For the first time, inlet machines made from up to 95 percent recycled stainless steel are now being installed at a Swedish wastewater treatment plant. The initiative is led by Hydria Water, steel group Damstahl and the Municipality of Lilla Edet in a unique collaboration aimed at significantly reducing the climate footprint of water and wastewater infrastructure.
“This project is fully aligned with our ambition to continuously improve and become more environmentally smart and efficient. We are extremely pleased to be the first to implement this type of project,” says Tobias Barrstrand, CEO of Hydria Water.
Hydria Water and steel group Damstahl have a long-standing partnership and have been searching for a suitable project for products made from Outokumpu’s sustainable steel, Circle Green®. It is now confirmed that the Ellbo wastewater treatment plant in Lilla Edet will be the first to implement it.
“Although the steel and the machines offer the same high performance and classifications as the materials we usually use, not all clients are willing to be first movers. That is why we were very pleased when Ellbo wastewater treatment plant and unit manager Claes-Henric Hirschfeldt showed a positive attitude,” says Kristoffer Lindberg, COO of Hydria Water.
Circle Green – high performance with significantly reduced climate impact
With a recycled content of 90–95 percent and CO₂ emissions below 1 tonne per tonne of produced steel, Circle Green® from Outokumpu, supplied via Damstahl, represents a new type of stainless steel plate. The material combines high technical performance with substantially reduced environmental impact.
“The steel is produced using EAF technology (Electric Arc Furnace), which enables the use of recycled material as the primary raw input. The production process relies on careful sorting and treatment of scrap as well as the use of sustainable electricity. This results in a significantly lower climate footprint compared to industry standards, reducing Scope 1–3 emissions by 70–75 percent,” says Staffan Janson, Sales Director at Damstahl.
For Hydria Water, which continuously seeks innovative ways to develop both products and manufacturing and installation processes, this represents a step in the right direction.
“As we manufacture our products in our own facility, we can quickly turn innovation into practice. This gives us a clear advantage and enables us to drive development in the industry,” says Tobias Barrstrand.
Full delivery to Ellbo wastewater treatment plant
Following a completed procurement process, Hydria Water has been selected to deliver all equipment for the inlet section at the Ellbo wastewater treatment plant. The delivery includes step screens, wash press, sand washer and external sludge reception unit. During installation, Hydria Water’s mobile screening solution will handle temporary plant operations.
The products are being manufactured at Hydria Water during late winter and will be installed in the inlet section in Lilla Edet during spring.
“Recycled steel was not a requirement in the procurement, but it is of course positive to contribute to reduced emissions. Being part of an initiative like this feels both important and forward-looking,” says Claes-Henric Hirschfeldt, Head of the Water and Wastewater Unit in Lilla Edet Municipality.
A major step forward for the water and wastewater sector
Overall, the parties estimate a reduction in carbon emissions of 65–75 percent compared to an equivalent installation in conventionally produced European steel, and up to 90 percent lower than the global average.
“Our production facility is modern and largely powered by our own solar energy. This means that most of our emissions come from the materials used in our products. By increasing the share of low-carbon steel, we can significantly reduce our overall climate footprint,” says Tobias Jakobsson, Sustainability Manager at Hydria Group.
“We now hope that more stakeholders will choose products made from recycled steel, and that our competitors will follow. This is, in every way, a positive and significant step forward,” says Tobias Barrstrand.
Background and facts
The Ellbo wastewater treatment plant, the main facility in Lilla Edet Municipality located just outside Gothenburg, was in need of major renovation. The existing machines from the early 2000s were no longer viable to refurbish, and having equipment from multiple suppliers had led to recurring service challenges. Following procurement, Hydria Water was selected as the supplier for all inlet equipment.
Hydria Water will deliver step screens, wash press, sand washer and external sludge reception unit. During installation, Hydria Water’s mobile screening solution will manage temporary plant operations.
In collaboration with steel distributor Damstahl, the products are manufactured using Circle Green® steel, which consists of 90–95 percent recycled material. The project is unique of its kind.