The Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Market is expected to grow from US$4.750 billion in 2025 to US$6.669 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 7.02%.
A membrane bioreactor (MBR) is primarily used for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment. Growing concerns regarding water and wastewater treatment due to global water scarcity are the major drivers of the membrane bioreactor market. According to the United Nations, around 700 million people in 43 countries suffer from water scarcity. By 2025, 1.8 billion people are expected to be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world's population could be living under water-stressed conditions. Also, rapid urbanization and the development of infrastructure in developing economies will strengthen the market growth of the membrane bioreactor market.
In addition, the rising number of industries across the globe has raised environmental concerns regarding the increasing amount of sewage and industrial sludge disposal from industries including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and oil and gas, which is also boosting the demand for membrane bioreactors worldwide. There has been a rapid increase in the production of wastewater across the residential, commercial, and industrial complexes that are being treated through MBRs worldwide. Moreover, the development of submerged MBRs will further proliferate the market growth during the forecast period.
Furthermore, the key market players have been heavily investing in innovative water and wastewater treatments by launching new products, acquiring and merging with competitors, etc., which will further contribute to the market growth. For instance, in April 2021, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, an industry leader in mission-critical water treatment solutions, acquired privately held Water Consulting Specialists, Inc., a leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of industrial high-purity water treatment systems, to strengthen their portfolio of high-purity water systems.
By product, the multi-tubular segment is projected to grow at a high CAGR owing to the qualities such as robustness, operational flexibility, and control. By application, the municipal segment is estimated to hold a dominant market share owing to the increasing use of MBRs by municipal corporations.
Geographically, North America holds a significant market share owing to the strict regulatory standards for industrial waste disposal.
The Asia-Pacific region will witness a considerable CAGR during the forecast period on account of the rising number of manufacturing facilities and supportive government initiatives to promote municipal wastewater treatment facilities in the region. Also, the increasing demand for MBRs in countries such as China and India will further strengthen the market growth of the region.
The rapidly surging population across the globe and the increasing urbanization will fuel the market growth as the wastewater treatment required for industrial and municipal waste will, in turn, increase, thus accelerating the demand for MBRs in the market during the forecast period.
The initial costs associated with MBRs are very high, which may restrain market growth in the long run. Also, the operating costs are high as well, which may further hamper the market growth during the forecast period.
The market leaders for the membrane bioreactor market consist of Koch Membrane Systems, Inc., SEUZ, General Electric Company, Toray Industries, Inc., Kubota Corporation, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Ovivo, Veolia Water Technologies, Smith & Loveless, Inc.
The key players in the market implement growth strategies such as product launches, mergers, acquisitions, etc., to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. For instance, in September 2018, Ovivo, a global provider of water and wastewater treatment equipment, technology, and systems, acquired FilterBoxx Water & Environmental Corp. and its subsidiaries, a renowned leader in the design and supply of modular water and wastewater solutions. Also, in June 2018, Toray Industries, ORIX Corporation, and China Water Affairs Group formed a strategic partnership for water treatment and aquatic environment projects in China.
Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Market Segmentation: