Hidria – Driving Industrial Sustainability Through Innovation
Summary:
Hidria reduces waste and water use through reuse, recycling and energy-efficient tech in automotive and industrial manufacturing.
Main description:
Hidria d.o.o. is one of Slovenia’s most prominent industrial and technological companies, with over 50 years of operation and a strong presence in automotive and industrial manufacturing. The company employs more than 1,500 across several countries and plays a key role in developing high-efficiency components for internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, electric motors, and steering systems. Its technologies are found in every third new car in Europe, underscoring its significant impact on the global automotive supply chain. Hidria’s production processes include precision casting, metal machining, automated assembly, and chemical treatment. These activities, while technologically advanced, also demand large amounts of water, energy, and raw materials, and generate industrial wastewater and solid waste—posing environmental and regulatory challenges. To address these concerns, Hidria launched several sustainability initiatives, most notably the LIFE HIDAQUA project, co-funded by the EU LIFE Programme. This project was developed in response to growing water scarcity and the need for more sustainable industrial practices. Through comprehensive assessments, Hidria identified that large volumes of water were being used once and discarded, and waste materials were underutilized. The company responded by installing advanced wastewater treatment and water recycling systems, including electro-dialysis, reverse osmosis, and rainwater harvesting systems. These allow water to be purified and reused in industrial processes, greatly reducing the company’s dependence on municipal and natural water resources. Treated brackish water and harvested rainwater are now fully integrated into the production cycle, aligning with circular economy principles. In addition, residual heat generated in production is now reused for heating within Hidria’s E-mobility Center, contributing to energy savings and operational efficiency. Waste materials from production are being transformed into construction composites, further reducing landfill use and closing the materials loop. These solutions not only significantly lower the company’s environmental impact but also enhance cost efficiency and resilience. Hidria’s circular approach has become a model in the region, showcasing how traditional manufacturing companies can integrate innovation and sustainability to meet global environmental goals.
Resources needed:
Technical resources: Hidria implemented advanced systems for industrial water treatment and reuse, including technologies such as electro-dialysis, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration. Infrastructure was adapted to enable rainwater harvesting, and systems were installed to collect and reuse residual heat from manufacturing processes. These technical solutions were essential to achieving zero-liquid-discharge and energy efficiency goals.
Financial resources: The company allocated substantial investment toward R&D, new equipment, and infrastructure upgrades. Key projects, like LIFE HIDAQUA, received co-financing from the EU LIFE Programme, helping reduce financial risk while accelerating innovation. Long-term cost savings from energy and water efficiency supported the business case for these investments.
Organizational/Human resources: Hidria formed dedicated sustainability and engineering teams to oversee planning, implementation, and monitoring of the systems. Employees were trained in water and energy management practices, while close collaboration with external partners (research institutions, municipalities, and EU project coordinators) ensured successful knowledge transfer and execution. Leadership provided strategic support, ensuring alignment with broader environmental and corporate goals.
Environmental benefits:
Hidria’s circular economy initiatives have led to significant environmental improvements, particularly in water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. Through the LIFE HIDAQUA project, Hidria treats and reuses up to 4,000 m³ of industrial wastewater annually, reducing its dependency on natural water sources. The integration of rainwater harvesting and brackish water use further lessens strain on freshwater systems, aligning operations with zero-liquid-discharge principles. The company also reduced its solid waste sent to landfill by transforming certain production residues into construction composites, promoting material reuse and contributing to industrial symbiosis. In its E-mobility Center, Hidria implemented a system that uses residual heat from production processes, resulting in a reduction of 7,000 m³ of water consumption annually and energy savings of 3.5 GWh. This not only reduces environmental strain but also supports the company’s broader decarbonization goals. Additionally, Hidria’s adoption of sustainable materials and the elimination of hazardous substances in products reduce the ecological footprint and enhance the recyclability of final goods. These combined efforts position Hidria as a model of resource efficiency and environmental responsibility in the automotive and industrial technology sectors.
Economic benefits:
Hidria’s sustainability initiatives have led to significant cost savings and efficiency gains. By reusing industrial wastewater and harvesting rainwater, the company reduces its reliance on external water sources, leading to substantial savings on water procurement and treatment costs. The implementation of energy-efficient technologies, such as the reuse of residual heat in their E-mobility Center, results in annual energy savings of 3.5 GWh, directly lowering operational expenses. Additionally, transforming production waste into construction composites minimizes landfill fees and creates new revenue streams. These circular economy practices not only enhance Hidria’s profitability but also strengthen its market position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
Based on information from Hidria’s official sustainability page, company profile, and the LIFE HIDAQUA project overview, available at www.hidria.com.
