Cambrian and Anheuser-Busch: Pioneers in Water Reuse
In a remarkable achievement that underscores the importance of sustainability in industry, Cambrian, a frontrunner in water reuse solutions, has amassed prestigious recognition alongside Anheuser-Busch by winning a Distinction for the
Industrial Project of the Year at the 2025 Global Water Awards. This accolade, celebrated at the Global Water Summit, spotlights innovative strategies surrounding water management and treatment, critical issues in today’s environmental landscape.
A Game-Changing Project
Cambrian’s groundbreaking initiative at Anheuser-Busch's Houston brewery signifies a transformative approach to how water reuse systems can be deployed and financed through their unique Water-Energy Purchase Agreement (WEPA) model. This project not only highlights the remarkable technological capabilities of Cambrian but also serves as a testament to the company's commitment to creating effective environmental solutions without requiring upfront capital investment from its partners.
Matthew Silver, Founder and CEO of Cambrian, expressed immense pride in this achievement, reflecting on the project’s significance: “We’re honored to receive this distinction from GWI, and proud to stand alongside Anheuser-Busch as pioneers in circular water solutions. This project proves that environmental stewardship and economic efficiency can go hand in hand, through bold innovation and strong partnership.”
Technological Breakthroughs
At the core of this award-winning project lies Cambrian's state-of-the-art BlueCycle™ membrane bioreactor (MBR) system, designed to treat over 400,000 gallons of high-strength wastewater daily. After undergoing additional advanced treatment processes, the resulting water meets drinking quality standards and is reused on-site for non-potable applications. This significantly curtails the brewery’s dependence on freshwater sources, aligning with current sustainability initiatives across various industries.
Throughout the 20-year duration of the project, it’s anticipated that the treatment system will process an impressive 3.45 billion gallons of water. This endeavor is projected to slash Anheuser-Busch's water and wastewater costs by 20% while preventing more than 23,000 tons of CO₂ emissions—an achievement that blends environmental responsibility with economic gain.
Partnership and Innovation
This collaboration was initiated through Anheuser-Busch's prestigious 100+ Accelerator, which serves as an innovative sustainability platform aimed at propelling impactful environmental solutions. Notably, this project marks the first complete implementation of Cambrian's WEPA model in the beverage sector, highlighting a shift towards outcome-based infrastructural solutions where environmental performance is integrally linked to economic benefits.
The Global Water Awards are presented annually by Global Water Intelligence (GWI) and recognize pioneering water projects, encouraging a culture of excellence and innovation in response to global water challenges. The
Industrial Project of the Year – Distinction honors projects that not only exemplify technical brilliance but also display leadership in sustainability, scalability, and the ability to address pressing industrial water issues.
About Cambrian
Cambrian is renowned for its innovative solutions in commercial and industrial water reuse, as well as energy recovery-as-a-service. By leveraging proprietary technologies to deliver effective wastewater treatment solutions, the company reduces operational risks while maximizing lifecycle cost efficiencies. The flexible WEPA model allows Cambrian to take on the financial, operational, and maintenance burdens of water treatment—ensuring their clients can focus on their primary business objectives while progressing toward their environmental goals.
Founded at MIT, Cambrian has established partnerships with global corporations such as Anheuser-Busch, Sapporo, and LVMH, proving itself as a key player in promoting sustainability in various industries. With acknowledgment from the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer and a leader in the Circular Economy, Cambrian’s innovative approach continues to set industry standards. For more information regarding their groundbreaking initiatives and technologies, visit
Cambrian's website.