Environmental regulations are hitting the industry hard 

The increasing demand is partly due to environmental regulations that are hitting industries hard. Requirements such as IED (Industrial Emissions Directive), the EU's wastewater directive, and BAT-AEL standards are forcing companies in various sectors to adapt to avoid potential fines. In Norway, the Norwegian Environment Agency is also closely monitoring and tightening emission standards for industrial actors.

Anders Are, sales and project engineer, believes that many companies are struggling to meet the requirements:

– This is a challenging time for several businesses. Many are questioning the environmental requirements and believe they are difficult to comply with, he says, and adds:

– We spend a lot of time in dialogue with the stakeholders and testing their water in our lab. Then we put together tailored solutions for each customer based on the type of emissions they have and how much is being discharged.

Potentially many operating in the gray area of what is allowed

We receive weekly inquiries from companies wanting to explore how they can meet environmental requirements, especially those planning to expand their production. Mivanor sees this as a sign that there may be several players operating in the gray area of what is permitted by the EU and the Norwegian Environment Agency.

At the same time, we have a great understanding that it is difficult to navigate the jungle of different environmental regulations, and we do what we can to assist the companies reaching out.

CEO and technical manager, Robert Tarasz, greatly appreciates that industrial actors contact them for help:

– As Anders says, many are reaching out to us for assistance and support. For our part, this has been great, as it has given us the opportunity to learn more about different types of process water and explore how our products can contribute to water treatment in new industries.

Robert adds that Mivanor has also had to spend considerable time on R&D (research and development) to adapt the treatment solutions. For example, they have had to test their main product MivaMag™ to address new treatment challenges, which has led to several interesting customers.

Opening of a new treatment plant at Norway's only industrial tannery

In June 2024, Granberg Garveri – Norway's only industrial tannery, opened its new treatment plant from Mivanor. They have been searching for a treatment solution since 2016 to comply with the requirements from the Norwegian Environment Agency.

– Granberg Garveri has been a very enjoyable customer to collaborate with, and they have always had a strong focus on the environment. Granberg was subject to treatment requirements from the Norwegian Environment Agency based on emissions to air and sea, says Anders.

He adds:

– This customer is an example of the scope of the companies we collaborate with, and the adaptability we need to work in this industry. There is, for example, a significant difference between water from leather production and leachate from landfills, but with the help of MivaMag, we find a tailored solution.