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Biogen Projects 80% Chemical Reduction and 1.5M Gallons Water Saved with ProMoss

Biogen case study

Industry

Biotechnology

Challenge

Biogen’s Research Triangle Park facility used an estimated 7,500 pounds of chemicals and millions of gallons of water each year to keep six cooling towers free of scale, corrosion, and bacteria, creating high costs, handling challenges, and water conservation concerns.

Results

Projected to reduce chemical use by approximately 80% (about 6,000 pounds annually) and save nearly 1.5 million gallons of water each year, while maintaining cooling tower performance and supporting sustainability goals.

Key Product

ProMoss™ Natural Water Treatment

80%
projected reduction in chemical use
1.5M
gallons projected annual water savings
6,000
Pounds estimated chemicals reduced
6
cooling towers optimized

“It’s pretty cool. You take these drums of chemicals that you used to need, and you just put them to the side. But the big savings is, we use less water. Down here in North Carolina this is especially helpful in mid-summer if we go into a drought. The clear message is, this works.”

Curt Lucero

Manager, Maintenance, Biogen RTP

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About Biogen

Biogen is a leading global biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Their Research Triangle Park (RTP) facility in North Carolina operates six cooling towers critical to production and facility operations.

The Challenge

Cooling towers at the RTP site required large quantities of water and chemicals to control scale, corrosion, and bacteria.

  • Estimated 7,500 pounds of chemicals used annually
  • Millions of gallons of water consumed each year
  • Harsh chemical programs created handling and storage challenges.
  • Water scarcity during summer droughts made conservation an urgent priority.

Biogen sought a solution that could maintain cooling tower performance, reduce resource consumption, and support corporate sustainability commitments.

The Solution

In 2018, Biogen’s Maintenance Utilities team piloted ProMoss™, a natural sphagnum moss water treatment technology, in smaller cooling towers.

  • The moss naturally cleans water, removes scale and corrosion, and reduces bacteria levels.
  • It allows significant reductions in chemical and water use without compromising performance.
  • Following strong pilot results, Biogen expanded the program to all six cooling towers

The Results

  • Projected to reduce chemical use by approximately 80% — an estimated 6,000 pounds annually
  • Projected annual water savings of nearly 1.5 million gallons
  • Improved cooling tower cleanliness and efficiency
  • Recognition with a Biogen EHS Award for Sustainability
  • Opportunity to expand the program to other Biogen facilities