Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Market Reaching USD 8.2 Bn by 2034 – Market.us

Global Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Market Report: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary and Market Overview

The global Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) market is forecast to experience significant growth, expanding from USD 3.8 billion in 2024 to USD 8.2 billion by 2034, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.0%. This growth is intrinsically linked to the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). MBR technology, which integrates advanced membrane filtration with biological wastewater treatment, is a critical tool for achieving these goals. It produces high-quality effluent suitable for reuse, directly addressing water scarcity and supporting the development of resilient infrastructure as outlined in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Key market drivers include increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the challenges of rapid urbanization, which necessitate compact and efficient water treatment solutions. These factors align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by enabling urban centers to manage wastewater effectively within limited spatial footprints. The Asia-Pacific region dominated the market in 2024, accounting for 43.1% of the market share with revenues of USD 1.6 billion, highlighting the region’s commitment to investing in sustainable water infrastructure.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product: Hollow Fiber Dominance

In 2024, the Hollow Fiber segment commanded a 66.2% market share. Its leadership is attributed to superior filtration efficiency, a high surface area-to-volume ratio, and cost-effectiveness. These characteristics make it a vital technology for advancing SDG 6, as it provides a scalable and affordable method for water purification. The modular design of hollow fiber membranes supports the retrofitting and expansion of treatment facilities, contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9) in growing urban and industrial areas.

By Configuration: Submerged MBRs Lead in Efficiency

The Submerged MBR configuration held a market share of 67.9% in 2024. Its energy-efficient design, which eliminates the need for high-pressure pumps, reduces operational costs and aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). By minimizing energy consumption, submerged MBRs offer a more sustainable pathway to water treatment. Their compact footprint is particularly advantageous for densely populated urban areas, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 11.

By Application: Industrial Sector Drives Demand

The industrial sector was the largest application segment, with a 58.5% share in 2024. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemicals are increasingly adopting MBR technology to comply with strict discharge regulations and manage high-strength wastewater. This trend is a direct reflection of progress toward SDG 12, as industries implement solutions for responsible water management and pollution reduction. MBR systems enable water reuse and help facilities achieve zero-liquid discharge, fostering a circular economy and supporting sustainable industrialization under SDG 9.

Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific Leads in Sustainable Water Management

The Asia-Pacific region’s market leadership, with a 43.1% share valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024, is driven by strong government initiatives aimed at addressing water pollution and scarcity. Policies such as China’s “Water Ten Plan” and India’s Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Program are accelerating the adoption of advanced wastewater treatment technologies like MBRs. These efforts are fundamental to achieving SDG 6 and building the sustainable urban environments envisioned in SDG 11. The region’s focus on upgrading water infrastructure demonstrates a significant commitment to long-term environmental sustainability.

Key MBR Applications and Contributions to Sustainable Development

• Municipal Wastewater Treatment: MBR systems are crucial for urban water management, producing high-quality effluent that can be safely discharged or reused for non-potable purposes. This directly supports SDG 6 by increasing access to clean water and sanitation and SDG 11 by making cities more sustainable and resilient.
• Industrial Wastewater Management: By treating complex industrial effluents, MBRs enable companies to meet environmental standards and reduce their ecological footprint. This application is vital for achieving SDG 9 and SDG 12 by promoting clean industrial processes and responsible resource management.
• Decentralized Wastewater Systems: MBRs provide effective treatment for remote communities, resorts, and facilities not connected to centralized sewer systems. This application advances SDG 6 by ensuring access to sanitation in underserved areas and supports the development of inclusive infrastructure under SDG 11.
• Water Reuse and Recycling: The ability of MBRs to produce pathogen-free water is a cornerstone of water reuse strategies. This directly addresses water scarcity, reduces pressure on freshwater sources, and promotes a circular economy, aligning with the core principles of SDG 6 and SDG 12.
• Landfill Leachate Treatment: MBR technology effectively treats toxic leachate from landfills, preventing soil and water contamination. This specialized application contributes to sustainable waste management practices under SDG 11 and SDG 12.

Recent Industry Developments and Innovations

Leading companies are advancing MBR technology to enhance its contribution to sustainability goals. These developments focus on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding applications, further supporting SDG 9.

1. SUEZ (incorporating GE Water): Has focused on improving the energy efficiency of its ZeeWeed and LEAPmbr systems, integrating IoT and AI for real-time monitoring and operational optimization. This innovation supports SDG 7 and SDG 9.
2. B&P Water Technologies S.r.l.: Specializes in customized, modular MBR systems for industrial use, including hybrid MBR-RO systems that maximize water reuse, directly contributing to SDG 12.
3. CITIC Envirotech Ltd.: Is expanding large-scale municipal projects in Asia with its MEMBRIGHT technology, which features low-energy membranes and automated controls to reduce the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action).
4. MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions: Is developing innovative membrane materials with anti-fouling coatings and energy-efficient aeration designs, enhancing the sustainability and performance of MBRs in industrial applications.

Conclusion

The Membrane Bioreactor market is poised for robust growth, driven by its capacity to provide effective and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. MBR technology is a critical enabler for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, most notably SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By facilitating water reuse, supporting sustainable industrialization (SDG 9 and SDG 12), and enabling the development of resilient cities (SDG 11), MBRs are integral to the global transition toward a more sustainable and water-secure future.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action

Identified SDG Targets

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • 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.
     
     Explanation: The article extensively discusses Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology’s role in treating municipal and industrial wastewater to produce “high-quality effluent.” It highlights projects like the Delhi Jal Board’s plant aimed at reducing “untreated effluent in the Yamuna River” and the technology’s ability to remove “contaminants like bacteria and solids effectively.”
   • 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.
     
     Explanation: The article points to “increasing water scarcity” as a key driver for MBR adoption. It emphasizes that MBRs support “water reuse and recycling,” producing “crystal-clear, pathogen-free water suitable for non-potable reuse,” which “reduces freshwater demand.”
   • Target 6.a: By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies.
     
     Explanation: The article describes the global adoption of MBR technology, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. It mentions India’s “Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Program” and China’s “Water Ten Plan” as national initiatives promoting advanced wastewater solutions like MBRs, indicating the adoption of advanced reuse technologies in developing countries.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • 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.
     
     Explanation: The article focuses on MBR as an advanced, “environmentally sound” technology for wastewater treatment. It notes that “stricter global environmental regulations are pushing industries toward efficient treatment solutions like MBRs” and that the technology’s “compact design and minimal sludge production suit space-limited industrial facilities.”
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… including… encouraging innovation.
     
     Explanation: The “Recent Developments” section details how companies like General Electric, SUEZ, and CITIC Envirotech are innovating MBR systems. These advancements include “improved energy efficiency,” “IoT integration for real-time performance tracking,” “hybrid MBR-RO systems,” and “antifouling coatings,” all of which enhance technological capabilities.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
     
     Explanation: The article highlights MBRs as a solution for “Municipal Wastewater Treatment” in urban areas, noting their “compact design suits urban areas with limited space.” It also mentions their use in “Landfill Leachate Treatment” to prevent “environmental contamination” from city waste, directly addressing municipal waste management.

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
     
     Explanation: The article describes how MBR technology enables “water reuse and recycling,” which “reduces freshwater demand” and helps “industries and municipalities… meet stringent reuse standards while conserving resources.” This directly contributes to the efficient use of a key natural resource: water.
   • Target 12.4: By 2030, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to… water… to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
     
     Explanation: The article states that MBRs “handle tough wastewater from industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals” and “treat toxic leachate from landfills, removing harmful pollutants.” This demonstrates the technology’s role in the sound management of industrial and municipal waste streams to prevent water pollution.

5. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
     
     Explanation: The article mentions that the EU plans to “invest €90 billion to meet water and waste infrastructure needs for climate and energy goals.” It also refers to China’s “ecological civilization policies” and CITIC Envirotech’s focus on a “reduced carbon footprint,” showing how climate considerations are being integrated into infrastructure planning and technology development.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. For Target 6.3 (Improve water quality and wastewater treatment)

   • Indicator: Proportion of wastewater safely treated.
     
     Explanation: The article implies this indicator by citing the capacity of new treatment facilities, such as the “564 MLD sewage treatment plant” in Delhi, and the existence of “over 182 large-scale MBR systems, each treating over 5,000 m³/day.” The goal of reducing “untreated effluent” is a direct measure of progress.

2. For Target 6.4 (Increase water-use efficiency)

   • Indicator: Volume of water reused or recycled.
     
     Explanation: The article’s emphasis on “water reuse and recycling” and achieving “zero-liquid discharge” implies that the quantity of water reclaimed through MBR technology is a key metric for measuring increased efficiency and reduced strain on freshwater sources.

3. For Target 9.4 (Adoption of clean technologies)

   • Indicator: Market value and growth of clean technologies.
     
     Explanation: The article provides specific financial data that can serve as an indicator for the adoption of MBR technology. It states the market is projected to grow from “USD 3.8 billion in 2024 to USD 8.2 billion by 2034,” with a “CAGR of 8.0%.”

4. For Target 11.6 (Reduce environmental impact of cities)

   • Indicator: Volume of municipal waste (wastewater, leachate) safely managed.
     
     Explanation: The article mentions MBRs are used for “Municipal Wastewater Treatment” and “Landfill Leachate Treatment.” The capacity of these systems (e.g., the 564 MLD plant) serves as a direct indicator of the volume of urban waste being managed to reduce environmental impact.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: news.market.us