The global zero liquid discharge (ZLD) market is expected to register significant growth over the forecast period. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have taken a toll on potable water, which in turn has resulted in bringing strict regulations for wastewater treatment. Thus, a growing emphasis on water treatment is anticipated to drive the market growth of ZLD in the coming years.
The ZLD method of water treatment aims to eliminate all liquid waste from a system. ZLD’s goal is to produce clean water that may be reused and to reduce wastewater cost-effectively, thereby helping the environment and saving money. The effluent is first pre-treated, then evaporated until the dissolved solids crystallize. With the use of a filter press or a centrifuge, these crystals are extracted and dewatered.
Based on methods, the market is segmented into membrane distillation, forward osmosis, reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis. Membrane distillation is gaining prominence due to better efficiency in operation. However, reverse osmosis is widely used in the market as it is cost-effective and recovers more water.
One of the main concerns with ZLD is corrosion. It becomes vital to understand the cause of corrosion and prevent it, especially during key ZLD steps like crystallization and dewatering. The pipes or other mechanical components of the system may break down when there are increased salt concentrations in the leftover liquor or brine. Also, it has very high installation and operational costs which make it difficult for small and medium enterprises to procure it.
Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth over the forecast period. Government regulations for treating wastewater are aiding the market growth. For instance, in 2015, the Indian government brought ZLD norms for 22 industries including textile, paper, sugar, thermal power plant, slaughterhouse, and brick kilns. This action is being taken to reduce the significant pollution that these sectors produce.
As government regulations on wastewater treatment become more stringent in the region, the ZLD systems are being utilized in various industries. For example, in March 2022, UFlex, India-based flexible packaging and solutions company, introduced the ZLD technology at its chemicals production unit in Noida. With this, the plant has begun to save 20 kiloliters of water on a daily basis. Also, in May 2022, Evonik Catalysts opened its first ZLD plant in India.
Some of the prominent ZLD system companies include Aquatech International, Veolia, Alfa Laval AB, Praj Industries, Hyperfilteration, GEA, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems and Solutions Corporation, and Petro Sep, among others.
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