Dow Chemical is investing in Irish company OxyMem, officials announced on Wednesday. 

The investment will accelerate the commercialization of OxyMem’s promising wastewater treatment technology -- the Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR). 

“I believe that we have an important technology that can make a sizable contribution in the wastewater market where there is a significant need for more efficient infrastructure solutions," said Wayne Byrne, managing director of OxyMem. "Securing the investment from Dow, an innovation leader, augurs well for the future of the company. We look forward to an exciting journey with Dow Water & Process Solutions business on board.”

The MABR technology has the potential to bring wastewater treatment closer to energy neutrality by reducing energy consumption for aeration by up to 75%, according to company officials.

 

"Global water demand trends are making wastewater infrastructure a major challenge for populations and industries across the globe," said Snehal Desai, global business director for Dow Water and Process Solutions. "OxyMem’s MABR technology shows excellent promise in lowering operational costs for the wastewater treatment process due to reduced energy demand.

"This also makes the technology a strong sustainability value proposition -- it can help encourage greater adoption of water reuse and as a result, advance a circular economy that makes water a well-managed resource, sustained by advances in science and technology," he added.