March 20, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WILMINGTON, Del. (USA) — Solenis LLC, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, is proud to honor Hijos de Rivera with the 2024 Solenis Sustainability Award. This recognition highlights the brewery’s commitment to water conservation through innovative process optimizations at its A Coruña, Spain facility.
Water scarcity is intensifying in many areas across the globe due to declining rainfall, prompting industrial companies to implement water-saving initiatives. As part of its environmental commitment, Hijos de Rivera partnered with Diversey, a Solenis company, to reduce water consumption per volume of beer produced by 5%. This two-year sustainability project introduced advanced water recovery technologies and process enhancements to improve water efficiency while maintaining production capacity.
"Hijos de Rivera’s proactive approach to sustainability demonstrates the power of innovation in addressing water scarcity,” said Ruud Verheul, Global President, F&B Solutions at Solenis. "By implementing cutting-edge water-saving technologies, they have set a benchmark for responsible brewing practices. We are proud to recognize their achievements with this award.”
Sustainability Achievements:
- Water Savings: Reduced water consumption by 121,305 m³ annually over two years.
- Operational Efficiency: Maintained full production capacity, reaching 520 million liters of beer annually.
- Innovative Solutions: Implemented optimized membrane cleaning, ECOCIP (in progress) CIP rinsing optimization and water recovery to enhance water efficiency.
- Sustained Commitment: Renewed sustainability-focused contract with Diversey, reinforcing long-term conservation efforts.
Luis Alvar Mantiñán, production director, Hijos de Rivera said "We appreciate this recognition of the work carried out over all these years, during which we have had the unconditional support and collaboration of Solenis/Diversey. Their help has been key to achieving our increasingly demanding resource consumption optimization goals, within the framework of our philosophy of minimizing the impact of our processes on the natural environment, with very significant achievements in reducing water consumption and our carbon footprint”
Hijos de Rivera remains committed to advancing sustainability in brewing through continuous improvements in water management and resource efficiency.
Established in 2020, the Solenis Sustainability Awards recognize specific and verifiable customer projects that have, over a period of 12 months, delivered measurable results against at least one of five sustainability indicators: reduced water use, reduced energy consumption, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, optimized raw material utilization, or reduced waste. Hijos de Rivera exemplifies these principles through its dedication to responsible brewing.
About Solenis
Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including pulp and paper, institutional, industrial, food and beverage, and pool and spa water markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 70 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 16,500 professionals in 130 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2024 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.
For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.
About Hijos de Rivera Corporation
Corporación Hijos de Rivera is a 100% family-owned company with more the 119 years of history. Founded in 1906, today the company has a presence in over 73 countries where it produces, markets and distributes a wide range of products from beers and mineral waters to wines and ciders, including renowned brand names like Estrella Galicia, 1906, Cabreiroá, Fontarel, Agua de Cuevas, Ponte de Boga and Maeloc.
The company has experienced remarkable growth in recent years which has seen it multiply turnover and employing over 1800 people around the world. Its differential character, its non-conformist spirit and reputation for its products and business practices have seen the company consolidate its position as a prestigious operator in Spain with a remarkable international presence.
As part of the B Corp movement since 2024, Hijos de Rivera lives up to high standards in terms of social and environmental impact. Its Positive Impact strategy, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, is built on five pillars: pride of origin and community, responsible partners, resistant planet, important people and essential governance.