30% of respondents invested over US$500mn in the water sector in 2024

Global law firm White & Case LLP has released a new report, Currents of Capital 2025, revealing strong investment momentum in water infrastructure, technology and services throughout 2024, with capital deployment set to rise further in 2025

The findings are based on a survey of over 300 senior leaders from across the water value chain, including utilities, multinational corporations, investment funds, engineering firms and technology providers in more than 20 countries.

According to the report, 30% of respondents invested over US$500mn in the water sector in 2024, with 15% allocating more than US$1bn.

Infrastructure funds led this activity, deploying an average of US$1.3bn each, nearly matching the average US$1.5bn from public sector entities.

Multinational corporations accounted for much of the remaining investment.

Looking ahead, 72% of organisations expect to increase their water-sector spending by up to 50% in 2025, while 4% anticipate even steeper increases.

This signals rising confidence in the sector, underscoring growing awareness of water’s importance to both economic security and sustainable development.

Investment priorities are shifting, with 40% of respondents now viewing water as their top investment focus and 33% targeting portfolio growth, moving away from maintenance-driven spending towards strategic expansion.

Technology is seen as a central enabler of this shift, with more than 60% citing AI as the most likely driver of transformation in the sector.

While Western Europe and North America remain the top destinations for capital deployment, geographic diversification is picking up pace.

Asian investors are expanding into Western markets to tap advanced water management technologies, while 29% of all respondents are exploring new regional opportunities.

Polyester labels with extra-strong adhesive are used for production labels. (Image source: Brady)

A medium-sized manufacturing company, that supplies complex technologies and equipment for the food industry, faced various challenges while marking the units before they were delivered. Brady Corporation had a stellar solution

The company was looking for a way to simply and reliably mark all of the necessary elements. These included electrical markings in the switchboards, cable markings, production labels and technology markings with inscriptions, switch markings, and descriptions for pipes and other applications in health and safety.

These labels and tags had to be ordered separately, which not only brought considerable difficulties, but also a loss of time and money. Due to the inflexibility and additional planning this method required, the company decided to search for an alternative solution – a suitable and affordable universal printer with the ability to print a wide range of markings.

The customer considered various printers, but each candidate required a compromise to the scope of all of its printing requirements, in one form or another. In the end, the manufacturer decided on Brady’s M710 Label Printer, as it offers a wide range of printing options and allows you to easily mark virtually all components of technological equipment with a single device.

Watch the M710 in action >>

Flexibility, variability and reliability

One of the main reasons for choosing the M710 Label Printer model was its extensive flexibility. This printer allows printing on a wide range of materials, including electrical markings, cable markings, printing production labels, and pipe markings.

A brief list of the most commonly used materials includes heat-shrink tubing for electrical applications, as well as tags for marking cable bundles and thick cables. Polyester labels with extra-strong adhesive are used for production labels to maximise durability and permanence, while universal extra-resistant vinyl tapes are used for marking pipes, health and safety descriptions, and various sizes of labels on technologies.

The user was delighted with the wide range of consumables that the printer can use, as it can now virtually mark its entire technological assembly. The M710’s speed and built-in knife – for cutting finished labels – and the quick and easy replacement of consumables were also praised.

Other advantages that were welcomed include the printer’s high mechanical resistance in everyday use (it can withstand falls from a height of up to 1.2m) and its long battery life, allowing it to print up to 4,500 labels when fully charged (so it can be used anywhere at the installation site).

Labels can be created directly on the printer using the built-in keyboard, on a computer using the Brady Workstation programme, or on a smartphone using the simple Express Labels application. The finished data can then be sent via a cable, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth to be printed. It can also be saved, shared, or used as a template for future label designs.

Thanks to the powerful battery, the printer can be used anywhere at the installation site, without the need for power supply on site. The practical handle provides easy portability, and the standard hard case ensures maximum protection of the device during transport.

A reliable assistant that brings many benefits

“The M710 is a truly versatile assistant. Thanks to it, we don’t have to order labels and tags in advance, we just mark any new machine in our workshop before it’s finished. Since we already have the printer here, we marked all the inventory and shelves with racks in the warehouse. Our operations technician even used it to create navigation markings in the operation and on the floors,” said the company’s workshop manager.

It is easy to understand why Brady’s M710 Label Printer has gained so many satisfied users who appreciate its simplicity, reliability, and flexibility.

Watch the M710 in action here, or contact Brady’s South African experts for a live demonstration to see how it can change your industrial processes for the better.

Interested in DIY label- and sign-making? Download the free brochure >>

Find out more about portable label printers from Brady >>

Orange and Camusat team up to cut CO₂ emissions from telecom infrastructure and advance net zero goals

Orange has partnered with the Camusat Group — renowned for its leadership in sustainable telecom infrastructure—to launch a joint plan aimed at significantly cutting CO₂-equivalent emissions from the products and services delivered by Camusat

This strategic collaboration will focus on reducing energy usage across telecom facilities, increasing the use of eco-friendly materials, and improving logistics processes.

The initiative forms a crucial part of Orange’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2040. Given that scope 3 emissions—largely tied to purchasing and supply chains—represent over 80% of the Group’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) output, addressing them is critical. Camusat aligns with this objective, having already developed its own low-carbon strategy with targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

This joint roadmap falls under Orange’s wider ‘Partners to net zero carbon’ programme, which is designed to co-develop impactful actions with suppliers that result in tangible emissions reductions. The focus is on implementing practical, trackable solutions in two main areas:

Reducing GHG emissions: Orange and Camusat will work closely to apply identified levers for cutting GHG emissions. Through shared data, they will quantify the carbon footprint of telecom infrastructures and track progress in addressing shared environmental challenges.

Assessing product and service impact: Camusat will deliver detailed data on the carbon impact of its offerings, which Orange will incorporate into its overall scope 3 emissions inventory. This will help Orange refine its emissions tracking and support long-term reduction goals leading up to 2040.

“Orange is firmly committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040. This partnership with Camusat illustrates our desire to work hand in hand with our suppliers to accelerate the energy transition and reduce our collective carbon footprint,” said Elizabeth Tchoungui, executive director in charge of corporate social responsibility for the Orange Group.

“With the signing of this contract, Camusat is pursuing its GHG reduction objectives while helping ambitious companies like Orange to reduce their carbon footprint. Our solutions, such as low-carbon energy infrastructures, are a strategic lever for meeting the growing demand for clean, renewable energy in telecommunications,” added Elodie Perrigot, director of ESG HSE E&S ethics for the Camusat Group.

Orange and Camusat have long collaborated across regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Europe on infrastructure development. This latest agreement marks a new phase in their partnership—focusing on innovation and sustainability.

A comprehensive offering should provide durable labels and efficient printing options tailored to the specific needs of solar installations. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

Clear and durable component labelling on solar farms isn't just a regulatory tick-box; it's fundamental for passing inspections, ensuring on-site safety, and enabling efficient maintenance.

Non-compliant or illegible labels can lead to failed inspections, delays in critical repairs, and increased risks for personnel.Adhering to standards like IEC 62548-1:2023, IEC 61730-1:2023, and IEC 62109-1:2010 is crucial for smooth project handover and long-term operational integrity. Brady brings to the market labels that are tested and verified to not only comply with applicable standards, but also withstand the conditions they are exposed to in installations over the long term.

Reliable identification solutions streamline your workflow and ensure compliance. Properly labelled PV modules, inverters, junction boxes, and cabling allow for quick identification during inspections, saving time and preventing potential roadblocks.

Clear labelling also enhances safety by providing immediate information for lockout/tagout procedures and troubleshooting. Furthermore, well-identified components enable maintenance teams to locate and address issues rapidly, minimising downtime and maximising system performance.

The reliability of your identification system should never be compromised.

All compliant solar farm identification labels are printed on Brady’s durable label materials, engineered to remain attached and legible for years, especially in demanding outdoor environments. These materials are designed to resist fading and peeling, ensuring long-term readability. Brady’s solar farm identification labels have undergone rigorous testing in their laboratories, including the IEC 61730-2:2023 durability test, confirming their resilience.

Choosing the right identification partner simplifies this critical aspect of solar farm development. Opting for solutions designed for the harsh outdoor environment ensures longevity and legibility of labels, even under extreme conditions.

A comprehensive offering should provide durable labels and efficient printing options tailored to the specific needs of solar installations.

By implementing compliant and robust identification practices, electricians and contractors can ensure successful project completion, improve site safety, and facilitate efficient long-term maintenance of solar farms.

Investing in durable and regulation-adhering labelling is a direct investment in the project's success and operational efficiency.

Download our free Guide to compliant solar farm identification for practical insights into effective solar farm labelling.This guide illustrates where specific identification labels should be applied and presents solutions for fast and accurate labelling in the field. Discover how to easily provide the right information to inspectors, first responders, and maintenance teams with compliant and reliable solar farm identification labels.

Discover more about identification solutions for Solar farms now.