Valeo Plans to recycle 14 million liters of wastewater

Valeo’s plant in Río Bravo, Tamaulipas, reuses 12 million liters of water annually through a rainwater harvesting and condensation recovery project.

With this achievement, the automotive technology company has reached 66.79% of its water recovery target for the first two years of the project.

Launched in 2023, the initiative was designed to anticipate future operational and environmental needs, with solutions developed nearly two years before they were required by the company. The project also aims to replenish water resources in areas facing water stress.

“Water availability is one of the main challenges for the region’s sustainable development. At Valeo, we understand that industry must play an active role in protecting this resource, which is why we decided to take proactive steps with solutions that contribute both to the plant’s operations and to the well-being of the Río Bravo community,” said Carlos Calvo, Health, Safety, and Environment Manager at Valeo Río Bravo.

The system combines rainwater harvesting with the recovery of condensation from air conditioning units. The process includes collecting rainwater in a 1,500 m³ cistern, where it is stored and subsequently filtered to remove impurities before being reused for various activities at the plant.

Valeo aims to recover 14 million liters of water in the coming years, which would represent nearly 80% of its established target.

“Beyond our operating results, we seek to make a positive impact on our community. We want to demonstrate that it is possible to implement innovative solutions that help conserve water and, at the same time, can serve as a model for other companies and even public agencies,” Calvo added.

In addition to reducing the plant’s water demand, the project also benefits the local community. During periods of heavy rainfall, when the cistern reaches full capacity, excess water is discharged in a controlled manner into local canals, supporting water management in the area.

In recognition of its environmental and social impact, the project has received acknowledgment from the company and local authorities, including the Tamaulipas Secretariat of Water Resources, which highlighted its contribution to responsible water management in the region.