Ecological Water Treatment

Our Story

In 2018 we finished developing our groundbreaking print studio. A major issue for any print manufacturing plant is the disposal of contaminated wastewater and inks. Investigations revealed that there were no existing methods readily available to treat print waste sustainably. We therefore took matters into our own hands and became the first printworks in the country to install a Living Water Ecological Treatment System based on wetland ecology principles. It treats our printing wastewater while creating new habitats and increasing biodiversity.

Wetlands

Wetlands are some of the oldest and most complex habitats on Earth, rivalling Tropical Rainforests in the number of species they support. The term ‘wetland’ describes any habitat characterised by standing water or soil that remains saturated for much of the year.

Living Water Ecological Treatment Systems

Within an ecosystem, wetlands perform a role similar to that of the liver in an animal: they help purify water. Wetlands provide a safe, stable, aerobic environment that attracts bacteria and invertebrates such as nematodes. In exchange, these organisms break down sediments, nutrients and toxins into forms that plants can utilise. The symbiotic cycle continues, benefiting the entire habitat and greater ecosystem.

Designing R&W’s Ponds

Each plant species responds differently to waste; therefore it is essential to match the ecological process to the pollutant, to maximise efficiency and effectiveness. A complex effluent can require up to six ecological processes. Our system contains 21 species of plant.

With the help of Living Water, we designed on-site treatment for our printing wastewater that leads to an ecology rather than simply a discharge into a water course, while also creating habitats and increasing biodiversity.

Willow Nursery

The various species of Willow planted around the ponds utilise the treated water. They thrive in wet conditions and are excellent trees to absorb the run-off from our treatment system. We coppice these trees every year, using the whips for new planting and willow weaving.