From Wastewater to 20% Less Freshwater Use: Las Tacuaras’ Path to Measurable Impact
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1. Company at a Glance
In this case study, we will see how Las Tacuaras S.A., a Paraguayan company, implemented an innovative wastewater treatment solution at its cardboard packaging facility. What began as a response to environmental pressure and regulatory risk evolved into a circular strategy that delivered measurable results: a 20% reduction in freshwater consumption and the monthly recovery of over 220 kg of pulp, which is reused as input material in the company’s cardboard production.
Agri-food & Packaging
Industry
2010
Founded
More than 300
Number of Employees
Paraguay
Headquarters
2. The Challenge
Balancing production efficiency with environmental responsibility had become an increasingly pressing concern for Las Tacuaras. Operating in a resource-intensive sector, the company recognized the need to rethink how it managed water use and waste in its packaging facility. At the same time, tightening environmental regulations and growing stakeholder expectations made inaction a risk—both legally and reputationally. Rather than treating these pressures as isolated issues, the company saw an opportunity: transform a compliance requirement into a circular innovation.
3. The Action
Assessing the Need and Setting Priorities
The process began with a technical assessment of wastewater volumes and characteristics within the packaging facility. This diagnostic stage helped identify environmental and operational risks, and defined clear goals for recovery and reuse—primarily reducing new water consumption and recovering usable pulp.
Designing a fit-for-purpose solution
Las Tacuaras collaborated with internal technical teams and external experts to co-design a treatment plant tailored to its operations. Efficiency, cost-effectiveness and alignment with circular economy principles guided the blueprint. The system was engineered to recover 3.5 kg of pulp per cubic meter of treated effluent.
Securing Investment and Leadership Endorsement
A technical and financial proposal was submitted to the company’s Board. The project required an investment of USD 72,680, and was approved based on its environmental impact, cost-saving potential and strategic alignment with the company’s sustainability commitments.
Building Capacity for Sustainable Operations
Construction, equipment installation and pilot testing took place throughout 2024. Employees were trained in plant operations and maintenance, ensuring long-term viability. This phase also marked a shift in internal culture, as operational teams became active agents of sustainability
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
From early on, the initiative was communicated to internal and external audiences. Local communities, customers and employees were informed about the project’s environmental benefits, reinforcing transparency and strengthening trust.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
The plant operates with defined performance indicators—volume treated, pulp recovered and reduction in freshwater use. These are reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing optimization and alignment with sustainability goals.
4. Overcoming Barriers
Technical complexity in system design:
The characteristics of the wastewater required a custom-built treatment solution. To overcome this, Las Tacuaras collaborated with external specialists and conducted pilot tests to fine-tune the plant before full implementation.
Justifying the investment
Convincing leadership to approve the USD 72,680 investment required demonstrating not only environmental compliance but also financial benefits. The project team presented a solid business case, highlighting cost savings from reduced water consumption and pulp recovery.
Lack of internal expertise
Most employees had no prior experience operating a treatment plant. The company addressed this through practical training and ongoing technical support to build internal capabilities.
Resistance to operational change
Integrating the new system into daily routines was initially met by uncertainty among staff. Open communication and leadership involvement helped position the initiative as a source of pride and long-term value.
5. Impacts & Results
Daily processing capacity of 65 m3 of wastewater, allowing for a significant reduction in untreated discharge and improved environmental performance
Improved internal sustainability culture, with employees showing greater awareness and engagement in environmental practices.
Recovery of 3.5 kg of pulp per cubic meter, totaling over 220 kg of reusable pulp per month, which is reintegrated as raw material into the packaging production process—reducing waste and lowering input costs.
Expected return on investment within five years, driven by lower operational costs and recovery of usable materials.
Over 20% reduction in freshwater consumption, achieved through the treatment and reuse of wastewater within operations.
Stronger reputation among clients and local communities, due to the company’s proactive efforts in responsible water management.
6. Key Lessons Learned
Embed sustainability from the start
One of the key lessons was the importance of integrating sustainability principles early in the project design. By prioritizing resource efficiency and circularity from day one, the initiative became both environmentally and financially viable.
Involve employees early and often
Engaging technical and operational staff during the planning phase helped build ownership and reduced resistance during implementation. Their practical input also improved system design and day-to-day operation.
Communicate beyond compliance
Clear and continuous communication with stakeholders—especially employees, clients, and local communities—proved essential. Framing the initiative as a driver of innovation and shared value helped generate trust
and support.
"This initiative marked a turning point—not only in how we manage water, but in how we design for sustainability across operations. Our next step is to explore ways to replicate this model in other production areas and integrate clean energy technologies into the system. We see this as a foundation for more circular, efficient, and resilient infrastructure.”
Teófilo Urbieta, Sustainability Manager
8. Recommended Resources
Recommended United Nations Global Compact Resources
Disclaimer: This case example is intended strictly for learning purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of the individual companies by the United Nations Global Compact.