Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Industrial Wastewater Market size was valued at USD 26 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a valuation of USD 61 billion by the end of 2037, rising at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of industrial wastewater is estimated at USD 27.7 billion.
The industrial wastewater market is expanding at a steady pace due to policy implementation, environmental consciousness, and advancement in technology. The combination of membrane-based and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems is now being widely adopted in industries such as textiles, power, and pharmaceuticals. In February 2025, Kurita announced a merger with Avista Technologies in order to expand its membrane treatment products. This deal enables Kurita to expand the provision of sustainable water solutions to industrial clients, which is a developing trend in industrial systems that seek to use resources in a closed-loop system.
The public and private sectors are now working towards common goals like water recycling, zero discharge, and climate change adaptation. This is owing to the increasing appreciation of the need for sustainable water management strategies that will allow for control of the adverse impacts of the current water management systems on the environment while at the same time addressing the challenge of water scarcity. International policies such as the U.S. Clean Water Act and the EU Industrial Emissions Directive are already providing the impetus for such developments. These regulations also establish strict parameters concerning the quality of wastewater discharge and encourage industries to use better technology.
Industrial Wastewater Market: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- International pressures for higher standards and world water scarcity: The interaction between water scarcity and policy is a crucial factor in changing industrial trends. According to the WMO, more than 3.6 billion people suffered water scarcity for at least one month in 2024. As a result, ZLD systems are now being implemented in the textile clusters of India and the industrial regions of China. In March 2024, TERI collaborated with Ion Exchange India to take forward its TADOX oxidation technology for achieving ZLD compliance and revolutionizing low-energy pollutant elimination. This partnership is a clear indication that there is a need for more innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by water scarcity and pollution.
- Surge in PPP-based wastewater infrastructure: The involvement of private actors in industrial water management is making it possible to achieve scale and innovation. In October 2024, Stegra collaborated with John Laing and Aquatech to start a closed-loop facility in its green steel plant in Sweden. The facility reuses water to the maximum degree possible, with an efficiency of 99.9% achieved through the use of ultrafiltration and electrochemical systems. Such PPPs are becoming more significant in heavy industries that are in the process of reducing carbon emissions and addressing ESG requirements. Such partnerships show the possibility of synergy between the public and private spheres to bring about positive environmental and economic impacts.
- Corporate sustainability and resource recovery goals: Today, companies are integrating their activities with water optimization plans that are positive. For instance, Amazon Web Services has developed a water positivity policy that aims to achieve water positivity by 2030. In July 2024, Kurita America Inc. and Solugen Inc. signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to create carbon-negative water treatment solutions. This includes bio-based phosphorus replacement and other bio-based petrochemicals. The push toward low-impact additives and full recovery solutions is creating new advancements in treatment chemistries and effluent utilization. This change is attributed to increased corporate social responsibility as well as recognition of the effects of industrial processes on the environment.
Challenges
- Non-compliance and legacy infrastructure risks: Even though there are many improved technologies in wastewater treatment, numerous older industrial facilities still use substandard and non-conforming equipment. These legacy systems are incapable of handling complex industrial effluents and are not efficient in meeting the current higher standards of environmental compliance. The Dow Freeport plant in Texas is cited as one of the most pollutive plants in the U.S. and serves as an example of the dangers of non-adherence to best practices and outdated infrastructure. The plant has been continuously violating discharge standards, with high rates of dioxin emission and nitrogen/phosphorus emissions, pointing towards the need for modernization. Renovating old wastewater treatment plants is a complex and expensive process, but it is necessary to maintain ecological balance and avoid adverse effects on people’s health.
- Contaminant complexity and emerging pollutants: New classes of industrial contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, and microplastics are some of the emerging contaminants that are not removed by conventional industrial wastewater treatment systems. These emerging pollutants are difficult to deal with as they are persistent in the environment, some of them are toxic, and they are also resistant to conventional treatment processes. Their presence in water can pose significant risks to both human and environmental health, necessitating the development of advanced treatment technologies. Research is ongoing to find effective ways to remove these contaminants and mitigate their potential harm.
Industrial Wastewater Market: Key Insights
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
6.8% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 26 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 61 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Industrial Wastewater Segmentation
Wastewater Type (Chemical Wastewater, Oil & Grease Wastewater, Acidic Wastewater, Alkaline Wastewater, Toxic Wastewater)
Chemical wastewater segment is set to capture over 31.5% industrial wastewater market share by 2037, due to the growth of the pharmaceuticals, oil refining, and specialty chemical industries. The composition of effluents, which could include organics, solvents, and heavy metals, requires sophisticated treatment. In November 2023, Kemira added a new product, ferric sulfate coagulant, to its range to deal with phosphorus-laden discharges in the UK. This improves chemical remediation efficiency in areas that are heavily contaminated. Chemical wastewater is the most prevalent, toxic, and widespread in its effects among all types of wastewater. Its treatment involves several steps like precipitation, oxidation, and advanced filtration to ensure it is safe for human consumption. Contaminant profiling is on the rise in industries and making the application of software-enhanced treatment systems all the more vital.
Technology (Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), Activated Sludge, Reverse Osmosis (RO), Membrane Filtration)
By 2037, reverse osmosis (RO) segment is estimated to capture over 38.7% industrial wastewater market share, owing to its versatility in water reuse and resource recovery. In March 2024, Ecolab’s new plant in Singapore with RO equipment is fully automated and it has a production capacity of 24000 cubic meters per month. This contributes to high purity of the output, small size, and the ability to integrate it in a modular manner, thus suitable for use in both urban and rural areas. RO is gradually gaining popularity in F&B, pharma, and Electronics industries where water quality and zero BPF discharge is paramount. Also, the integration with MBR and ultrafiltration units strengthens its position as a backbone for the contemporary wastewater systems.
Our in-depth analysis of the global industrial wastewater market includes the following segments:
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Wastewater Type |
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Technology |
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Treatment Method |
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End user Industry |
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Customize this ReportIndustrial Wastewater Industry - Regional Synopsis
North America Market Analysis
North America industrial wastewater market is set to grow at around 5.6% CAGR between 2025 and 2037, due to the increasing EPA standards and corporate sustainability requirements in wastewater treatment. The U.S. has identified ammonia and metal recovery from effluent streams as important targets for domestic production to decrease import dependence. The U.S. consumption of anhydrous ammonia in 2023 was 15 million tons, with more than 2 million tons being imported. Since over 50% of this nutrient is washed off and ends up in wastewater, advanced treatment technology is needed. The federal government has pledged USD 36 million to the research aimed at reclaiming these elements. This trend is in support of the circular economy and resource efficiency. In recent years, industrial operators have begun incorporating nutrient extraction modules as part of their treatment line.
The U.S. continues to be at the forefront of industrial wastewater development, owing to aggressive policy implementation and technology-driven upgrades. Tomorrow Water received a U.S. patent for its AMX two-stage Anammox nitrogen removal system in July 2024. This energy-efficient process has the advantage of cutting down on the expenses of running the plant and, at the same time, improving the efficiency of denitrification. It is being implemented in muni-industrial complex facilities, providing a scalable approach to ammonia-rich discharges. Given climate change impacts, the provision and treatment of wastewater is one of the most critical infrastructure needs. Managers are incorporating artificial intelligence to monitor discharges in real time to ensure compliance. Federal funding is also currently driving public-private partnerships for pollutant removal and water reuse in manufacturing clusters.
The industrial wastewater market in Canada is gradually growing due to the advancement in the infrastructure and the regulations to meet the international standards. Population expansion and rising concern over industrial effluent discharges are driving the use of membrane and chemical treatment systems. Provincial governments are also putting in place tougher phosphorus and nitrogen standards for agriculture and food processing. Ontario and British Columbia industrial clusters are investing in small-scale and modular treatment facilities. This makes it possible for SMEs to scale up while addressing emerging environmental requirements.
Asia Pacific Excluding Japan Market Statistics
By 2037, APEJ industrial wastewater market is set to dominate over 44.3% revenue share, owing to increased industrialization and strict water recycling regulations. India and Vietnam, for instance, are among the world’s most water-scarce countries, which has led to the increased adoption of industrial water recycling systems. In January 2024, INDRA secured USD 4 million in funding to expand its operations in Southeast Asia and India. The investment will help further develop AI-based wastewater platforms and increase the availability of ZLD compliance offerings. Small cities’ infrastructural deficiencies have been compensated through the use of modular and mobile treatment facilities. With the increasing trend towards urbanization in the region, centralized effluent treatment plants are almost a standard feature in industrial estates. Smart water security strategies are inextricably connected with APEJ growth path.
The industrial wastewater segment of China is growing rapidly as the government implements the Water Pollution Action Plan and green industrial development. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has established stringent effluent discharge standards for chemicals, textiles, and metallurgy. In response, many industries have implemented ETPs and upgraded with RO, MBR, and AI-based controls. In April 2024, Veolia unveiled its GreenUp plan to fight pollution and advance the circular economy by decarbonizing wastewater. Currently, Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces have launched pilot projects to implement new sludge-to-energy technologies. The ongoing focus on energy recovery and smart regulation in China remains a model for industrial sustainability in Asia.
The industrial wastewater market in India is growing at a fast pace due to the Zero Liquid Discharge policies and the national-level water reuse initiatives. More than half of the country is currently experiencing high water scarcity hence the need to recycle industrial water. In February 2024, TERI licensed TADOX technology to Ion Exchange India Ltd. This advanced oxidation process aims at helping sectors such as leather, textile, and pharma to attain ZLD. Some states, such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, have made it mandatory for industries discharging more than certain levels to use closed loop treatment. Government incentives and tax exemptions are paving the way for solar power and decentralized treatment units. India is gradually emerging as a preferred market for affordable and scalable wastewater technology exports.
Companies Dominating the Industrial Wastewater Market
- Aquatech
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- Ecolab
- Kemira
- Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
- Lenntech B.V.
- Nitto Denko Corporation
- Pentair
- SUEZ S.A.
- SWA Water Australia
- Thermax Limited
- Veolia
- WOG Group
- Xylem
The industrial wastewater market is highly competitive, and companies are focusing on innovation, ESG strategies, and geographically. Some of the leading companies are Aquatech, Ecolab, Kemira, Kurita Water Industries Ltd., Lenntech B.V., Nitto Denko Corporation, Pentair, SUEZ S.A., SWA Water Australia, Thermax Limited, Veolia, WOG Group, and Xylem. These companies are increasing offerings in RO, sludge management, ZLD, and carbon-negative treatment solutions. The industrial wastewater market is being driven by strategic partnerships and technology licensing to expand into new markets.
Mergers and acquisitions are also on the rise as firms look at building integrated, end-to-end solutions for the water sector. In December 2024, Pentair acquired Florida-based G&F Manufacturing, LLC for USD 108 million to expand its value proposition and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. While this acquisition is expected to be only slightly additive to Pentair’s earnings by 2025, the company broadened its portfolio of pool equipment for customers in Florida and the surrounding markets, which reaffirms the firm’s commitment to water solutions. These actions demonstrate how innovative filtration, anticipatory regulation, and international partnerships are writing the next chapter of industrial wastewater evolution.
Here are some leading companies in the industrial wastewater market:
In the News
- In February 2025, Omer Vander Ghinste Brewery teamed up with Veolia to expand its wastewater treatment facility near Kortrijk, Belgium. The collaboration is aimed at increasing on-site processing capacity and enhancing compliance with evolving environmental regulations. This move underscores the rising demand for tailored industrial solutions in the food and beverage sector.
- In January 2025, VA Tech Wabag (WABAG) was awarded a USD 14 million contract by BAPCO Refining B.S.C. to handle operation and maintenance services for an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Bahrain. The project highlights WABAG’s growing footprint in the Middle East and reinforces its capabilities in long-term plant performance management within the industrial wastewater segment.
- In January 2025, Axius Water completed the acquisition of Aero-Mod, a Kansas-based provider of mechanical and biological wastewater treatment systems. The deal extends Axius Water’s capabilities in nutrient removal technologies and supports its strategy to scale integrated solutions across industrial and municipal markets.
Author Credits: Dhruv Bhatia
- Report ID: 7479
- Published Date: Apr 07, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
