Veolia, Bio

Veolia Water Technologies Saudi Arabia has announced its latest contract with Saudi Bio-Acids Company. Under the agreement, Veolia will design and build full turnkey wastewater treatment plants for a new greenfield factory in Jeddah.

The plants will integrate several of Veolia's innovative technologies — including the Biothane Advanced EGSB Anaerobic, membrane bioreactor (MBR), as well as tertiary treatments using reverse osmosis technology.

Saudi Bio-Acids Company aims at build the Arab world's first citric acid production facility. The company is targeting a production output of 80,000 metric tons within two years for three different products — citric acid anhydrous (CCA), citric acid monohydrate (CAM) and trisodium citrate (TSC) — after commencing operations at the plant. Citric acid is used in many industries that range from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and personal care.

Currently, most of the demand for citric acid across the Middle East is met with imports from overseas. With this plant, Saudi Arabia will start producing this important component for the food industry in the Kingdom.

Dr. Badr Ghawji, managing director of Veolia Water Technologies Saudi Arabia, said: "Our suite of water and wastewater solutions offers maximum technical advantages for our clients, and we look forward to recommending our anaerobic technologies to more food and beverage manufacturers operating in this region."