In the midst of the green transition, perhaps sometimes overshadowed by the major players, are the companies that make the changes possible.
Currently, chemicals supplier Wibax is applying for a permit to invest in the production of an additional product to secure Sweden’s water purification and contribute to the development of both the mining and battery industries.
Since March 2023, Wibax has been producing and selling aluminium sulphate in solid form. A highly sought-after product named WiALG, which is used, among other things, to purify drinking water.
As a further development of this work, another investment is planned. In direct proximity to Wibax’s terminals in Skelleftehamn, they hope to establish the production of another water purification product—aluminium chloride.
“While aluminium sulphate is widely used in the process industry, aluminium chloride is more significant when it comes to wastewater treatment. An investment of this magnitude would help Sweden become self-sufficient in water purification,” says Jonas Wiklund, CEO of Wibax Group.
The investment amounts to billions, and currently, there are only two manufacturers of similar products in Sweden, both located in the south. More industries and more people—especially in northern Sweden—mean a greater need for water purification.
“With many uncertainties in the world around us, we must ensure that Sweden’s water supply can remain secure over time. Water quality has long been a major topic of conversation, not least during the Olympics. In Sweden, we have an ongoing discussion about eutrophication, which is partly caused by discharges from wastewater treatment plants and industries,” says Jonas Wiklund.
At the same time, he emphasises that the investment would provide a green, locally produced option for the industry in the north.
