Water & Wastewater Asia March/April 2024

IN CONVERSATION WITH
Brenntag’s activated carbon
in treatment applications and
water purification
Brenntag APAC regional director Goh Yeow Hwee shares the company’s
business model that serves the water treatment market, his directorial role in
tackling the region’s challenges and Brenntag’s upcoming projects in 2024.
By Amira Yunos
What are some successful case studies
utilising activated carbon in treatment
applications and water purification?
Goh: In a large city in the Asia-Pacific
region, our activated carbon is used to
improve the quality of drinking water.
The city’s water utility faced challenges
with contaminants like chloramines and
trace organic compounds. Our granular
activated carbon was implemented in
one of the utility water treatment plants,
resulting in significant reductions in these
contaminants, improved taste and odour
of the water, and a significant reduction of
complaints received from residents.
Brenntag’s business model is characterised by a diverse product and service portfolio and a broad customer base
(Image: Getty Images)
As a chemical distributions company, what
makes Brenntag the global market leader
in chemical and ingredients distribution?
Goh Yeow Hwee: Brenntag’s position as
a global market leader in chemical and
ingredients distribution stems from several
core strengths. Firstly, our extensive global
network ensures complete geographic
coverage, enabling us to connect chemical
manufacturers with a diverse range of
downstream users across many industries.
This reach facilitates the distribution of a
full-line portfolio of essential and specialty
chemicals. Moreover, our business model,
characterised by a diverse product and
service portfolio and a broad customer
base, ensures we can adapt and respond
to market changes and customer needs.
Our approach to supply chain excellence,
including global sourcing and value-added
services, underscores our dedication
to enhancing customer experience and
operational efficiency.
What is unique about Brenntag’s carbon
adsorbents for water and wastewater
treatment?
Goh: Unlike most competitors who primarily
supply activated carbon, we offer a range
of water treatment chemicals alongside
our purification programme, positioning
ourselves as a single-source partner for
our customers. This eliminates the need
for them to look elsewhere for products to
complement their treatment programme. In
addition, our supply chains, global sourcing
and site network ensure timely and reliable
delivery to customers, regardless of location.
In an aquaculture facility in South East
Asia, maintaining water quality was
essential for the health of aquatic species.
We provided a specialised activated
carbon designed for aquaculture systems.
The result was markedly improved water
clarity and quality, enhanced removal of
organic waste, and a healthier environment
for the aquatic life, leading to better
growth rates and reduced disease
incidence.
A pharmaceutical company faced
challenges with purifying water used in
the manufacturing process. Contaminant
removal was critical for product quality
assurance and compliance with health
regulations. Implementing our activated
carbon in their ultrapure water purification
system effectively removed impurities,
ensuring high-quality water for their
manufacturing processes.
22 Water & Wastewater Asia | March-April 2024