Econse piloting wastewater treatment system for breweries

Econse has partnered with Sawdust City Brewing Company in Gravenhurst, Ont., to install the first BRÜ CLEAN system to treat brewery wastewater onsite.

The BRÜ CLEAN system is designed specifically to help craft brewers treat wastewater in an affordable and responsible way. The chemical-free system cleans what’s left over from beer production so the water going down the drain is clear of solids, yeasts, phosphorus, nitrogen and more.

“All of us who live in Muskoka know that our water is a precious resource,” Rob Engman, president of Sawdust City Brewing Company, said in a news release. “Sustainability in all of our operations is a top priority. Wastewater management is the most crucial issue facing the craft brewing industry in Ontario. We are proud that our company is taking a leadership position through our partnership with The BRÜ CLEAN SYSTEM by Econse.”

This week Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) announced its support of Econse’s pilot project, awarding funding through BIC’s Centre for Commercialization of Sustainable Chemistry Innovation (COMM SCI) program.

Haltech and Innovation Guelph are also supporting the pilot project with free business advising service programs, and Haltech Entrepreneur-in-Residence Wayne Maddever and CEO Rina Carlini facilitated the opportunity with BIC. The Bloom Centre will be providing a third party case study on the project as well as assisting with a showcase event at Sawdust City once the research is complete.

“BIC is very excited to work with Haltech and Bloom to support an emerging sustainable chemistry technology company in Southern Ontario. Resolving water quality challenges is an important priority in Ontario and we are proud to be part of the solution,” Sandy Marshall, executive director BIC, said in a news release.