Industrial Wastewater Treatment Chemical Market: A Report on Growth, Dynamics, and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Chemical Market is undergoing significant expansion, fundamentally driven by the global imperative to achieve sustainable water management. This growth reflects a direct response to the challenges addressed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning water quality, industrial responsibility, and environmental protection. The market is projected to increase from a valuation of USD 15.8 billion in 2025 to USD 25.7 billion by 2032, advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. This trajectory is shaped by increasing industrial activity, stringent environmental regulations, and the development of advanced chemical solutions that support sustainable industrial practices.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The market’s expansion is intrinsically linked to the pursuit of several key SDGs. The demand for effective wastewater treatment chemicals is a critical enabler for governments and industries working to meet these global targets.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: The core function of the market is to improve water quality by treating industrial effluent, directly contributing to 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 provides essential chemical technologies that allow industries to operate sustainably. The development of advanced and efficient chemicals represents the innovation required to upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable (Target 9.4).
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: By enabling the treatment of industrial discharge, the market helps companies achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle, significantly reducing their release to air, water, and soil (Target 12.4). The promotion of water reuse and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems is a direct contribution to sustainable production patterns.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: Effective wastewater treatment prevents land-based pollution from entering marine ecosystems, thereby protecting marine biodiversity and health (Target 14.1).

Market Drivers and Dynamics

Key Growth Drivers

Several factors are propelling market growth, all of which are reinforced by the global sustainability agenda:

• Intensifying Industrialization: Rapid industrial growth in emerging economies increases the volume of wastewater, creating a critical need for treatment solutions to comply with environmental standards and support sustainable industrialization (SDG 9).
• Stringent Environmental Regulations: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on effluent discharge quality, compelling industries to invest in high-performance chemicals to avoid penalties and align with national commitments to SDG 6 and SDG 14.
• Technological Advancements: Innovation in chemical formulations is improving treatment efficiency, reducing sludge, and lowering operational costs. This aligns with SDG 9’s focus on technological upgrading and innovation.
• Adoption of Circular Economy Principles: A growing focus on water scarcity is driving the adoption of ZLD and water reuse systems, particularly in water-stressed regions. This trend boosts demand for specialized chemicals that facilitate resource recovery, directly supporting SDG 12.

Emerging Trends

The market is shifting in response to evolving industrial needs and heightened environmental awareness:

• Shift to Green and Sustainable Chemicals: There is a notable trend towards biodegradable and low-toxicity chemical alternatives. Sales of eco-friendly coagulants are rising as industries seek to minimize their environmental footprint, in line with SDG 12.
• Digitalization and IoT Integration: The integration of IoT in treatment plants allows for real-time monitoring and optimized chemical dosing, enhancing efficiency and resource management, which exemplifies the innovation called for in SDG 9.
• Focus on Resource Recovery: Chemical processes that enable the recovery of valuable resources from wastewater are gaining traction, reflecting a move towards a circular economy and responsible production (SDG 12).

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Chemical Type

• Coagulants & Flocculants
• Scale Inhibitors
• Biocides
• pH Adjusters
• Others

By End-Use Industry

The demand for wastewater treatment chemicals is prominent across sectors committed to reducing their environmental impact and adhering to sustainability mandates.

• Power Generation
• Oil & Gas
• Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
• Food & Beverage
• Pulp & Paper
• Mining
• Others

By Process Type

• Physical Treatment Chemicals
• Chemical Treatment Chemicals
• Biological Treatment Chemicals
• Others

Regional Outlook

Regional market growth is strongly correlated with industrial development and the regional focus on achieving the SDGs.

• North America & Europe: Mature markets driven by stringent regulations and the retrofitting of older industrial plants with advanced, sustainable treatment technologies to meet high environmental standards.
• Asia Pacific: This region represents the largest growth opportunity, led by China and India. Rapid industrialization, coupled with significant government investment in water and sanitation infrastructure (SDG 6), is fueling high demand for all types of treatment chemicals.
• Latin America: Growing industrial sectors and increasing environmental awareness are driving market expansion, with a focus on adopting cost-effective solutions.
• Middle East & Africa: Water scarcity is a primary driver in this region, spurring significant investment in water reuse and desalination technologies, which require specialized treatment chemicals and support SDG 6.

Competitive Landscape

The market is characterized by the presence of major global chemical manufacturers who are increasingly aligning their strategies with sustainability goals.

Leading Companies

• BASF SE
• Ecolab Inc.
• Kemira Oyj
• SNF Group
• Solenis LLC
• Nouryon
• Lanxess AG
• SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions
• Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
• PQ Corporation
• Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
• Veolia Environnement S.A.
• Clariant AG
• Dow Inc.
• Solvay S.A.

Strategic Developments

Leading players are actively engaged in mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to enhance their product portfolios with sustainable solutions and expand their global footprint. For example, acquisitions are being used to strengthen offerings in specialty chemicals like scale inhibitors, while partnerships with utilities are facilitating the deployment of novel, eco-friendly biocides. These strategies are designed to meet the growing industrial demand for technologies that support corporate sustainability objectives and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

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

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  This is the most central SDG addressed. The article’s entire focus is on the industrial wastewater treatment chemical market, which is fundamental to managing water resources, improving water quality, and ensuring safe water discharge and reuse. The text explicitly discusses “sustainable water management solutions,” “effluent treatment quality,” and processes that “enable water reuse and resource recovery.”

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article connects directly to this goal by highlighting how “increasing industrialization” drives the need for wastewater treatment. It also focuses on innovation within the industry, such as “technological advancement in chemical formulations,” “digitization of wastewater treatment plants through IoT integration,” and the development of “advanced chemical formulations aimed at optimizing pollutant removal efficiency.” This reflects the push to upgrade industries and make them more sustainable.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This goal is addressed through the article’s emphasis on sustainable practices. It mentions a “shift towards sustainable and green chemical alternatives exhibiting biodegradability and lower toxicity profiles,” which aligns with the environmentally sound management of chemicals. Furthermore, the discussion on “circular economy principles,” “zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems,” and chemical formulations that “reduce sludge production” directly supports the goal of reducing waste and promoting sustainable resource management.

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

1. Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing wastewater treatment and safe reuse.

   The article directly relates to this target by describing the market for chemicals used to treat industrial wastewater. The text states that the market is driven by “tightening regulatory norms to enhance effluent treatment quality” and the need for “advanced treatment chemicals to comply with environmental standards.” The mention of “growing adoption of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems” and processes that “facilitate recovery and reuse” clearly points to increasing recycling and safe reuse of water.

2. Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries for sustainability.

   The article identifies a clear trend towards making industries more sustainable. It mentions “technological advancement in chemical formulations that improve treatment efficiency,” the “digitization of wastewater treatment plants through IoT integration,” and the “greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies” like “eco-friendly coagulants.” These actions directly contribute to retrofitting industries for increased resource-use efficiency and sustainability.

3. Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes.

   This target is evident in the market’s “notable shift towards sustainable and green chemical alternatives exhibiting biodegradability and lower toxicity profiles.” The article quantifies this shift, noting that in 2024, “the sales of eco-friendly coagulants increased by over 20% globally as industries aim to reduce their environmental footprint.” This demonstrates a move towards the sound management of chemicals to minimize their adverse impacts.

4. Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation.

   The article implies progress towards this target by stating that a key market driver is “technological advancement in chemical formulations that improve treatment efficiency and reduce sludge production.” Sludge is a primary waste product of wastewater treatment, so its reduction is a direct contribution to this target.

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

• Market Growth as an Indicator of Increased Treatment (Target 6.3):

  The projected growth of the Global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Chemical Market from “USD 15.8 billion in 2025” to “USD 25.7 billion by 2032” serves as a proxy indicator for the increasing proportion of industrial wastewater being treated.

• Adoption of Sustainable Chemicals (Targets 9.4 & 12.4):

  A specific, measurable indicator is provided: “In 2024, the sales of eco-friendly coagulants increased by over 20% globally.” This directly measures the adoption of cleaner technologies and more environmentally sound chemicals.

• Increased Demand in Developing Economies (Target 6.3):

  The article provides data on rising demand, which implies an increase in treatment activities. For example, “India’s industrial sector wastewater volume increased by approximately 8% in 2024,” and import growth rates for treatment chemicals surpassed “9% [in India] and 7% [in Brazil] respectively in 2024.”

• Waste Reduction (Target 12.5):

  The mention that advanced chemical formulations “reduce sludge production” is a qualitative indicator. While no specific percentage is given, it points to a measurable outcome (volume of sludge produced per unit of wastewater treated) that can be tracked to measure progress.

• Adoption of Water Reuse Technologies (Target 6.3):

  The article points to the “growing adoption of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems” and “circular economy principles… with increased emphasis on chemical processes that enable water reuse” as key trends. The rate of adoption of these systems is a clear indicator of progress in water reuse.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: openpr.com