The global Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Market size is set to touch USD 1.76 billion (S$ 2.51 billion) by 2026, surging at a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period. Heightened intensity of urbanisation across the globe will be the central force fuelling the growth of this market, states Fortune Business Insights™ in its new report, titled “Zero Liquid Discharge Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis, By Technology (Thermal Based, Membrane Based), By Application (Energy & Power, Food & Beverages, Chemical & Petrochemical, Textiles, Pharmaceutical, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019 to 2026”.
Statistics computed by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) revealed that presently, nearly 55% of the global population is living in urban areas. However, by 2050, roughly 68% of the world’s population will be residing in urban areas, the DESA highlights. Rapid urbanisation, though a strong indicator of economic prosperity, has detrimental effects on the environment on account of the pressure such large swathes of people and materials put on the limited water resources. The situation is exacerbated by water pollution caused by wastewater discharge in these areas, which, incidentally, is one of the leading zero liquid discharge market trends.
According to the International Water Association, close to 80% of the untreated wastewater is discharged into water bodies. This is especially true in developing countries where population is already high and growing, creating a dire need for efficient zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems.
As per the zero liquid discharge market report, the value of this market stood at USD 0.71 billion (S$ 1.01 billion) in 2018. The report also shared the following insights:
- Thorough analysis of all the market segments;
- In-depth study of the various factors positively impacting the market;
- Detailed assessment of the challenges confronting the market; and
- Comprehensive research into impact that regional and competitive developments are likely to have on the market.
Promise of high efficiency to drive market growth
The ZLD systems market growth is predicated on the high efficiency standards offered by these units to industries. For example, ZLD systems bring down the cost of waste management as they reduce the volume of waste generated. Similarly, they are capable of recycling wastewater onsite, lowering the need for additional treatment of such water and thus saving costs. Estimates indicate that approximately 70% to 90% of this wastewater can be reused. Moreover, as the quantum of waste of decreased, fewer trucks and other vehicles will be needed to transport this waste to disposal sites. The cumulative ecological effect will be positive as fewer trucks on road will mean low emission of pollutants.
Besides this, some ZLD technologies may also be able to recover useful materials such as ammonium sulphate, which can be used as fertiliser. These benefits are expected to boost the adoption rate of these systems, the ZLD market analysis predicts.
Tight regulations on wastewater discharge to propel North American market
The North America market size in 2018 stood at USD 0.24 billion (S$ 0.34 billion) and the region is anticipated to dominate the zero liquid discharge market share in the coming years. This is attributable to the stringent norms governing wastewater discharge and management in the region. For example, the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) framed new guidelines to monitor the discharge of toxic metals and other hazardous compounds into water bodies.
Asia-Pacific is predicted to offer lucrative opportunities as India and China step up their investment in wastewater treatment technologies. Rising power demand and speedy urbanisation will fuel the market in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, while advancements in ZLD systems by European Union (EU) member states will propel the market in Europe.
