Process Water Treatment Market Size | CAGR of 5.2% – Market.us

 

Report on the Global Process Water Treatment Market and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary and Market Overview

The Global Process Water Treatment Market is demonstrating significant growth, directly contributing to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The market is projected to expand from USD 24.2 billion in 2024 to USD 40.2 billion by 2034, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. This expansion reflects a global intensification of efforts to improve water quality, promote water reuse, and establish sustainable industrial practices in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Process water treatment involves the purification and conditioning of water for industrial operations. This is critical for protecting equipment and ensuring that industrial effluent meets stringent environmental discharge standards, a core target of SDG 6. Key sectors driving this market include power generation, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, all of which are pivotal to economic development but also carry a significant water footprint. The market’s growth is therefore intrinsically linked to the global push for sustainable industrialization.

Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: The primary function of process water treatment is to improve water quality by removing contaminants from industrial wastewater. This directly supports Target 6.3, which aims to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increase recycling and safe reuse globally.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The market thrives on technological innovation, such as advanced membrane filtration and smart monitoring systems. Investment in water treatment facilities represents a crucial upgrade to industrial infrastructure, making it more resilient and sustainable.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Urban development initiatives like India’s AMRUT 2.0, which mandates wastewater recycling in cities, highlight the integration of process water treatment into building sustainable urban environments.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The increasing adoption of Zero-Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems and water recycling practices within industries is a direct response to the principles of SDG 12, promoting resource efficiency and reducing environmental degradation.
• SDG 7 & 13: Affordable and Clean Energy & Climate Action: Initiatives such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s investment in decarbonizing water facilities underscore the energy-water nexus. Improving the energy efficiency of treatment processes contributes to both climate action and sustainable energy goals.

Market Dynamics and Sustainability Impact

Drivers

The increasing demand for clean water in industries, particularly food and beverage, is a primary market driver. Ensuring water quality is essential for product safety and public health, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6. Regulatory frameworks established by bodies like the FDA and EFSA compel manufacturers to invest in advanced treatment systems. Government initiatives, such as India’s FSSAI guidelines and investments under the Ministry of Water Resources, further mandate and support the adoption of efficient water treatment technologies to ensure sustainable industrial growth and water security.

Restraints

High operational and capital costs associated with advanced water treatment systems pose a significant restraint. Energy consumption, in particular, can account for over 50% of operational costs, presenting a challenge to achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). These high costs can be prohibitive for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), potentially slowing the universal adoption of technologies required to meet the targets of SDG 6, especially in developing regions where financial assistance programs may be limited.

Opportunities

Technological advancements in water recycling and reuse present a major opportunity for market growth. These innovations are critical for addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable industrial practices in line with SDG 12. By enabling industries to treat and reuse water, these technologies reduce reliance on freshwater sources and minimize environmental impact. Supportive regulations, such as the EU Water Reuse Regulation and funding from India’s National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), are creating a favorable environment for the adoption of these sustainable solutions.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Treatment Type

Membrane Filtration technology, holding a 34.9% market share, is a leader due to its high efficiency in removing a wide range of contaminants. Its precision and lower reliance on chemicals support the objectives of SDG 12. The technology is fundamental to the implementation of ZLD systems, which are instrumental in achieving sustainable water management in industrial settings.

By Source

Industrial Discharge is the largest source segment, accounting for 36.1% of the market. The treatment of industrial effluent is a critical activity for mitigating pollution and protecting water bodies, directly contributing to SDG 6.3. As regulations tighten and the focus on corporate sustainability grows, investment in treating industrial discharge is expected to increase, furthering progress toward responsible production patterns (SDG 12).

By Process Unit

Secondary Treatment holds a 28.2% market share, reflecting the importance of biological processes in removing organic contaminants. This treatment stage is vital for meeting biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) standards and ensuring that discharged water does not harm aquatic ecosystems, thereby supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

By End-Use

The Chemical and Petrochemical sector is the largest end-user with a 31.7% share. Due to its high water consumption and complex waste streams, this industry’s investment in advanced water treatment is crucial for environmental compliance and operational efficiency. Its efforts in water reuse and pollution control are significant contributions to corporate water stewardship and the broader goals of SDG 6 and SDG 12.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the market with a 47.2% share, valued at USD 11.4 billion. This leadership is attributed to robust regulatory frameworks like the U.S. Clean Water Act, which enforces the principles of SDG 6. The region’s strong industrial base and proactive investment in advanced treatment technologies, including ZLD and water reuse systems, position it as a global benchmark for sustainable water management. Furthermore, government funding for decarbonizing water infrastructure aligns regional progress with SDG 7 and SDG 13.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Emerging Trends

Adoption of Smart Water Technologies

The integration of smart technologies, including real-time monitoring and automated control systems, is an emerging trend that enhances water management. This innovation, aligned with SDG 9, enables industries to optimize water usage, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance. By providing data-driven insights, these technologies empower companies to make informed decisions that advance water conservation efforts, directly supporting the efficient use of resources as promoted by SDG 12.

Key Market Segments

By Treatment Type

• Membrane Filtration
• Ion Exchange
• Chemical Treatment
• Physical Treatment

By Source

• Industrial Discharge
• Surface Water
• Ground Water
• Wastewater

By Process Unit

• Pretreatment
• Primary Treatment
• Secondary Treatment
• Tertiary Treatment
• Ultrafiltration

By End-Use

• Chemical and Petrochemical
• Automotive
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food and Beverage
• Oil and Gas
• Others

Key Players

• Ion Exchange (India) Limited
• WABAG Ltd.
• Xylem Inc.
• GE Water Process Technologies
• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
• Ecolab
• Culligan International Company
• SUEZ Water Technologies Solutions
• Siemens Water Technologies
• Pentair plc
• Veolia Water Technologies
• Aquatech
• Lenntech B.V.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The entire article is centered on the treatment of process water and wastewater from industrial sources. It discusses technologies like membrane filtration, the importance of treating industrial discharge, and government initiatives such as India’s National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and AMRUT 2.0, all of which are directly aimed at improving water quality and sanitation.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The article highlights the development of resilient infrastructure for water management, such as the “600 million litres per day (MLD) deep-sea discharge pipeline” in Gujarat and the laying of “175 km of tertiary treated water pipelines” in Chandigarh. It also covers technological advancements and innovation in water treatment (e.g., smart water technologies, membrane filtration) and significant investments in upgrading industrial and municipal water infrastructure (e.g., a projected USD 600 billion in the U.S.).
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions urban-focused water management programs like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in India. The AMRUT 2.0 initiative, which requires cities with populations over 100,000 to recycle wastewater, directly addresses the challenge of managing municipal waste and creating sustainable urban environments.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The text emphasizes the need for industries (chemical, petrochemical, food and beverage) to manage their water consumption and waste generation responsibly. The push towards “water recycling and reuse,” “zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems,” and the adoption of smart technologies to reduce water usage by up to 20% are all aligned with promoting sustainable production patterns.
5. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article touches upon the energy-water nexus. It notes that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated “USD 27.8 million toward decarbonization projects for water resource recovery facilities” and mentions the “Energy-Water Nexus initiative,” which aims to optimize energy and water systems, linking water treatment processes to clean energy goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 6:
   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. This is supported by the article’s focus on treating industrial discharge, government initiatives like NMCG, and the adoption of ZLD systems.
   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. The article highlights this through the adoption of smart water technologies that reduce water usage and water recycling systems in the food industry that can cut consumption by up to 50%.
   • Target 6.a: By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes. This is implied through the analysis of a global market and the mention of international companies like Xylem Inc. and SUEZ providing technologies and solutions worldwide.
2. Under SDG 9:
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being. This is evidenced by the mention of large-scale infrastructure projects like the deep-sea discharge pipeline and the projected “USD 600 billion” investment needed for U.S. wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. The article’s discussion of membrane filtration, smart water technologies, and decarbonization projects in water facilities directly relates to this target.
3. Under SDG 11:
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to… municipal and other waste management. The AMRUT 2.0 mission, which mandates wastewater recycling in large Indian cities, is a direct effort to achieve this target.
4. Under SDG 12:
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The focus on water reuse and recycling in industries like food and beverage, which can reduce water consumption by up to 50%, directly supports this target.
   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil. The article’s core theme of treating industrial process water containing chemicals from sectors like petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals aligns with this goal.
5. Under SDG 7:
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The mention of the “Energy-Water Nexus initiative” and funding for “decarbonization projects” for water facilities indicates a direct effort to improve energy efficiency within the water treatment sector.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 6.3 (Wastewater Treatment):
   • Indicator 6.3.1 (Proportion of wastewater safely treated): The article provides specific quantitative goals and projects that serve as indicators. For example, the AMRUT 2.0 requirement for cities to “recycle a minimum of 20% of their wastewater” and the development of a “600 million litres per day (MLD) deep-sea discharge pipeline” are measurable actions toward this indicator.
2. For Target 6.4 (Water-Use Efficiency):
   • Indicator 6.4.1 (Change in water-use efficiency): The article provides direct metrics for efficiency gains, stating that smart water technologies can lead to a “20% reduction in water usage” and that water reuse systems can “reduce water consumption by up to 50%.”
3. For Target 9.1 & 9.4 (Infrastructure and Sustainable Industry):
   • Financial Investment as a Proxy Indicator: The article provides several financial figures that can be used as indicators of investment in sustainable infrastructure. These include “USD 27.8 million” for decarbonization projects, “₹77 crore” for a pipeline project in Chandigarh, a projected “USD 600 billion” for U.S. wastewater infrastructure, and a “US$ 2 billion investment in water recycling technologies by 2025” in India.
4. For Target 11.6 (Urban Waste Management):
   • Infrastructure and Policy Implementation: The implementation of the AMRUT 2.0 mission and the project to lay “175 km of tertiary treated water pipelines” in Chandigarh are concrete indicators of progress in improving urban wastewater management.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	6.3: Improve water quality and increase wastewater treatment and safe reuse.	Development of a 600 MLD deep-sea discharge pipeline. Requirement for cities to recycle a minimum of 20% of their wastewater under AMRUT 2.0. Implementation of Zero-Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems.
	6.4: Increase water-use efficiency and address water scarcity.	Up to a 20% reduction in water usage with smart water technologies. Up to 50% reduction in water consumption by implementing water reuse systems in food production.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	9.1 & 9.4: Develop sustainable infrastructure and upgrade industries with clean technologies.	Projected investment of USD 600 billion in U.S. wastewater infrastructure. Investment of ₹77 crore to lay 175 km of water pipelines in Chandigarh. Market share of advanced technologies like Membrane Filtration (34.9%).
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities, particularly in waste management.	Implementation of the AMRUT 2.0 mission in cities with populations exceeding 100,000. Cataloging of over 27,000 wastewater facilities by the EPA Clean Watersheds Needs Survey to inform urban infrastructure planning.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	12.2 & 12.4: Achieve sustainable management of natural resources and environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.	Adoption of water recycling and reuse technologies in the food and beverage industry. Dominance of Industrial Discharge (36.1% share) as a source for treatment, indicating a focus on managing industrial waste streams.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	7.3: Double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency.	Allocation of USD 27.8 million by the DOE for decarbonization projects in water facilities. Mention of the Energy-Water Nexus initiative to optimize energy and water systems.

Source: market.us