Indian regulations permit the discharge of effluent from chemical plants into common treatment facilities or into the sea following adequate pre-treatment. In Hyderabad, Dr. Reddy’s were sending effluents to a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). After discovering that the plant was only partially treating effluents, the company pulled out of the cooperative that maintained the CETP and commissioned its own treatment plant. This goes beyond the statutory requirements by recycling 100% of the effluent produced.
Dr. Reddy’s now have three of these Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) facilities, which treat and recycle all the effluent from the company’s six active pharmaceutical ingredient )API) plants. This has not only reduced freshwater consumption, but also changed the perception of the community toward API plants being clean and responsible. One part of this was the conversion of redundant solar evaporation ponds into a green belt that has become a sanctuary for birds and insects in the area.
Dr. Reddy’s cite the ZLD facilities as an example of their Environment First philosophy, embedding positive environmental action not as a choice but as a non-negotiable. The facilities have contributed to one API unit receiving “Water-Efficient Unit” awards from the Confederation of Indian Industry in 2004 and two units receiving the award in 2005.
This Dr. Reddy's example highlights a company that has looked beyond what is legally required and set a higher standard for the impact it will have on the world.