Evonik’s Gibbons, Canada, Site Receives Environmental Awards From GE

Evonik Canada’s Gibbons, Alberta, site was recognized with the “Return on Environment” and “Proof Not Promises” Leadership Awards by General Electric (GE) Water & Process Technologies for successfully implementing a reverse osmosis (RO) system that significantly enhanced the facility’s water purification and waste reduction programs.

“This is an incredible accomplishment from an environmental standpoint and demonstrates Evonik’s commitment to safe operations and protecting all stakeholders,” said Hans Schuhbauer, manager of Evonik’s Gibbons site. “Protecting the environment and implementing new methods to enhance sustainability are always top priorities for Evonik. Working closely with GE allowed us to inspire innovation, make creative use of our internal and external resources, and ultimately improve bottom-line results.”

The traditional way to purify water is to use a resin-based ion exchange system. Using RO membranes is not only more cost-effective but is also a safer way to purify water and reduce waste. Evonik’s Gibbons site reduced water use by 14,600 m3 annually through implementing the RO system.

“This project is a great example of Evonik’s commitment to the environment and community, and represents what these distinguished awards signify,” said Mike Barreca, director of production and logistics for Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line in North America. “We are very proud of the Gibbons team for taking a leadership role in environmental excellence.”

Evonik employees Dave Bzdel and Rich Cowen led a team of operators from the Gibbons site that worked with specialists from GE Water & Process Technologies to safely implement this new system.

“We are very proud to recognize Evonik’s hard work and dedication to running clean operations in the community,” said Ron Frenette, GE’s expert for Water & Process Technologies. “One of my primary goals is to have a positive impact on the environment. Working with a company like Evonik, who consistently encourages all of us to think outside the box, has helped make tremendous strides in achieving this goal. It is a pleasure to work with a customer who demonstrates leadership in environmental initiatives.”

The Return On Environment Leadership Award is presented to those who strike a positive balance between today’s environmental challenges and industrial demands, and show a minimum operational savings of $50,000.

The Proof Not Promises Leadership Award is given to those who achieve a minimum operational savings of $20,000.

Evonik’s Gibbons, Canada, site produces hydrogen peroxide, an environmentally-friendly chemical used for oxidation reactions, bleaching processes in pulp, paper and textile industries, waste water treatment, exhaust air treatment and for various disinfection applications. Decomposing to yield only oxygen and water, hydrogen peroxide is one of the cleanest, most versatile chemicals available.

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit our website: www.evonik.com/north-america. Please visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvonikNorthAmerica. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EvonikN_America.

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit our website: www.evonik.com/north-america. Please visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvonikNorthAmerica. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EvonikN_America.