog/depur-padana-acque). We also recently intervened at the large Tierre Group cleaning laboratory in San Martino Buon Albergo (Verona), where we installed an MBR biological treatment plant. The particular challenge in this case was that, since it was not possible to install the system outdoors, we developed a tailor-made technical solution inside the laboratory itself.”

How was it implemented, and what difficulties were encountered during the process?

“We implemented a range of custom solutions, with particular attention to preventing any odour emissions in the workplace. Potential sources were identified, contained, and isolated, with fumes safely vented outside through a dedicated extraction and scrubbing system. The result is a highly efficient plant, enhanced by the use of cutting-edge technology.”

ÈCOSÌ

“ÈCOSÌ has consistently focused its research on developing formulations with rapidly and effectively biodegradable surfactants, reducing environmental impact at the source,” says Antonio Ciccarella, Head of Laundry Division.

What does sustainability mean in practice for ÈCOSÌ?

“Experience has shown us that sustainability cannot rely solely on wastewater treatment plants—it must also begin upstream, with the daily choices made in washing. This is why we promote conscious formulations and precisely calibrated dosages, tailored to actual needs. By avoiding excess, we prevent unnecessary strain on wastewater treatment systems and foster a more sustainable cycle overall.”

Does the choice of washing method directly affect wastewater treatment?

“The combination of detergents designed for rapid biodegradability with precise control of dosage, enhances the efficiency of the entire laundry cycle, from washing to wastewater treatment, reducing operational costs, sludge production, and energy consumption. This approach frames textile care as a shared responsibility toward the environment and future generations.

A further pillar of ÈCOSÌ’s philosophy is the widespread use of plant-based surfactants. Derived from natural oils and fats, these ingredients biodegrade faster than petrochemical alternatives, lowering the organic load on treatment plants and minimizing environmental persistence. This not only safeguards water quality but also fosters a circular, virtuous cycle that leverages renewable resources and reduces dependence on fossil-based resources.

By focusing on plant-based raw materials and enforcing careful formulation and dosage control, ÈCOSÌ delivers a tangible contribution to the sustainability of the laundry sector.

This vision is pursued consistently, reflecting the company’s belief that true innovation combines high performance with high respect for the environment and social responsibility.”

DALMON WATER SOLUTIONS

“To the question, “What is the most appropriate wastewater treatment technique?” our answer is: “It depends…,” says Ilenia Pozza, Technical Department Manager at DALMON WATER SOLUTIONS. . Basti analizzare fattori come il volume del carico idraulico da trattare, la provenienza del prodotto lavato, i limiti da rispettare e le performance richieste, l’ubicazione geografica, le variazioni dei carichi in base alla stagionalità, la geometria del sito produttivo e del ciclo dell’acqua in uso, fino alle materie prime utilizzate per la detergenza o ai macchinari per il lavaggio” .

It seems the key word is customization, right?

“ Absolutely correct.

By correlating multiple variables, it becomes clear to understand why standardization is not an option and each facility is unique. Every day, millions of cubic meters of contaminated water require treatments tailored to specific needs. Over time, Dalmon Water Solutions has built advanced engineering expertise, positioning itself not just as a supplier but as a partner to hundreds of customers. And of those millions of cubic meters, a significant share is managed directly by our company.

In such a broad and dynamic sector, the challenge - highlighted in the Cerved study for Assosistema Confindustria, is to meet the needs of both smaller, virtuous businesses and larger players, united in their commitment to safeguarding the one raw material that cannot be replaced: water”.

So, what is the most appropriate technique?

“È quella che tutela l’ambiente con impianti efficienti che preservano i corpi idrici recettori dalle sostanze inquinanti in conformità delle normative vigenti. È quella che si distingue con impianti adeguati ad un’economia circolare che non è solo recuperare e riutilizzare l’acqua ma ridurre i consumi energetici con apparecchiature efficienti, performare l’esistente con revamping e minimizzare con le nuove tecnologie volumi e spazi occupati”.

Statistically speaking, which methods are most commonly implemented in your interventions?

“About 90% of requests are met with activated sludge treatment, whether through conventional systems or newer designs like MBRs. These solutions are flexible in handling varying flow rates and effective at reducing biodegradable organic load. MBR systems, in particular, can recover up to 80% of discharged water. When combined with specific pre-treatment processes, eco-sustainability takes on shades of green and blue. It takes a lot of Blue to save the Green.” It takes a lot of Blue to save the Green”.

ITALHYDRO

Finally, we speak with ITALHYDRO, in particular with Luca dal Lago, the CEO of the company based in Thiene (Vicenza).

“With over twenty years of experience, we have found that the most effective approach to laundry wastewater treatment begins with a careful assessment of several key factors. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the project’s requirements, balancing the client’s primarily production-related needs with regulatory and administrative constraints.

Key factors to consider include the characteristics of the water to be treated, available space for the treatment system, landscape and building constraints, type of products processed, continuity of operations, seasonal activity, the need for water recovery and reuse in the washing process, existing plants requiring upgrades, and the receiving body for treated effluent. Rather than relying on a fixed checklist, we analyse all these variables to develop a customized project and report, also taking into account potential upgrades to existing systems.

Implementing a treatment system without considering water recovery can lead to missed opportunities for improving competitiveness and optimizing the production process.”

What exactly does it consist of, and what is the added value?

“Today, many public bodies and large organizations require services that comply with recycling and environmental protection standards. The ability to recover up to 70% of discharged water is a major advantage. In periods of drought, this recovery ensures continuity of service, making it a decisive strength.”

Beyond reducing costs and inconveniences, what are the standout benefits of remote support and management technology?

“Monitoring and advanced software systems have become essential technologies.”

Could you explain how they operate? And do you apply them to every system?

"All our systems are equipped with software for remote monitoring and assistance via a control panel. Our back-office technicians review the plant’s operational status daily, tracking flow rates, pressure, oxygen levels, pH, and other key parameters. This proactive monitoring enables the anticipation of anomalies and downtime, the scheduling of preventive maintenance, and a range of other operational optimizations.”

WTP - Water Treatment Process

For WTP - WATER TREATMENT PROCESS Srl, a company specializing in the design and construction of wastewater treatment plants, we speak with Federico Guidetti, Head of the Technical Department at the company based in Città di Castello. “Wastewater treatment is now a central issue for laundries, whether small, medium, or large. The effluents from these activities contain significant pollutant loads, including surfactants, oils and fats, heavy metals from treated garments, and various organic substances. Proper treatment is not only an increasingly stringent regulatory requirement, but also an environmental responsibility that reduces the risk of disputes and enables more sustainable use of water resources. WTP, a company specialized in designing and building wastewater treatment plants, offers targeted solutions tailored to the specific characteristics of the client and the type of effluent.”

Do you customize your solutions based on the size of the laundry facility?

“Per le lavanderie di piccola dimensione si privilegiano impianti chimico-fisici, efficaci nel rimuovere tensioattivi, oli e solidi sospesi con ingombri ridotti e gestione semplificata. Per realtà medio-grandi, caratterizzate da carichi organici più elevati e maggiore continuità di scarico, la soluzione ottimale è spesso rappresentata dai processi biologici a fanghi attivi o, nei casi più complessi, da impianti a membrane MBR (Membrane BioReactor), che consentono rese depurative superiori e maggiore stabilità di processo”.

Does the treatment include water reuse?

“Beyond primary treatment, WTP equips its plants with advanced polishing and post-treatment systems to make treated water ready for reuse. Using a mix of technologies, from sand and activated carbon filters to ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, these systems ensure that the wastewater meets the quality standards needed for production processes. WTP’s approach goes beyond compliance: it combines operational reliability with sustainability, turning each plant into not just an environmental safeguard but a tangible added value for the company that adopts it.”

TECHNOACQUE

“TECHNOACQUE is committed to water purification and reuse for laundries,” says Engineer Francesco Sardella, the Technical Manager – Plant Design & Commissioning at the company based in Fasano near Brindisi.

How does the biodegradability of laundry wastewater influence the efficiency of process water treatment?

“Wastewater generated by washing processes in industrial laundries contains organic matter from fabrics, detergents, fabric softeners, surfactants, and textile residues. In the past, the low biodegradability of synthetic detergents made treatment difficult. Today, however, the use of more sustainable products allows the effective application of conventional biological treatments, such as activated sludge, sequential batch reactors (SBR), or membrane bioreactors (MBR), which ensure compliance with discharge regulations.

Although wastewater treatment remains essential for regulatory compliance, a more strategic approach is now emerging: the valorisation of wastewater through recovery. In this context, Technoacque offers an integrated solution that goes beyond pollutant removal, focusing on reducing water, energy, and chemical consumption while enhancing the quality of finished products.”

FAQ

What is corporate compliance?

Corporate compliance is the set of processes, procedures, and guidelines that a company implements to ensure adherence to laws and regulations applicable to its sector. The main objective is to prevent illegal activities, protect the company from legal and reputational risks, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen customer trust. In other words, the entire “package” includes compliance with regulations on privacy, safety, and financial transparency.

Could you share an example of a significant project or intervention you have implemented from an operational perspective?

“In a recent industrial laundry project, was installed a multistage system combining micro- and ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, disinfection, and stabilization. Designed to process 500 m³ per day, the system produced ultra-low-salinity water for boiler feed and washing baths. The results were immediate: a 90% reduction in boiler blowdowns, annual savings on chemicals of approximately €25.000, reduced dye usage while maintaining consistent colour quality, and improved garment finish. Additionally, desalination reject water, once properly treated, was reused in rinsing operations, maximizing the circularity of the water cycle.

For industrial laundries, best practice now goes beyond treating wastewater for discharge, focusing instead on transforming it into a recoverable resource that enhances environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and service quality.”

DETERGO MAGAZINE # OCTOBER 2025

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