Zero Liquid Discharge Market on a Stable Trajectory, Fairfield Market Research Projects 12.4% Revenue Growth by 2026

April 2022

Amidst rapid urbanisation and globalisation, the need for water has been much higher than ever. In the same scenario, the parallel world comprises industries including pharmaceuticals, power, chemicals and petrochemicals, and oil and gas. These industries precipitate strong waste, harmful and non-toxic chemicals, and natural waste which are further released into natural water bodies. This not only deteriorates the water quality but also gradually affects the flora and fauna adversely and leads to climatic changes. To this end, zero liquid discharge market has taken the industry by storm.

Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) is a wastewater treatment process used to treat and recycle wastewater to eliminate the discharge of water towards the end of the treatment cycle. Therefore, no liquid waste is released out of the facility. Recognizing the need to eradicate the adverse impact of liquid discharge, legislatures are actively drafting relevant norms. This has translated into numerous opportunities for the players in the zero liquid discharge market. Fairfield Market Research reports an uprise in the market worth during the projection timeframe of 2021 - 2026, progressing at a staggering 12.4% CAGR. By the end of 2026, the market is predicted to reach US$1,639.3 Mn worth, rising from US$841.4 Mn in 2020.

Key Trends Influencing Zero Liquid Discharge Market Growth

  • Industrial activities are responsible for generating more than 48% of the global wastewater that is released into the environment without being treated.

  • With a 44.6% share of the global zero liquid discharge market, the energy & power segment led the market in 2020.

  • Europe and North America, combined, generated beyond 70 billion cubic metres of wastewater per year.

Energy & Power Segment to Make Significant Contributions to Market Valuation

The energy and power segment, comprising oil & gas exploration, refineries, power plants,  and production companies, captures a major share in the zero liquid discharge market. In the energy and power industry, thermal power plants majorly generate wastewater during the process. Refineries also discharge substantial amounts of water pollutants. The products processed in their surroundings and the nature of operations make refineries major water polluters. Thus, the segment is set to experience robust uptake of ZLD throughout the projection timeframe. Food & beverages, chemicals & petrochemicals, and textile segments shall also witness significant adoption of ZLD, assuring influential growth across the global zero liquid discharge market.

Robust Investments to Improve Wastewater Management Paves Way for Asia Pacific Dominance in Global Market

Geographically, Asia Pacific dominated the global zero liquid discharge market with a major share of 42.7% in 2020 and is likely to maintain the status quo during the forecast period.  The region is thriving at the behest of substantial investments in water treatment plants considering security concerns in India and China. In these economies, governments are critically promoting industries to establish ZLD for effective wastewater treatment. On the other end, accelerated demand from matured markets in North America and Europe and stringent environmental laws and regulations to curtail water pollution is also creating an impact on the global zero liquid discharge market. 

Prominent Market Players

The few most competitive players in the global zero liquid discharge market include GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, Veolia, Thermax Global, SUEZ, Praj Industries, ALFA LAVAL, ENCON Evaporators, Aquatech International LLC, 3V Green Eagle S.p.A., AQUARION AG, Oasys Water, and Kelvin Water Technologies Pvt. Ltd.