Industrial Wastewater Treatment Service Market Report: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The global Industrial Wastewater Treatment Service Market is forecast to experience significant growth, expanding from USD 18.28 billion in 2024 to USD 34.11 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.44%. This expansion is critically linked to the global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The market’s trajectory is shaped by stringent environmental regulations, escalating industrial output, and pressing water scarcity concerns, which compel industries to adopt sustainable water management practices.

Market Drivers and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The primary forces propelling the market are intrinsically tied to global sustainability mandates.

• Regulatory Frameworks for SDG 6: Governments worldwide are implementing robust policies to achieve clean water objectives. The European Union’s Water Framework Directive and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) allocation of $2.5 billion for water infrastructure are key examples of policy actions driving industries to invest in advanced treatment systems, directly supporting the targets of SDG 6.
• Industrial Responsibility and SDG 12: Growing industrial activity, especially in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage sectors, increases the demand for effective wastewater management. This is driven by a need to comply with pollution control standards and embrace principles of responsible production outlined in SDG 12.
• Innovation for Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 9): Technological advancements, including membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes, are enabling more efficient and effective wastewater treatment. These innovations are crucial for building resilient infrastructure and fostering industrial sustainability as envisioned in SDG 9.
• Water Scarcity and Climate Action (SDG 6 & SDG 13): Increasing water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, is pushing industries towards water conservation and reuse. The growing interest in zero-liquid discharge systems and resource recovery from wastewater reflects a direct response to the goals of ensuring water availability (SDG 6) and combating climate change (SDG 13).

Market Challenges

Despite positive growth drivers, several barriers hinder universal adoption and progress towards SDG targets.

• High Operational Costs: The significant capital and operational expenditure required for modern treatment facilities poses a substantial barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), potentially slowing progress towards comprehensive water treatment under SDG 6.
• Complex Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the intricate web of local and international environmental regulations can be challenging and costly for businesses, creating hurdles for consistent adherence to SDG-related standards.
• Skills and Resource Gaps: A shortage of skilled personnel to operate and maintain advanced treatment systems, alongside the emergence of lower-cost but potentially less effective alternatives, presents a challenge to the widespread implementation of high-quality water infrastructure (SDG 9).

Regional Analysis and SDG Implementation

Asia Pacific

Holding the largest market share, the Asia Pacific region’s growth is fueled by rapid industrialization. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge in balancing economic development (SDG 8) with the urgent need for environmental protection and sustainable water management as per SDG 6 and SDG 12.

Middle East & Africa

This region is identified as the fastest-growing market, driven by substantial investments in infrastructure and the critical need to address severe water resource challenges. These efforts are a direct strategic response to achieve water security and resilience, aligning closely with the core objectives of SDG 6.

Market Segmentation Highlights

By Technology

Membrane Bioreactors and Advanced Oxidation Processes are leading technologies, favored for their high efficiency in meeting stringent discharge regulations. Their adoption is a key enabler for industries seeking to fulfill their responsibilities under SDG 6 and SDG 9.

By Application

The Chemical and Pharmaceutical industries are the largest consumers of wastewater treatment services. The stringent requirements for water quality and pollution control in these sectors underscore the critical role of treatment services in achieving SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

By End User

The Industrial segment is the largest end-user, projected to reach USD 15 billion by 2034. The fastest growth is anticipated in the Commercial sector, as regulatory pressures and corporate sustainability goals increasingly drive the adoption of on-site treatment solutions.

Competitive Landscape and Strategic Developments

Top Market Players

1. Veolia
2. Suez
3. Xylem
4. Ecolab
5. Pentair
6. Evoqua Water Technologies
7. Kurita Water Industries
8. Aquatech International
9. Thermax
10. Dow Water & Process Solutions

Strategic Contributions to Global Goals

Leading companies are advancing market growth through strategies that align with the SDGs. Innovation, strategic partnerships, and integrated service offerings are key competitive differentiators.

• Innovation and Partnerships (SDG 9 & SDG 17): Companies like Veolia, Suez, and Xylem are heavily investing in R&D and forming strategic partnerships to enhance their technological capabilities. These actions directly contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Accessible Technology for All: The introduction of modular treatment systems, such as those launched by Veolia and Xylem in 2024, aims to make advanced wastewater treatment more accessible and affordable for SMEs, thereby democratizing the ability of smaller businesses to contribute to SDG 6.
• Circular Economy and Resource Recovery: A significant trend is the focus on zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) and resource recovery from wastewater. This shift towards a circular economy model is a direct contribution to SDG 12, transforming waste streams into valuable resources and minimizing environmental impact.

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
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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

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.

     The article directly addresses this target by focusing on the industrial wastewater treatment market. It highlights that growth is “fueled by stricter environmental regulations” and the need for “safe wastewater management” in sectors like chemical and pharmaceutical. The mention of “zero-liquid discharge systems and resource recovery from wastewater” aligns with the goal of increasing recycling and safe reuse.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.

     The article points to this target by mentioning that the market in the Middle East & Africa is growing due to “major infrastructure investments.” It also cites the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) allocation of “$2.5 billion toward water infrastructure, including industrial treatment projects.”

   • 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.

     This target is supported by the article’s discussion of “Advancements in treatment technologies like membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes” that help industries meet regulations efficiently. The trend towards “sustainability” and “resource recovery from wastewater” also reflects the push to make industries more sustainable and resource-efficient.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • 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 to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

     The article’s core subject, industrial wastewater treatment, is central to this target. It specifies that key industries driving demand are “chemical, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage sectors, where safe wastewater management is essential for meeting environmental standards.” This demonstrates the effort to manage industrial waste (wastewater) and reduce its release into the environment.

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 (Improve water quality and increase wastewater treatment)

   • Projected growth of the industrial wastewater treatment market: The article states the market is “projected to grow from USD 18.28 billion in 2024 to USD 34.11 billion by 2034.” This financial growth serves as a proxy indicator for the expansion of wastewater treatment capacity and services.
   • Adoption of advanced treatment technologies: The article notes that “Membrane Treatment is growing the fastest” and highlights the use of “Membrane Bioreactors” and “Advanced Oxidation Processes.” The rate of adoption of these efficient technologies indicates progress in improving the quality of treated water.

2. For Target 9.1 (Develop sustainable infrastructure)

   • Public and private investment in water infrastructure: The article provides a specific example of the “Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $2.5 billion toward water infrastructure.” This figure is a direct indicator of financial commitment to building and upgrading water treatment infrastructure.

3. For Target 9.4 (Upgrade industries with clean technologies)

   • Development of affordable and accessible technologies: The mention of “Veolia’s modular treatment systems launched in 2024” designed to help “smaller businesses comply with regulations affordably” is an indicator of progress in making sustainable technologies more accessible to all industries, not just large corporations.

4. For Target 12.4 (Environmentally sound management of waste)

   • Industry-specific market growth for treatment services: The article projects that the Chemical Industry’s use of these services will grow to “USD 9 billion by 2034” and that the Pharmaceutical Industry is “expanding quickest.” These figures indicate the extent to which specific industries are adopting sound waste management practices for their wastewater.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: openpr.com