Bleaching

The sustainable alternative to chemical bleaching

Bleaching traditionally has been achieved in industries, such as the pulp and paper industry, by the use of chlorine based agents. However, the use of these substances is coming under stricter guidelines, so alternative solutions are being applied.

Ozone is a powerful oxidant, even at low temperatures, meaning that it has a fast reaction time and effective bleaching properties. It also allows for the elimination of acute toxicity and chlorophenolics, increasing the biodegradability of the effluent streams. The result of this procedure is twofold, with the first being the improvement to the environment and with it the improvement of regulation compliance. The second is that ozone treatment makes it possible for the water quality to reach such a high level that it is becomes possible to recycle it and reuse it, thus greatly reducing overall water usage in the process and making the treatment economically and environmentally preferable.