Realizing a robust and cost-efficient treatment process
Following a devastating fire in 2019, Noblesse Proteins took the opportunity to rebuild with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. The new facility included a state-of-the-art processing plant as well as a modern wastewater treatment system.
Lacking in-house expertise in water treatment, Noblesse Proteins partnered with Waterstromen, a company with deep knowledge and experience in the field. Together, they developed a dedicated biological treatment plant. To realize the project, Waterstromen brought in Colubris to handle the design and construction of the facility, which now processes up to 2,000 m³ of wastewater per day.
Arjan Jansen of Lorkeers, Senior Process Technologist and Project Leader at Waterstromen, reflected: “I’m truly proud of what we’ve accomplished here together.”
“I started at Waterstromen in 2011. Today, in addition to my role as Senior Process Technologist, I’m also a project leader. The project at Noblesse Proteins in Wijster is one of the largest I’ve worked on. We are responsible for ensuring that the wastewater from Noblesse Proteins is always treated properly, and that the effluent is discharged in compliance with permit requirements to the pumping station of the Drents Overijsselse Delta Regional Water Authority in Pesse, the Netherlands. Waterstromen operates industrial wastewater treatment plants; we don’t supply technology ourselves, so we rely on partners like Colubris for that.”
A Robust Treatment Plant
“Noblesse Proteins approached us with a clear request: a robust system with high operational reliability—in short, a treatment plant that always works. Experience with their wastewater revealed it to be complex, often posing challenges in both meeting discharge standards and maintaining stable treatment performance. For Noblesse Proteins, ensuring the continuous, reliable operation of their water treatment system was therefore crucial. In close collaboration with Colubris, we designed a plant tailored precisely to Noblesse Proteins’ needs.”
"Few companies demonstrate such a strong combination of technical capability and
client-focused collaboration as Colubris."
Arjan Jansen of Lorkeers | Waterstromen
“What impressed me most about Colubris was their ability to truly listen to client, combined with their exceptional technical expertise. I was particularly struck by their openness to adopt a technology that was unconventional for them. Few companies demonstrate such a strong combination of technical capability and client-focused collaboration. Rather than opting for traditional flotation or sedimentation, we chose an aerobic treatment process with a belt thickener as the most efficient way to separate the effluent and aerobic biomass. By fine-tuning the system settings, we achieved the desired dry matter content – significantly reducing disposal costs. To the best of my knowledge, this approach—at this scale—is unique worldwide.”
Strong Collaboration
“Noblesse Proteins is very satisfied with the system. It works - and that’s what matters. From a technical standpoint, a more advanced solution was possible, but that would have increased the risk of disruptions. Instead, we opted for a simpler, more robust design. As a result, a single operator can manage the system, where previously four or five were needed leading to huge cost savings. In addition, we have managed to cut biomass disposal volume in half compared to conventional thickening methods. With less water to transport, the system is not only more efficient, but also significantly more cost-effective.”
"We have managed to cut biomass disposal volume in half.
The system is not only more efficient, but also significantly more cost-effective."
Arjan Jansen of Lorkeers | Waterstromen
“Like Colubris, we believe in continuous progress. I look back on the design phase with great enthusiasm. Collaborating and brainstorming with Arjan Willemsen, Process Engineer at Colubris, really felt like 1+1=3, exceptional synergy. That collaborative spirit continued throughout the project. Whenever issues arose, it was quickly and effectively solved by the highly committed project leader Albert-Jan Klijnsma. There was a strong sense of mutual trust and connection, which is why we are eager to work with Colubris again on future projects.”
About Waterstro
men
Since 1988, Waterstromen has been operating water treatment facilities in the Netherlands for industrial wastewater and the processing of organic residual streams. In addition, Waterstromen experts support companies with the operation of their own water treatment systems.
About Noblesse Proteins
Noblesse Proteins produces proteins and fats from category 3 by-products from poultry slaughterhouses. These products are key ingredients for pet food, aquafeed, biofuel, and fertilizer markets worldwide.
Images: Waterstromen