June 2008:

On Monday, 16 June 2008, in Toulouse, CONDAT was awarded the "Alcyon 2005-2007" prize by the Adour-Garonne Water Board in connection with its campaign on: "Water, a rare commodity – let's use it sparingly".
CONDAT was chosen to receive this prize because of its specific efforts to drive down water consumption, in particular the steps taken in 2007 on papermaking Line 4.

By fitting a filter rinsing system to recycle the water employed on the paper-making machine, it is now possible to re-use the processing water rather than having to take fresh water from the natural environment each time.

As a result, between 2005 and 2007, the volume of water pumped has dropped from 1000 m³/h to 850m³/h despite a parallel increase in production levels at the CONDAT plant. In the last 6 years, specific water consumption per tons of paper produced has been halved.

The new arrangement also offers a second benefit in that it reduces the amount of steam needed to heat the circuits, especially in winter. The recycled water is at processing temperature (40°C) unlike the waters of the River Vézère (an average of 14°C) that have to be heated before they can be used.

Through its "Alcyon" award, the Adour-Garonne Water Board was seeking to highlight and reward the remarkable efforts made by CONDAT to save water and husband this vital natural resource.