A CIRCULAR FUTURE FOR
WATER
On a mission to build a sustainable water future, we revisit Osmoflo and its passion for preserving the world’s most precious resource. Carmine Ciccocioppo, CEO, tells us about the company’s recent endeavours and plans for future success
Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: Ben Weaver
Water is fundamental to life, and every day our water treatment systems are vital to the well-being of thousands of people around the world.”
Water scarcity is a growing issue
that continues to affect communities worldwide.
The need to address this problem and provide innovative, sustainable, and long-term solutions is one that companies like Osmoflo are tackling,
as voiced by Carmine Ciccocioppo, CEO.
Established in 1991, Osmoflo has specialised in the design, build, and operation of over 650 reverse osmosis desalination and advanced
recycling plants, alongside operating and maintaining approximately 100 plants on behalf of global clients. Its headquarters are based in Adelaide, with operations across Australia, the Middle East, India, and Asia.
The company’s mission is to provide value-based water solutions that contribute to a circular economy, which it carries out by offering a range of water treatment services with a whole-of-life management approach.
Services include large-scale customised project solutions, emergency
water rentals, and the operation and maintenance of plants, complemented by innovative technology and strategic growth initiatives.
“Osmoflo boasts an extensive portfolio of high-quality clients, customers, partners, vendors, and collaborators around the globe, supported by our Osaka-headquartered parent company, Kanadevia Corporation (KVC),” details Ciccocioppo.
Having last spoken to Ciccocioppo in 2022, he confirms that the global water sector remains an immensely
exciting place to be, with the entire industry facing enormous and unprecedented challenges – the largest of which is climate change. The impact of this environmental phenomenon is manifesting in two ways, the first of which is the growing threats to the reliability of traditional sources of surface and groundwater. Second is the severity and frequency of extreme climate events, which are testing the capacity, resilience, and reliability of existing water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
Additionally, the water sector is facing other significant challenges, such as rapidly ageing infrastructure, making innovation and adaptability key to sustaining and optimising these assets.
At the same time, the industry is looking to steadily decarbonise by seeking increasingly energy-efficient and circular options to support ongoing operations.
“The role of infrastructure and technology solution providers like Osmoflo is as important as ever, as is the need for industry-wide collaboration, and there has never been a more exciting time to be a water industry practitioner,” states Ciccocioppo.
ADDRESSING WATER SCARCITY
When rebranding in 2022, Osmoflo adopted its ‘A Circular Future for Water’ tagline, highlighting the company’s commitment to making a significant contribution to a
sustainable future where all water needs are met.
“These concepts are fundamental to how we approach every challenge – in other words, the needs of all our global stakeholders, whether they are individuals, organisations, or the environment, must be met sustainably,” expands Ciccocioppo.
The company aims to minimise waste and harness as much as possible from its treatment processes, thereby minimising non-regenerative and non-renewable inputs to ensure that the choices made don’t burden future generations.
Osmoflo accomplishes this goal by using nearly 35 years of experience and over 650 project references to work closely with clients to meet complex, specific requirements.
As a tailored solutions provider for water treatment, desalination, and advanced reuse applications, the company is always focused on
minimising total cost of ownership and delivering the lowest long-run, risk-weighted marginal cost of water.
“That means designing and delivering plants that provide the right quantity and quality of water, whenever it’s needed, for decades into the future,” asserts Ciccocioppo.
For many private and public sector organisations and asset owners, their focus is on the up-front capital cost of such infrastructure. However, what they tend to overlook is that the capital cost accounts for as little as 30 to 40 percent of the long-run marginal cost of water, depending on the overall asset life, target levels of asset availability, and complexity of the treatment process.
“Our objective is to always work collaboratively with our clients to look at the bigger picture and carefully consider the long-term costs and risks of their water needs,” informs Ciccocioppo.
“THE ROLE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION PROVIDERS LIKE OSMOFLO IS AS IMPORTANT AS EVER, AS IS THE NEED FOR INDUSTRY-WIDE COLLABORATION, AND THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MORE EXCITING TIME TO BE A WATER INDUSTRY PRACTITIONER”
– CARMINE CICCOCIOPPO, CEO, OSMOFLO
Equally as significant to Osmoflo’s process are its five core values –being agile, quality-driven, teamoriented, innovative, and committed – which drive the company’s focus, day-to-day decision-making, and fundamental value proposition to clients.
The company’s commitment to innovation is embedded deeply into its corporate DNA, and it invests strongly in fundamental R&D, collaborating with leading academic institutions and scouring the global technology space for market-leading technologies that can be adopted and integrated into solutions.
GLOBAL WATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS
To address global water scarcity and the growing need for water treatment solutions during urgent situations, Osmoflo is utilising a fleet of emergency treatment equipment for critical projects.
“As climate extremes are continuing to increase and place escalating pressure on traditional sources of water, we are seeing more examples of utilities and private sector organisations being faced with unprecedented challenges to the resilience and capacity of their existing water and wastewater infrastructure,” details Ciccocioppo.
Australia’s trusted Valve Distributor and Supplier
Braeco Sales is a Perth-based valve distributor, supplying to clients throughout Australia, as well as servicing a number of established export markets.
Projects:
Phil Gold
In 2008, Braeco supplied a large number of manual and actuated valves for the Masbate Gold Project. Since then, we have continued to supply valves for day-to-day stores replenishment, expansion projects and upgrades.
Sepon Gold Project
In 2002, Braeco Sales was awarded the manual and actuated valve packages for the Sepon Gold Project. Since then, we have continued to supply plant spares on an ongoing basis, as well as valve packages for a number of upgrades and smaller projects.
In 2020, the old gold plant was recommissioned and once again Braeco was invited to participate as a major supplier of manual and actuated valves.
Craigie Leisure Centre
Supported our client with the supply of manual valves and pressure gauges for the
swimming pool filtration and dosing systems. Further to this we also supplied manual and actuated valves for the water playground.
Adventure World – Kracken Water Slide
Supported our client with the supply of manual valves and expansion bellows for the use on their Kracken Water Slide.
Our products:
Actuators and Accessories
- Actuator Accessories
- Actuator Positioners
- Electric Actuator
- Filter Regulator
- Hydraulic Actuators
- Mounting Kit, Brackets and Couplings
- Pilot Solenoid Valve
- Pneumatic Actuator
- Switchbox
Automated and Control
- Automated On-Off
- Gas Regulators
- Low Flow Regulators
- Modulating Control
Valves
- Pressure Reducing Valves
- Temperature Control
- Upstream Pressure Regulators
Valves
- Actuated Valves
- Air Release Valve
- Butterfly Valves
- Check Valves
- Control Valve
- Diaphragm Valve
- Float Valve
- Foot Valves
- Gate Valve
- Globe Valve
- Knife-Gate Valve
- Needle and Instrument Valve
- Pinch Valve
- Pressure Reducing Valves
- Pressure Relief Valve
- Pressure Sustaining
- Solenoid Valve
- Steam Valves
- Strainers
Thermoplastic Valves
- Actuated
- Angle Seat Globe Valves
- Ball Valves
- Butterfly Valves
- Check Valves
- Diaphragm Seal
- Diaphragm Valves
- Pressure Reduction
- Pressure Relief
- Solenoid Valve
- Strainers
- Variable Area Flow Meters
- Vent Valves
- Venturi Injector (Eductor)
Controls and Instruments
- Flowmeters
- Pressure Gauges
- Tags-Valve and Instrument
- Temperature Gauges
CAN YOU PLEASE EXPAND UPON THE RECENT UPDATE THAT OSMOFLO’S SHAREHOLDER, KVC, UNDERWENT?
Carmine Ciccocioppo, CEO: “KVC underwent a major change in the last 12 months, rebranding from Hitachi Zosen Corporation, with a philosophy to ‘create value, useful to society, with technology and integrity to contribute to a prosperous future’, further aligning both organisations around the mission of a circular future.
“Osmoflo continues to be a key pillar in the shareholder’s global water business, striving boldly, learning broadly, and thinking deeply to achieve success. Founded in 1881 and now with over 12,000 employees, KVC’s business portfolio spans environmental systems, machinery and infrastructure, carbonneutral solutions, and industrial materials, incorporating a large range of internally developed, advanced technologies and products.”
Osmoflo’s emergency water rental fleet can greatly assist during critical periods by providing a range of brackish water and seawater systems, with pre-treatment, post-treatment, and demineralisation options to deliver fit-for-purpose water with very short lead times.
“Any emergency water needs, capacity increases, water quality improvements, or environmental factors are where Osmoflo’s offering can provide services and support,” he
Alongside the company’s emergency water rental fleet, it is engaging in various projects to further its footprint in the wider Pacific region, the rental space, and the Australian municipal sector.
Specifically, Osmoflo’s successful plants, operations and maintenance, remote monitoring, and on-site training in Kiribati and the
ECS Project Logistics –Delivering Confidence in Every Project
ECS Project Logistics (ECS) is a trusted leader in time-sensitive, project-based transport services, proudly supporting Australia’s Construction, Defence, Energy, and Resources sectors. With deep local knowledge and a reputation built on reliability, ECS specialises in moving the equipment, machinery, and project cargo that keep
complex, multi-stage sequence of cargo, ECS has the resources, vehicles, and expertise to ensure successful outcomes for project planners and managers overseeing major works in a variety of industries.
ECS has strategically located depots and mechanical support workshop services giving them superior reliability. By maintaining their own fleet to the highest standard, ECS minimises downtime and maximises efficiency — ensuring clients can meet even the strictest project schedules and deadlines.
Comprehensive Transport Solutions
One of ECS’s greatest strengths is flexibility. We are equipped to handle an extensive range of project cargo, from smaller containerised
freight, vehicles, and rolling stock to oversized and over-mass equipment requiring specialist planning consultation and permits. This versatility allows project managers and procurement teams to streamline operations and consolidate more freight through a single provider, saving time, reducing complexity, and improving overall project efficiency. ECS also has a strong in-field representation, deploying supervisors to ensure compliance and efficient operations on project sites to assist clients.
Expertise in Time-Critical Logistics
In industries where delays can be costly, ECS is a proven partner for time-critical logistics. Planning and execution processes are considered in detail to deliver reliability and key milestones. By anticipating challenges, navigating compliance requirements, providing excellent communication, and leveraging its nationwide footprint, ECS is consistently build on a returning customer base who all appreciate the confidence and trust ECS has developed with them.
Partnership Built on Reliability
At ECS, we don’t just move cargo — we build long-term partnerships. Clients view ECS as an extension of their team: a logistics provider who takes ownership of the challenge, applies deep industry knowledge, and provides solutions tailored to specific requirements. Transparency, integrity, and reliability are at the core of everything ECS measures itself on.
The ECS Advantage
• Specialised fleet for oversized, over-mass, and time-sensitive cargo
• Nationwide coverage with multiple depots and support hubs
• Proven expertise in Construction, Defence, Energy, and Resources logistics
• End-to-end solutions from general loads to over-sized and over-mass heavy haulage
• Commitment to deadlines through precision planning and execution
OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER, WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST WORKPLACE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
Carmine Ciccocioppo, CEO:
“I’ve had so many varying career inflexion points and twists and turns, so it’s difficult to pick a single specific accomplishment.
“For me, the proudest moments and biggest accomplishments are not individual achievements but sharing the reward and immense satisfaction of collective organisational achievement and knowing that what we are doing is making a genuine difference to the communities and jurisdictions where we operate.
“In more recent times, I’ve been proud to see Osmoflo come of age as an organisation and start fulfilling its true potential by playing key roles in globally significant projects.
“I’ve also been immensely proud to help build a world-class operation and maintenance division and see us using that strength to help build and grow capacity in small Pacific nations so locals have the confidence, experience, and capability to sustainably manage their own water infrastructure in the years and decades ahead.”
Marshall Islands are an example of its ability to deliver bespoke water plants to challenging environments whilst ensuring reliability and performance in line with design life.
In Kiribati, a significant milestone was recently reached with the delivery of the first water from the McKenzie seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plants, designed and delivered by Osmoflo in collaboration with its joint venture partner CCB Envico, into South Tarawa’s drinking water distribution system.
“This achievement marks a critical step forward in addressing the region’s long-standing water scarcity issue, providing ongoing access to sustainable, reliable, and high-quality potable water for the local community,” highlights Ciccocioppo.
With this milestone, Osmoflo has demonstrated its commitment to increasing sustainable
water production and will continue to support ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, build skills and capacity in the local community, and improve water accessibility for the entire nation.
Elsewhere, the company is working on nationally significant, large-scale projects, including the Coastal Water Supply Sustaining Project for Rio Tinto in Western Australia (WA), which comprises two separate phases of 12 megalitres per day (MLD)capacity ultrafiltration (UF)-SWRO plants to provide potable quality water for both Rio Tinto’s own port operations in Dampier as well as drinking water for surrounding communities in the Pilbara region.
Additionally, Osmoflo is acting as a technology provider for the John Holland Group and Hunter Water Corporation to deliver the 30 MLD Belmont Desalination Plant, which will help provide a vital, climateindependent water source for the Greater Newcastle region.
Redefining Desalination: The Automatic Alternative to Cartridge Filters.
Running a desalination plant means constant pressure:
• Rising energy costs • Membranes at risk from biofouling
• Labour-intensive upkeep • Cartridge disposal
You need a filtration solution that protects your investment, lowers OPEX, and supports sustainability goals — without adding downtime.
Continuous Protection
Your membranes stay safe with automatic six-hour flushing that cleans during filtration, as smart sensors track differential pressure and trigger cleaning only when needed, ensuring consistent, zerointervention performance.
Designed for Operators
Titan is built from SMO254 so it’s designed to be corrosion resistant and for easy maintenance:
• Largest horizontal screen area
• Ground-level access, no cranes or walkways
• One-person maintenance in minutes
• Cleans during operation to cut downtime
NSF/ANSI 61 certified model available for drinking water applications.
Proven Results in the Field
At a 140 MMY plant, switching from cartridges to automatic filtration led to:
• 90% lower energy consumption
• 28% less labour
• 68% reduction in consumables and waste
Together: over AUD$845,000 in annual savings, plus 90% lower CO₂ emissions.
Technology You Can Rely On
• Everclear™: advanced selfcleaning for consistent performance
• NozzleX™: patented nozzles for thorough, efficient screen cleaning
• Smartweave™: four-layer sintered screens with exceptional durability
Your plant needs reliability. Filtersafe delivers it — automatically.
Filtersafe Australia and Osmoflo: Delivering world-class filtration and water treatment systems for every industry.
Learn more: filtersafe.net/australia/ and OSMOFLO osmoflo.com
“These projects serve as examples of our growing capability to deliver large-scale, high-quality infrastructure solutions for both the resources and municipal sectors,” states Ciccocioppo.
CREATING A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Osmoflo recognises that its success stems from the continual dedication and hard work of its staff members.
“As a service-oriented and solutions-driven company, our staff are critically important. Our numbers have increased significantly in the last year in response to strong company growth within both our projects business and operations division,” specifies Ciccocioppo.
Focused on providing its team
“WATER IS FUNDAMENTAL TO LIFE, AND EVERY DAY OUR WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS ARE VITAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD”
– CARMINE CICCOCIOPPO, CEO, OSMOFLO
with rewarding and challenging careers, Osmoflo is investing in their professional development and ensuring remuneration is competitive against industry benchmarks.
In parallel, when it comes to inclusivity and diversity, Osmoflo is strongly committed to constantly improving the gender equity and diversity of its global workforce. In its Australian business alone, around
30 nationalities and cultures are represented, with staff originating from all corners of the globe.
Equally as significant is Osmoflo’s emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental sustainability.
One such example is WaterAid – an international not-for-profit organisation working to provide clean water, decent toilets, and good
hygiene to people in developing countries.
With the goal of making these essential services a normal part of daily life, Osmoflo has been a strong supporter and consistent contributor to WaterAid.
“Relationships like this show our commitment to future-proofing the global water treatment sector and ensuring all global communities have access to the basic human rights of clean drinking water and sanitation that many developed nations take for granted,” explains Ciccocioppo.
Additionally, Osmoflo is well-suited to assist in times of crisis through its emergency rental offering. In 2023, when Turkey was hit by a series of devastating earthquakes, the company donated three
containerised water treatment and desalination plants to provide relief and access to safe drinking water for thousands of displaced locals, with quick deployment of its readily available rental assets.
This initiative was highlighted at the 2024 International Desalination Reuse Association (IDRA) World Congress, presenting Osmoflo with an award as the CSR leader for addressing global water scarcity in times of crisis.
As the company continues to look towards a more sustainable and innovative future, it is focusing on three primary themes – strengthening, diversifying, and growing the business. Osmoflo is further investing in its systems, procedures, and people to provide strength to the business and enable it to ‘flex up’ and ‘spread
wider’ as it steadily increases the sales, diversity, and geographic spread of its business.
“Overall, we are looking to at least double the size of the existing business by 2030 through a combination of organic and inorganic growth as well as geographic, product, and technology diversification – the future is definitely an exciting one for Osmoflo!” Ciccocioppo positively concludes.
Tel: +61 8 8282 9700
osmoflo.com
