Water Treatment Solution Components Supply Guaranteed for Lignatherm Wood Fiber Insulation Factory through GEA Agreement
GEA Group's Advanced Water Treatment Solution Offers Revolutionary Sustainability in Wood Processing
GEA Group, a leading global provider of process technology and sustainable industrial solutions, is collaborating with Lignatherm AG in Switzerland to supply key components for a cutting-edge, three-stage water treatment solution at Lignatherm's new wood fiber insulation board factory in Küssnacht. Scheduled for completion in fall 2025, the facility aims to process around 50,000 tons of wood chips annually into high-performance, resource-saving insulation boards.
The heart of the plant's innovation lies in GEA's customized water treatment process. Applied at three critical points in the production cycle, the process guarantees that over 95% of the wastewater can be reused as steam—significantly reducing the demand for fresh water by over 95%.
The process is divided into three stages:
- In the first stage, mechanical separation using GEA decanter centrifuges effectively removes suspended solids from the wastewater stream.
- The second stage employs thermal separation through a falling film evaporator, where dissolved solids are concentrated for later disposal, while clear condensate is produced and channeled into the next step.
- The third stage utilizes a mechanical vapor compression (MVR) system, which operates through maximum energy efficiency. This system operates the evaporator without using fossil fuels and achieves a coefficient of performance (COP) of more than 25—at least five times higher than other heating options like heat pumps or gas boilers. The final stage involves a GEA steam reformer, which ensures complete recirculation of the water recycling system, reducing the need for external steam generation.
By dramatically reducing fresh water consumption and minimizing wastewater discharge, the solution sets a new standard for sustainability in the wood processing industry. "Our innovative three-stage process not only meets but exceeds Lignatherm's ambitious environmental goals, demonstrating what happens when technology and sustainability align," said Roland Moser, Evaporation Sales & Process Manager at GEA.
The success of the project is the culmination of a close partnership between GEA and Lignatherm, built on open communication and shared values. "GEA's expert advice and cooperative approach have been invaluable in designing a solution tailored to our demanding standards," said Tobias Osterwalder, Head of Processing and Managing Director at Lignatherm. "Together, we are proving that sustainable production and responsible environmental management can drive industrial innovation."
This collaboration marks an important milestone in water protection and resource efficiency within the industry while capitalizing on GEA's centuries of experience in thermal separation and chemical processing. By focusing on sustainability, the company is contributing to a more sustainable future in line with its purpose—“Engineering for a better world.”
With more than 18,000 employees and an annual revenue of about EUR 5.5 billion, GEA is renowned as one of the world's largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The company's collaborative approach, technological expertise, and commitment to sustainability make it an industry leader and a key player in fostering lasting change in the wood processing sector.
- GEA Group's expertise in environmental-science, particularly in the field of water treatment, plays a crucial role in the manufacturing industry as demonstrated by their collaboration with Lignatherm AG.
- The advanced water treatment solution by GEA Group, designed specifically for the wood processing industry, not only promotes climate-change mitigation but also enhances financial efficiency due to reduced water consumption and wastewater discharge.
- By aligning science, technology, and sustainability, GEA Group is making significant strides in the environmental-science sector, contributing to a more sustainable future for both the industry and the environment.
