Sweco Belgium
INEOS Aromatics: Collaboration as the foundation to increase biodiversity
Sweco’s latest Urban Insight report highlights the importance of biodiversity and offers practical advice to help businesses tackle the issue. Collaborating with all stakeholders is an important step in achieving more sustainable biodiversity management. For INEOS Aromatics in Geel, this takes the form of a large-scale investment in a new cobalt treatment plant, which drastically reduces the ecological impact on the Grote Nete River. The permit application was examined in-depth in consultation with various environmental organisations.
An ambitious project for the Grote Nete River
INEOS Aromatics is building an innovative water treatment system that will reduce cobalt emissions in the Grote Nete River by 90% by 2027. As a result, the company is taking an important step towards compliance with the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) and improving the ecological quality of the catchment area. Based on a comprehensive study of Best Available Techniques, the plant serves as a model for how industry can contribute to nature restoration.
Monitoring as a driver for progress
Besides building the plant, INEOS is also undertaking an additional commitment: an independent monitoring committee will evaluate the effluent in an annual basis. This makes it possible to monitor progress objectively and quickly make adjustments where necessary. Monitoring is very important, as periodic follow-up has been one of the weak links in achieving ecological targets in Flanders.
Looking beyond 2027
The project does not end when the new treatment plant is commissioned. INEOS is simultaneously launching new research into additional reductions in cobalt emissions, based on insights from the plant as of 2027. This allows the company to gradually develop an operational framework that reduces the gap between current discharge standards and European environmental quality standards.
Working together on biodiversity and water quality
To achieve European water quality targets in Flanders, close cooperation between companies and permit providers is indispensable. This is the only way to sustainably improve the quality of our watercourses, which is not only important for nature and the environment, but also for our health and the economy.
We can work towards the goal of clean and resilient rivers by joining forces with stakeholders such as suppliers, local communities, NGOs, and public sector representatives. Bringing together common interests with innovation and R&D provides a powerful foundation for protecting biodiversity and strengthening business objectives.
Discover the five steps to enhance biodiversity as a company in the Urban Insight report.
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