Report on the Global Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Market and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

This report provides an analysis of the Global Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) market, with a significant focus on its role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The market is projected to expand from USD 3.8 billion in 2024 to USD 8.2 billion by 2034, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.0%.

MBR technology, which combines membrane filtration with biological wastewater treatment, is a critical tool for achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By producing high-quality effluent suitable for reuse, MBR systems directly address water scarcity and promote sustainable water management. Their compact design is particularly beneficial for urban infrastructure development, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The technology’s application in treating industrial wastewater supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by enabling industries to adopt circular economy principles and reduce their environmental footprint.

Market growth is propelled by stringent environmental regulations and the urgent need for resilient water infrastructure. For instance, the European Union’s planned €90 billion investment in water and waste infrastructure by 2030 is a direct commitment to achieving climate and environmental objectives, reflecting the ambitions of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Key Findings and Market Projections

• Market Growth: The global MBR market is forecast to reach USD 8.2 billion by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 8.0%.
• Product Dominance: Hollow Fiber membranes command over 66.2% of the market, valued for their efficiency and scalability in achieving water quality targets under SDG 6.
• Configuration Preference: Submerged MBR configurations hold a 67.9% market share due to their energy efficiency, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Application Leadership: The industrial sector accounts for 58.5% of the market, highlighting the technology’s importance for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Regional Leadership: The Asia-Pacific region leads with a 43.1% market share (USD 1.6 billion), driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructure projects aligned with SDG 11.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product

Hollow Fiber membranes dominate the market with a 66.2% share. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio allows for compact and efficient filtration systems. This scalability is crucial for expanding water treatment capacity in densely populated urban areas and retrofitting existing plants, thereby supporting the objectives of SDG 6 and SDG 11 by providing reliable and cost-effective water purification.

By Configuration

Submerged MBRs represent 67.9% of the market. This configuration is favored for its lower energy consumption compared to side stream systems, as it eliminates the need for high-pressure pumps. This energy efficiency is a direct contribution to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment. Its ease of integration into existing infrastructure also facilitates the upgrading of municipal facilities to meet modern sustainability standards.

By Application

The industrial sector is the largest application segment, with a 58.5% share. Stricter environmental regulations compel industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing to adopt advanced wastewater treatment. MBR systems enable these industries to meet discharge standards, facilitate water reuse, and move towards zero-liquid discharge models. This trend is a clear manifestation of progress towards SDG 9 (Sustainable Industrialization) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Emerging Trends

Smart MBR Systems for Enhanced Sustainability

A significant trend is the integration of smart monitoring technologies into MBR systems, particularly for treating high-volume industrial wastewater from sectors like food and beverage. These intelligent systems use real-time sensors and data analytics to optimize operational parameters, reducing energy consumption by 15–20%. This innovation supports SDG 9 by advancing industrial technology and SDG 13 by improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, by enabling the removal of micropollutants as mandated by new regulations like the EU’s Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, these systems help protect public health (SDG 3) and aquatic ecosystems (SDG 14).

Market Dynamics

Drivers

The primary driver for the MBR market is the rising global demand for sustainable water treatment solutions, which is central to SDG 6. Increasing water stress, as highlighted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), necessitates greater water recycling and reuse. MBR technology provides an effective solution for industries and municipalities to meet stringent water quality standards, reduce consumption, and lower discharge costs, thereby promoting responsible resource management in line with SDG 12.

Restraints

The high initial capital investment required for MBR systems remains a significant restraint, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and in developing nations. This financial barrier can slow progress towards achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation as outlined in SDG 6. Financial mechanisms and government support, such as the EU’s LIFE Programme and the U.S. EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, are critical for overcoming this hurdle and promoting the adoption of sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9).

Opportunities

The growing global focus on sustainability and the circular economy presents a major opportunity for the MBR market. As industries increasingly adopt water stewardship policies, the demand for technologies that enable water recycling is set to rise. MBR systems are ideally positioned to meet this demand, helping companies reduce their water footprint and operational costs. This alignment with corporate sustainability goals and global frameworks like the SDGs, particularly SDG 6 and SDG 12, will continue to create growth opportunities.

Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global MBR market with a 43.1% share, valued at USD 1.6 billion. This leadership is driven by government-led efforts to address the challenges of rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrial pollution. Countries like China and India are making substantial investments in wastewater infrastructure to achieve national and global sustainability targets.

• China’s “Water Ten Plan” mandates enhanced wastewater treatment, driving large-scale MBR deployment in municipalities and industrial parks, contributing to SDG 6 and SDG 11.
• India’s initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Program, support the adoption of decentralized and energy-efficient MBR systems to improve urban sanitation and water management, directly addressing SDG 6. The Delhi Jal Board’s 564 MLD sewage treatment plant is a landmark project aimed at protecting water bodies, in line with SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Key Player Analysis

Leading companies in the MBR market are instrumental in developing and deploying technologies that support the SDGs.

• General Electric (GE): Offers advanced, energy-efficient MBR systems like the ZeeWeed and LEAPmbr, which help municipalities and industries achieve sustainable water management (SDG 6) while reducing their energy footprint (SDG 13).
• CITIC Envirotech Ltd.: Focuses on large-scale MBR projects in Asia, providing critical infrastructure for wastewater treatment in rapidly urbanizing regions. Their work directly supports the development of sustainable cities (SDG 11) and improves access to sanitation (SDG 6).
• MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions: Provides reliable and durable membrane products for a diverse range of global customers, contributing to the widespread availability of advanced water treatment technology required to meet SDG 6 targets.
• Suez, Veolia, Kubota Corporation, and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation are other major players whose innovations in water treatment are vital for building resilient infrastructure (SDG 9) and promoting a circular economy (SDG 12).

Recent Industry Developments

• November 2024: CITIC Envirotech Ltd. secured a contract for a 100,000 m³/day MBR system at the Jiaxing United Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project represents a significant infrastructure upgrade to improve water quality, aligning with SDG 6 and SDG 9.
• 2024: General Electric introduced its LEAPmbr system, which reduces energy consumption by approximately 15%. This technological advancement is a key contribution to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by making wastewater treatment more sustainable.

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

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• The article’s central theme is Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, which is used for treating municipal and industrial wastewater. This directly supports the goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The text highlights issues like water scarcity, water recycling, and the need for high-quality effluent, all of which are core to SDG 6.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The article discusses MBR as an advanced and innovative technology for wastewater treatment. It details significant investments in water infrastructure, such as the EU’s €90 billion commitment and specific plant constructions in India and China. The focus on industrial applications, retrofitting industries with sustainable technologies, and improving resource-use efficiency aligns perfectly with SDG 9.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The text links the demand for MBR technology to rapid urbanization and the need for compact treatment solutions in densely populated areas. It provides examples of MBR systems being implemented in cities like Delhi (under the Delhi Jal Board) and Jiaxing to manage municipal wastewater, directly contributing to making cities more sustainable and reducing their environmental impact.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The article emphasizes water recycling, reuse, and the creation of a “circular economy.” By enabling industries (e.g., food and beverage) to treat and reuse water, MBR technology promotes sustainable production patterns. The mention of “zero-liquid discharge configurations” and the removal of micropollutants from wastewater further supports the goal of environmentally sound management of resources and waste.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The article connects water infrastructure investment in the EU to achieving “climate and energy objectives.” It highlights innovations aimed at energy optimization, such as smart MBRs that can cut energy consumption by 15–20% and GE’s LEAPmbr system. Reducing the energy footprint of wastewater treatment is a direct contribution to climate action.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• By treating wastewater effectively before it is discharged, MBR technology helps prevent pollution of rivers and oceans. The article gives a specific example of the Delhi Jal Board’s plant, which is “set to significantly reduce untreated effluent discharge into the Yamuna” river. This action directly contributes to protecting aquatic ecosystems from land-based pollution.

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

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.3: “By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution… halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.” The article’s entire focus on MBR technology for treating municipal and industrial wastewater to produce high-quality effluent for reuse directly addresses this target. The Delhi plant project is a concrete example of reducing untreated wastewater.
• Target 6.4: “By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals… to address water scarcity.” The article identifies growing water scarcity as a key driver for MBR adoption and cites examples of companies like Coca-Cola and Nestlé improving their water efficiency through advanced treatment and reuse.
• Target 6.a: “By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities…” The article highlights the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, as the dominant market, with government initiatives like India’s Smart Cities Program supporting the adoption of these technologies. This reflects capacity-building in developing nations.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…” The article describes investments in large-scale, sustainable water infrastructure, such as the EU’s €90 billion plan and the construction of advanced treatment plants, which are examples of building resilient 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…” The article details how industries are adopting MBRs—a clean technology—to meet stricter regulations, improve water efficiency, and achieve goals like “zero-liquid discharge.”

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… municipal and other waste management.” The implementation of MBR systems for municipal wastewater treatment in urban areas like Delhi and Jiaxing directly addresses the need for improved urban waste management.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Target 12.4: “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes… and significantly reduce their release to… water…” The article mentions the EU’s directive requiring the removal of micropollutants like pharmaceuticals and PFAS, which advanced MBR systems are designed to handle.
• Target 12.5: “By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.” The focus on water recycling and reuse is a central theme. The article also notes that MBR systems have “reduced sludge generation,” contributing to waste reduction.

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

Indicators for SDG 6

• Indicator 6.3.1 (Proportion of wastewater safely treated): The article provides specific quantitative data that can serve as indicators. Examples include the treatment capacity of the Delhi plant (564 MLD) and the Jiaxing plant (100,000 m³/day). The market share of industrial applications (58.5%) also indicates the proportion of industrial wastewater being targeted for treatment.
• Indicator 6.4.1 (Change in water-use efficiency): The article provides concrete metrics for this indicator, stating that “Coca-Cola’s water use efficiency has improved by 20% in the last decade” and “Nestlé reported a 10% improvement in its water efficiency.”

Indicators for SDG 9

• Financial Flows for Infrastructure (Proxy for 9.1.1): The article mentions specific investment figures that serve as indicators of financial commitment to sustainable infrastructure, such as the “€90 billion investment in water and waste infrastructure” by the EU and the “RMB 490 million” for the Jiaxing plant renovation.
• Energy Efficiency Improvements (Proxy for 9.4.1): While not measuring CO2 directly, the article provides indicators of energy efficiency gains, which is a key component of making industries sustainable. Examples include “smart MBR solutions can cut energy consumption by 15–20%” and GE’s LEAPmbr system being “engineered to reduce energy use by around 15%.”

Indicators for SDG 12

• Removal of Specific Pollutants (Qualitative indicator for 12.4.1): The article states that the updated EU directive “requires removal of micropollutants from wastewater—endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals, and PFAS.” The ability of smart MBR systems to meet these standards serves as a direct indicator of achieving environmentally sound management of waste.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators
identified in the article.

Source: market.us