The global zero liquid discharge system market size is anticipated to reach USD 14,847.8 million by 2033 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The industry is driven by stricter environmental regulations, growing water scarcity, and industrial sustainability initiatives. Technological advancements in membrane-based and hybrid ZLD systems enhance efficiency, while supportive government policies encourage adoption. Industries are increasingly implementing ZLD solutions to recycle water, reduce environmental impact, and comply with regulatory standards, fueling overall market growth.
The zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system industry is experiencing significant innovation due to advancements in membrane filtration, evaporation, and crystallization technologies. Companies are developing modular, automated, and energy-efficient ZLD solutions that lower operational costs and improve performance. The adoption of digital monitoring and control systems further enhances process efficiency, making ZLD systems more sustainable, cost-effective, and adaptable for industries emphasizing water reuse and environmental compliance.
Mergers and acquisitions in the market are motivated by the desire to expand technological expertise, geographic presence, and service offerings. Leading companies are acquiring smaller firms with specialized treatment technologies and regional market knowledge. These strategic moves enhance research and development capabilities, optimize system efficiency, and allow companies to provide comprehensive, end-to-end water treatment solutions, strengthening their position in the sustainability-focused industrial landscape.
Stringent environmental and wastewater regulations are major factors influencing the ZLD system market. Governments are enforcing policies that limit industrial effluent discharge and promote water recycling. Adhering to sustainability standards and resource recovery objectives encourages industries to adopt ZLD technologies. Regulatory requirements across sectors such as power, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals continue to drive investment in advanced and environmentally friendly water treatment solutions.
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Based on type, the conventional ZLD segment dominated the market as industries continue to rely on established evaporation and crystallization processes for complete wastewater elimination. These systems are widely adopted across sectors such as power generation, textiles, and chemicals due to their reliability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Based on technology, the thermal-based segment led the market as industries prefer evaporation and crystallization methods to handle high-salinity and complex effluents. Despite higher energy consumption, thermal ZLD solutions remain favored for their effectiveness, reliability, and ability to meet strict environmental discharge norms, ensuring full water recovery and reuse in industrial operations.
Based on end-use, the power sector held a leading share in the ZLD system market as utilities aim to minimize water discharge and adhere to stringent environmental regulations. ZLD systems enable recovery and reuse of water from cooling and boiler blowdown processes, supporting sustainable operations and efficient resource management within power plants.
In July 2025, Alfa Laval acquired business unit Fives Cryogenics, adding advanced heat transfer and pump technologies to its portfolio. This strengthens Alfa Laval’s capabilities in thermal management for zero liquid discharge systems, enabling more efficient and innovative water treatment solutions, which will drive growth and enhance competitiveness in the ZLD market.
Grand View Research, Inc. has segmented the global zero liquid discharge system market on the basis of type, technology, end use, and region:
Zero Liquid Discharge System Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Conventional ZLD
Hybrid ZLD
Zero Liquid Discharge System Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Thermal Based
Membrane Based
Zero Liquid Discharge System End use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Power
Metallurgy & Mining
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Oil & Gas
Pharmaceuticals
Others
Zero Liquid Discharge System Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
UK
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
South Africa
List of Key Players in the Zero Liquid Discharge System Market
Alfa Laval
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
Aquatech International LLC
Aquarion AG
Doosan Corporation
H2O GmbH
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Praj Industries
Siemens
Veolia Water Technologies
Ion Exchange (India) Ltd.
Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation
Green Pebble Technologies
SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions
IDE Technologies
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