Membrane Bioreactor Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Hollow Fiber, Flat Sheet, Multi-tubular), By Configuration (Submerged, Side Stream), By Application (Municipal, Industrial), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Membrane Bioreactor Market Size & Trends

The global membrane bioreactor market size was estimated at USD 3.78 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. The market is currently experiencing several driving trends that are shaping its growth. One prominent trend is the increasing emphasis on sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment solutions as urbanization and industrialization intensify. As governments and regulatory bodies enforce stricter environmental regulations, the demand for advanced treatment technologies like MBRs continues to rise. Furthermore, the growing focus on resource recovery and circular economy principles is fueling interest in MBR systems, as these technologies not only treat wastewater but also allow for the extraction of valuable resources such as nutrients and energy.

A substantial increase in investments in wastewater treatment plants is driven by various government initiatives to tackle the scarcity of water. Developing new wastewater treatment facilities and the emergence of process-intensive technologies are likely to fuel market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, various governments have introduced stringent regulations related to wastewater emissions for the municipal and industrial sectors. New regulations by government authorities in developing economies are likely to boost market growth. According to the Brazilian government website, new legislation was published in 2020, which attracted private investment in sanitation services.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The increasing demand for sustainable wastewater treatment solutions is a primary driver for the membrane bioreactor (MBR) market. As cities expand and industrial activities grow, traditional wastewater treatment methods often fall short of meeting regulatory standards and environmental concerns. MBR technology offers an efficient and effective way to treat wastewater while minimizing energy consumption and producing high-quality effluent, making it an attractive choice for municipalities and industries seeking to enhance their environmental sustainability.

One of the key restraints in the membrane bioreactor market is the high operational and maintenance costs associated with membrane filtration technology. Membrane fouling and the need for frequent cleaning can significantly increase operational expenses, potentially deterring smaller municipalities and businesses from adopting this technology. Additionally, the initial capital investment for MBR systems can be substantial, limiting their implementation in cost-sensitive regions or industries.

There is a significant opportunity for growth in the membrane bioreactor market as emerging technologies like hybrid systems and advancements in membrane materials improve efficiency and reduce costs. The rising focus on resource recovery from wastewater, including the extraction of nutrients and energy, opens new avenues for MBR applications. Furthermore, increasing investments in smart water management solutions and the integration of MBRs with renewable energy sources can enhance their attractiveness in both developed and developing markets.

Product Insights

The hollow fiber product segment accounted for a significant market share of 50.9% in 2024. Hollow fiber membranes provide reduced operational and maintenance expenses compared to multi-tubular and flat sheet membrane bioreactors. Additionally, hollow fiber bioreactors are widely utilized across various applications, including desalination, filtration, biochemical processes, and gas separation.

Flat sheets are extensively used in medium-scale industrial wastewater treatment plants. Moreover, the increasing application of flat sheet membrane bioreactors in the food & beverage sector, owing to their high solid loading and good hydraulic flow, is anticipated to fuel the product demand.

Configuration Insights

The submerged configuration segment accounted for a market share of 77.0% in 2024. A submerged membrane bioreactor (SMB) is also utilized for the filtration of irrigation water, surface water, and groundwater. Moreover, the food and beverage manufacturing industries employ SMBs to alleviate excessive loads of chemical oxygen demand. Other industries using SMBs include pulp and paper, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and textiles.

Compared to submerged MBR, side stream MBR has fewer risks of membrane fouling, which is anticipated to increase its market demand over the forecast period. Side stream membrane bioreactors are more energy intensive and their maintenance and plant downtime costs are generally slightly lower as compared to immersed membrane bioreactors.

Application Insights

The municipal application segment led the market and accounted for 63.67% of the global revenue share in 2024. Membrane bioreactors were initially designed with an emphasis on water reuse and recycling for municipal wastewater treatment applications. A membrane bioreactor is an ideal choice for recycling municipal wastewater in areas with limited water and space owing to its compactness. Additionally, the utilization of membrane bioreactor systems for municipal wastewater reclamation has focused on the treatment of two wastewater sources: primary effluent and raw wastewater. Growing urban population and infrastructure development are expected to result in significant growth of the market in developing countries.

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are increasingly utilized in various industrial applications due to their efficient treatment of wastewater while simultaneously generating high-quality effluent. These systems combine biological degradation with membrane filtration, effectively removing suspended solids, pathogens, and soluble organic matter. Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals benefit from MBRs by achieving stringent discharge standards and recycling water for reuse, reducing overall operational costs and environmental impact. The compact design and flexibility of MBRs also make them suitable for sites with space limitations, enabling industries to enhance their sustainability efforts while maintaining high productivity levels.

Regional Insights

North America membrane bioreactor market has seen significant growth due to the region’s increasing focus on water treatment and wastewater management. In the U.S., MBRs are used extensively in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants to enhance effluent quality and improve resource recovery. For example, New York City's wastewater treatment plants have integrated MBR technology for more efficient water reclamation. In Canada, growing environmental regulations and water scarcity concerns in cities like Calgary and Vancouver drive the adoption of MBR systems. Mexico has also begun to adopt MBR technology in urban wastewater treatment projects, particularly in regions with limited fresh water.

U.S. Membrane Bioreactor Market Trends

The membrane bioreactor market in the U.S. is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2030. The technology is utilized for both municipal and industrial applications to enhance water treatment, recycling, and recovery. In the state of California, MBRs are increasingly adopted in wastewater treatment facilities such as the Orange County Sanitation District and San Diego’s Pure Water program, aimed at producing potable water from treated wastewater.

Canada membrane bioreactor market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2025 to 2030. In Canada, the adoption of MBR technology is growing as municipalities face increased demand for efficient wastewater treatment solutions. The technology is particularly useful in dealing with stricter effluent discharge standards and improving water reclamation practices. Vancouver has implemented MBR systems for wastewater treatment in its efforts to meet its sustainability goals, and Toronto is exploring the technology for its water management plans, especially to enhance water reuse.

The membrane bioreactor market in Mexico is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. Mexico is gradually increasing its reliance on membrane bioreactor technology due to the country’s pressing water challenges, including scarcity, contamination, and a rapidly growing urban population. The use of MBR systems is becoming more common in regions like Monterrey and the State of Nuevo León, where wastewater treatment and water reuse are critical issues.

Europe Membrane Bioreactor Market Trends

The membrane bioreactor market in Europe held a share of 17.8% in 2024. Europe has seen consistent growth in the demand for membrane bioreactors, driven by strong environmental regulations, the push for water reuse, and a focus on sustainable water management practices. The EU’s Water Framework Directive encourages innovation in water treatment technologies, boosting the adoption of MBRs.

Germany membrane bioreactor market held a 13.6% share in the European market. Germany has a high demand for membrane bioreactors, particularly in the wastewater treatment sector, where it has been a pioneer in integrating advanced water treatment technologies. Munich and Berlin have adopted MBR systems in municipal wastewater treatment plants to enhance the quality of treated water and improve water recycling efforts.

The membrane bioreactor market in the UK is gaining traction due to rising environmental concerns, urbanization, and the drive for more sustainable water treatment methods. The UK has increasingly adopted MBR technology in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities.

Asia Pacific Membrane Bioreactor Market Trends

Asia Pacific represents one of the fastest-growing regions for membrane bioreactor technology, as rapid urbanization and industrialization lead to increased demand for efficient water treatment. In China, MBR systems are in widespread use in large cities like Beijing and Shanghai as part of efforts to tackle water pollution and improve wastewater treatment.

China membrane bioreactor market held 34.0% share in the Asia Pacific market. In China, the demand for membrane bioreactors is primarily driven by rapid urban growth, water pollution, and the government’s push for sustainability and resource recovery. MBR systems are increasingly being used in both municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial applications, especially in large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. These cities have implemented large-scale MBR facilities to meet the growing need for wastewater treatment and water reuse.

The membrane bioreactor market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2025 to 2030. In India, the demand for membrane bioreactors is increasing due to the growing challenges of water scarcity, rapid urbanization, and industrial pollution. MBR systems are being deployed in major cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad, where they are used for advanced wastewater treatment and water reuse.

Middle East & Africa Membrane Bioreactor Market Trends

In the Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia is a key market for membrane bioreactor systems, driven by its severe water scarcity issues and the need for more efficient water treatment solutions. MBR technology is increasingly used in municipal and industrial sectors, particularly in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, as part of efforts to recycle treated wastewater for non-potable uses such as landscaping and cooling.

Latin America Membrane Bioreactor Market Trends

In Latin America, Brazil is the leader in adopting membrane bioreactor technology, driven by urbanization, industrialization, and the need for better water management solutions. In São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, MBR systems are increasingly being used to improve wastewater treatment in the face of population growth and environmental pressures.

Key Membrane Bioreactor Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the membrane bioreactor market include General Electric, MANN+HUMMEL, and Suez, among others.

• General Electric offers a wide range of products for different applications such as boiler water treatment, cooling water treatment, desalination, dust control, drinking water treatment, enhanced oil recovery, metal removals, mobile water treatment, sulfate removal, wastewater treatment, and zero-liquid discharge. General Electric also offers products for hydrocarbon processing and water quality monitoring. It caters to the requirements of mines, municipalities, pharmaceutical manufacturing units, power plants, etc. The products offered by the company are used in the metals, refining, oil & gas, and pulp & paper industries as well.

• B&P Water Technologies s.r.l. specializes in the design, development, and supply of a variety of water treatment systems and potabilization plants, including water analysis cabinets, bilgewater treatment plants, industrial reverse osmosis systems, chemical dosing packages, industrial wastewater treatment plants, water softening units, seawater reverse osmosis plants, brackish water reverse osmosis plants, solar-powered desalination plants, etc. The company primarily focuses on the preassembling and testing of water plants. It also has ISO 9001 certification. B&P Water Technologies s.r.l. manufactures a wide range of biological wastewater treatment systems based on membrane bioreactor technology that are containerized. The membrane bioreactor systems offered by the company eliminate the requirement of onsite system construction and piping work, as well as eradicate the need of electrical cabling or component mounting as they are fabricated inside metal shipping containers.

Buckman, Aquatech International Corporation, Danaher Corporation, and Toray Industries are some of the emerging players in the membrane bioreactor market.

• Buckman Laboratories International Inc. was founded in 1945 and has four core business divisions, including paper technologies, water technologies, leather technologies, and performance chemicals. The company offers services for water technologies to various sectors, including fertilizer, food & beverage, hydrocarbon/chemical processing, leather, metals smelting/steel, mining & mineral processing, municipal, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, power & utilities, pulp & paper, refineries, sugar & ethanol, and textile. It also offers water treatment chemicals & smart technologies for pulp and paper utilities, such as influent/effluent treatment, recovery boiler leak detection, and others. Buckman has a market presence in over 90 countries, including South Korea, Mexico, India, Japan, South Africa, Singapore, Russia, the UK, and Germany, with 10 manufacturing units and an employee base of about 1500 people.

• Toray Industries is a Japan-based multi-national conglomerate established in 1926 with headquarters situated in Tokyo, Japan. The company operates through its affiliates and subsidiaries located in China, South Korea, Germany, the U.S., India, and Brazil, with manufacturing facilities located in various parts of Japan, such as Shiga, Seta, Echme, Tokai, and Nagoya. The company’s product portfolio is bifurcated among its business segments, namely, fibers & textiles (nylon, polyester, acrylic fibers, PPS fibers, and yarns), plastics & chemicals (plastics, chemicals, PLA resin, PPS resin and films, PBT resin), IT-related products, carbon fiber composite products, environment & engineering (water treatment business) and life science & other services.

Recent Developments

• In May 2022, MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions presented its new BIO-CEL M+ filtration module at IFAT. This launch aims to cater to the requirements of the global market. The company also offers 100- and 200-square-meter versions of these modules.

Membrane Bioreactor Market Report Scope

Global Membrane Bioreactor Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global membrane bioreactor market report on the basis of product, configuration, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hollow Fiber

  • Flat Sheet

  • Multi-tubular

• Configuration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Submerged

  • Side Stream

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Municipal

  • Industrial

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • Italy

    • France

    • UK

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa