Case Study New South Wales Brewery – Tooheys

Before implementing the water reuse solution, Tooheys Brewery faced a number of key challenges: 

• Water Usage: Excessive reliance on city water supply (~900 million litres per year).
• Environmental Pressure: Rising demand to reduce water consumption and discharge.
• Water Waste: Untreated water used once before disposal. 
• Cost: High costs associated with water procurement and wastewater discharge.
• Sustainability Goals: Required alignment with Lion Group’s corporate ESG goals.
• Operational Efficiency: Needed reliable, automated system that integrates into production without disruption. 

To address these challenges, Tooheys Brewery implemented a bespoke BHF reverse osmosis (RO)-based water reuse solution developed and installed by BHF Technologies. The system was designed to treat wastewater and recycle it for non-product-contact applications.

Key solution highlights include:

• Water Reduction: Treated water reused for cleaning, cooling towers and pasteurising.
• Automation: Seamlessly integrated into Tooheys’ existing operations and powered by PLC controls.
• Sustainability: Supports Lion’s goal of reducing environmental impact.
• Scalability: Designed with capacity to manage seasonal fluctuations in water use. 

Since implementing the BHF water reuse system, Tooheys has seen the following improvements:

• Water Reduction: 270 million litres of water saved annually.
• Cost Savings: Estimated $1 million in annual operational savings (water + discharge).
• Efficiency: High system uptime, reducing reliance on municipal supply.
• Carbon Impact: Water reuse system aligned with use of renewable energy and long-term ESG goals.
• Public Recognition: Highlighted publicly as a sustainability leader in Australia’s beverage sector. 

The implementation of BHF’s RO water reuse solution has enabled Tooheys Brewery to overcome major sustainability challenges, cut operational costs, and reduce its impact on Sydney’s municipal water supply. The project showcases how Australian industry leaders are embracing circular water practices while maintaining operational efficiency and supporting national ESG targets.