Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market reached USD 319.41 billion in 2023 and is projected to witness lucrative growth by reaching up to USD 497.34 billion by 2030. The market is growing at a CAGR of 6.53% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

The process of wastewater treatment involves the elimination of organic substances and various pollutants from wastewater. This procedure is crucial for purifying wastewater to a level that is safe for releasing back into the environment, ensuring it does not negatively impact surrounding communities or the local ecosystem. Globally, water resources face significant threats due to the release of untreated wastewater into aquatic environments. Currently, approximately 80% of all wastewaters is released into rivers worldwide, leading to health, environmental, and climate issues. Industries frequently use fresh water for cooling and as a solvent to enhance their product quality. Releasing this utilized water directly into the environment can lead to severe contamination. Consequently, it is imperative for industries to establish on-site wastewater treatment facilities to adhere to discharge regulations. The growing water stress and the demand for high-quality water are expected to escalate the need for sophisticated water treatment, recycling, and reuse systems globally.

Key Market Insights:

An increasing global consciousness regarding environmental protection from the release of hazardous wastewater effluents has been observed. Worldwide, regulatory authorities are overseeing and enforcing wastewater discharge standards. These authorities have imposed stringent regulations and guidelines for industrial entities to meet effluent criteria, aiming to reduce the risks of water pollution. Environmental organizations and governmental bodies have formulated and executed various strategies to promote water conservation and minimize water pollution. The anticipation of strict enforcement and regulations is likely to lead to the establishment of new water treatment facilities in developing nations. Numerous organizations have set forth guidelines to promote the adoption of industrial wastewater treatment technologies. Notable examples include the EU Water Framework Directive in the European Union, the Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Wastewater Effluent Discharge Limit Mandates by Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), Regulatory Directives by India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and various action plans and directives by the State Council of China and the Ministry of Environment.

Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market Drivers:

Growing Demand for Energy-Efficient and Advanced Water Treatment Technologies is propelling the growth of the market.

The global industrial wastewater treatment market is experiencing growth, primarily driven by the escalating demand for energy-efficient and advanced water treatment technologies. This shift is fueled by various factors highlighting the industry's focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and conscientious resource utilization. Energy efficiency has emerged as a critical factor for businesses seeking to minimize operational expenses and achieve sustainability objectives.

Rigorous Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Directives Stimulating Market Growth:

Governments globally are implementing stricter environmental regulations to mitigate pollution and safeguard ecosystems. These regulations, which determine the permissible levels of pollutant discharge, water quality, and treatment standards, are prompting industries to invest in state-of-the-art wastewater treatment technologies for compliance. Various regulatory entities, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CWA, SDWA, and others, have established norms regarding industrial discharge and wastewater treatments. Consequently, the demand for wastewater treatment chemicals is witnessing a significant surge. These stringent environmental and sustainability mandates are fueling the demand for water purification and industrial wastewater treatment, opening avenues for chemical manufacturers like Kemira OYJ (Finland) and BWA Water Additives (UK). The Wastewater Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act set minimum effluent quality standards achievable through wastewater treatment. The growing environmental concerns and heightened awareness regarding drinking water quality are expected to boost the demand for industrial wastewater treatment chemicals during the forecast period.

Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market Restraints and Challenges:

High Operational and Maintenance Costs and lack of Awareness can hinder the growth of the market.

Despite the initial investment, the continuous operational and maintenance expenses of wastewater treatment facilities are substantial. Industries need to allocate budgets for energy use, chemical treatments, equipment upkeep, and skilled labor, which can be a deterrent, especially for financially constrained businesses.

A lack of awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of wastewater treatment in some industries and regions can lead to reduced investment and slow adoption of treatment solutions. Moreover, the substantial initial capital required for setting up industrial wastewater treatment systems poses a challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), potentially impeding market growth.

Resistance to Change within organizations can hinder the market growth.

The reluctance to adopt new wastewater treatment technologies and practices within organizations can slow market growth. Overcoming established processes and mindsets is necessary to implement effective treatment solutions. Industries often give precedence to short-term ROI, making the longer payback periods associated with wastewater treatment projects less attractive for companies seeking immediate financial returns.

This report on the global industrial wastewater treatment market elaborates on recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, and market share. It assesses the impact of domestic and localized market players, identifies emerging revenue opportunities, and analyses changes in market regulations. Additionally, the report provides strategic insights into market growth, covering various categories, application domains, product approvals, launches, geographic expansions, and technological innovations in the market.

Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market Opportunities:

Advancements in Technology and Research & Development:

The field of wastewater treatment is witnessing significant advancements, including the development of membrane filtration techniques, electrochemical methods, and the integration of artificial intelligence. These technological breakthroughs pave the way for more efficient and economical treatment options. Such innovations are crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of treatment processes and in reducing the costs associated with operation, thereby propelling market growth.

Rise of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems:

There is a growing trend towards the utilization of decentralized wastewater treatment systems. These systems are increasingly preferred due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, especially in areas where establishing centralized infrastructure is impractical or infeasible. This shift presents lucrative opportunities for technology providers to serve a varied range of market needs and segments, particularly in remote or underserved areas.

INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market Segmentation: By End-use industry

• Oil & Gas

• Food and Beverage

• Chemical

• Mining

• Power

• Pharmaceutical

• Pulp & Paper

• Others

The Food & Beverage industry emerges as the fastest-growing segment in the industrial wastewater treatment market by end-use industry. Estimated to exhibit a robust CAGR during the forecast period, this industry necessitates a substantial volume of water for its processes, directly impacting public health. Various applications such as cleaning, washing of food items, and heat exchange processes require significant water usage. Industrial wastewater treatment chemicals play a vital role in eliminating suspended solids, colloidal substances, organics, iron, and manganese from surface and groundwater. The growing preference for recycled water, driven by heightened environmental regulations and water scarcity concerns, is evident. Diverse industrial wastewater treatment chemicals find application in activities conducted in boilers, coolers, and single & multiple effect evaporators, addressing issues like corrosion, scaling, fouling, and microbial contaminations.

Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market Segmentation: By Type

• Coagulants

• Flocculants

• Biocides

• Disinfectants

"Coagulants" dominates this segment due to their capability to destabilize suspended particles by neutralizing their charges. In tandem, flocculants aid in forming larger, settleable flocs from these destabilized particles, a critical process for efficient solids and impurities removal from wastewater. Extensively applied across various industries, including municipal wastewater treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, and specialized processes like mining and pulp and paper production, these chemicals play a pivotal role. The market reports provided by Data Bridge Market Research not only offer insights into scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, and geographical coverage but also encompass in-depth expert analysis, company-wise production and capacity details, distributor and partner network layouts, updated price trend analysis, and supply chain deficit analysis.

Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market Segmentation: By Technology

• Biological Treatment

• Membrane Bioreactor

• Activated Sludge

• Reverse Osmosis

• Membrane Filtration

• Sludge Treatment

• Others

The biological treatment segment assumed dominance in the global industrial wastewater treatment market in 2023. Employing bacteria, protozoa, and other specialist microorganisms, biological wastewater treatment systems cleanse water by degrading organic pollutants. As these microbes degrade pollutants, they adhere to each other, causing a flocculation action that facilitates the settling of organic matter. This process yields more controllable sludge, which is subsequently dewatered and disposed of as solid waste. The surge in population growth globally has heightened the demand for purified water, prompting governments to initiate various water treatment initiatives. This is expected to drive the growth of biological wastewater treatment.

Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America

• Asia-Pacific

• Europe

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

In 2023, Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest market share in the global industrial wastewater treatment market, followed by North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The region is poised for rapid growth during the forecast period, driven by the escalating demand for sustainable and advanced solutions in the face of significant water stress and environmental pollution. Key sectors, especially in China and India, such as dairy and beverages within the food & beverage industry, present substantial investment opportunities. Water quality deterioration in Asia-Pacific, with increased pollution and rising salinity, underscores the urgent need for wastewater treatment. To address these challenges, major stakeholders in the water ecosystem have launched diverse projects related to wastewater treatment in the region. For instance, Gradient Corporation secured 12 water and wastewater treatment projects in Asia-Pacific in 2020, spanning pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, power, textiles, FMCG, chemicals, and water supply, aimed at addressing complex challenges, including Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) applications.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market:

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a notable impact on investments in new wastewater treatment plants, particularly in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises worldwide. The decline in revenues and outcomes due to the pandemic has led to a slowdown in such investments. Operational reliability has gained increased importance during this period due to the cost associated with disruptions. Many significant users of water scaled down or curtailed their activities, resulting in a decrease in industrial demand. Lockdowns and travel restrictions further exacerbated the situation, causing a significant reduction in water utility revenues from large industrial and commercial users. A survey conducted by the Global Water Leaders Group estimated a staggering 27% decline in industrial water demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Projections indicate deeper revenue losses across the entire water supply chain, impacting operators, technology firms, contractors, chemical suppliers, and consultants. Moreover, operations faced challenges as there was an increased risk of infection among utility staff. The maintenance of operational continuity and flexibility became crucial to sustain essential water and sanitation services and to advance ongoing construction projects. Recognizing the importance of the water and sewerage industry, many governments identified individuals working in this sector as essential workers, allowing utilities to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of services.

Latest Trends/Developments:

October 2022: Xylem Water Solutions Singapore and Gross-Wen Technologies Strategic Partnership. In October 2022, Xylem Water Solutions Singapore and Gross-Wen Technologies announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing algae-based wastewater treatment solutions in Singapore. Gross-Wen Technologies is renowned for its eco-friendly wastewater treatment capabilities, including nutrient recovery and reduced carbon footprints, through its revolving algal biofilm (RAB®) technology. The collaboration involves implementing a small-scale RAB® system at Xylem's Singapore facility, aligning with PUB's Carbon Zero Grand Challenge.

July 2022: Pentair plc Acquisition of Manitowoc Ice. In July 2022, Pentair plc successfully concluded its acquisition of Manitowoc Ice from Welbilt, Inc. for $1.6 billion, subject to customary adjustments. Manitowoc Ice is a well-known provider of commercial ice makers. This strategic acquisition enhances Pentair's Commercial Water Solutions business, allowing the company to offer comprehensive water management solutions to foodservice and hospitality clients globally.

Key Players:

1. Dow Inc

2. 3M Company

3. Ecolab Inc.

4. Xylem Inc.

5. DuPont De Numours Inc.

6. Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies

7. Suez Group

8.  Pentair PLC

9. Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

10. Evoqua Water Technologies LLC.