Dow scientists claim to have developed breakthrough polymer chemistry, which they say is the most advanced water purification science available today.
Dow FilmTec Eco Reverse Osmosis (RO) elements were introduced in 2013. The technology which claims to deliver to manufacturers 40% better water purification while using 30% less energy is now a finalist of the 2014 Edison Award, recognized in the Energy/Sustainability and Commercial Resource management categories.
Dow claims that FilmTec Eco Elements help to reduce operational costs in facilities by 16-19%. In the first ten years of use, it is forecast that the elements will produce 15 trillion m3 of clean water (more than six million Olympic-sized swimming pools), while providing more than 2 billion kWh (Kilowatt hours) of energy saving and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 1.5 million metric tons.
Through such technology, utility providers can reduce their chemical usage and improving their power production time and electronic manufacturers can increase water purity for higher performing tablets, smartphones and computers. This is vital for the world's future sustainability, as it takes 2,867 gallons of water to make one pair of jeans or 1,500 gallons to make a desktop computer. The 2030 Water Resources Group reports that by 2030, global water requirements are expected to grow by 50%, and analysts are predicting that our available water supplies will satisfy only 60% of demand.
