Viridis Textile Wastewater Reuse Pilot: Advancing Circular Water Use in Textile Dyeing
The Viridis Textile Wastewater Reuse Pilot was an industrial-scale demonstration programme implemented in Bangladesh to validate the effectiveness of electrochemical oxidation technology in treating wastewater generated from textile dyeing processes. The project is implemented by Viridis Research Inc. and supported by H&M group and associated textile mill partners, funded by H&M. Conducted in partnership with global apparel brands and textile mill partners, the pilot aimed to demonstrate that contaminated wastewater from multiple stages of dyeing operations could be treated to a level suitable for recycling and reuse. The initiative seeks to address one of the textile sector’s most pressing environmental challenges—excessive water consumption and pollution—by enabling closed-loop water systems within manufacturing facilities.
Five-Axis Transformation via the Viridis Water Reuse Pilot
Data
The pilot programme assessed wastewater streams from several stages of textile dyeing operations, including dye baths, equalisation tanks, wastewater treatment plant output and reverse osmosis reject streams. Data collected during the pilot measured reductions in pollutants, colour intensity and organic contaminants, demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment process under real factory operating conditions.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance
The initiative involved close collaboration between technology developers, global apparel brands and local textile mills. Through on-site testing, technical guidance and joint evaluation of treatment results, the pilot built practical knowledge among factory operators and sustainability teams on advanced wastewater management and water reuse practices.
Technology / Machinery
The pilot deployed Viridis’ electrochemical oxidation technology, which eliminates dyes, surfactants and other organic contaminants from textile effluent through full mineralisation. The system demonstrated high treatment performance, achieving up to approximately 99.56–99.94% colour removal from dye baths and enabling treated water to be reused in subsequent dyeing cycles.
Finance
By enabling water recycling within textile production processes, the technology has the potential to reduce operational costs associated with freshwater intake, wastewater treatment and chemical use. The pilot also contributes to building the business case for investment in advanced water treatment technologies that support sustainable production.
Policy
The programme supports broader sustainability goals within the apparel sector by demonstrating viable technological solutions for reducing water pollution and improving resource efficiency. Successful validation of the technology contributes to industry dialogue on responsible water stewardship and encourages adoption of stricter environmental standards within textile supply chains.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Water Recycling and Reduced Freshwater Dependency
The pilot demonstrated the feasibility of recycling treated wastewater back into dyeing operations, significantly lowering reliance on freshwater resources in one of the most water-intensive industrial processes.
Substantial Reduction in Textile Effluent Pollution
Advanced electrochemical treatment effectively removed dyes and organic pollutants, reducing environmental discharge and improving compliance with wastewater standards.
Proof of Scalable Industrial Innovation
Testing under real manufacturing conditions validated the technology’s practical applicability, paving the way for broader deployment across textile production facilities.
Contribution to Circular Manufacturing Systems
By enabling closed-loop water reuse, the initiative supports circular production practices that minimise waste and improve resource efficiency within the textile industry.
Strengthened Industry Collaboration for Sustainability
The pilot illustrates how partnerships between technology providers, global brands and manufacturers can accelerate innovation and drive systemic improvements in environmental performance across the textile value chain