Membrane Bioreactor Global Market Report 2024

A membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a wastewater treatment process that integrates biological treatment with membrane filtration, typically microfiltration or ultrafiltration. This combination allows for advanced separation of organic matter and suspended solids. The process involves using microbes to break down pollutants, followed by filtration through submerged membranes.

The main types of membrane bioreactors include hollow fiber, flat sheet, and multi-tubular configurations. In a hollow fiber membrane bioreactor, parallel-assembled hollow fiber membranes are contained within an external shell, often shaped like a cylinder. This configuration is particularly useful for culturing highly metabolic cells, such as hepatocytes, which require efficient mass transfer. There are two system configurations in membrane bioreactors: submerged and external/side streams. These MBR systems find applications in both municipal wastewater treatment and industrial wastewater treatment processes.

The membrane bioreactor market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides membrane bioreactor market statistics, including membrane bioreactor industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a membrane bioreactor market share, detailed membrane bioreactor market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the membrane bioreactor industry. This membrane bioreactor market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The membrane bioreactor market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $3.82 billion in 2023 to $4.27 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to several factors, including increased water scarcity and a rising demand for water reuse, population growth and urbanization leading to higher wastewater generation, a focus on energy efficiency and reduced chemical usage in treatment plants, the need for compact and space-efficient wastewater treatment solutions, as well as government initiatives and funding for advanced water treatment technologies.

The membrane bioreactor market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.68 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to several factors, including the increased adoption of membrane bioreactors for industrial wastewater treatment, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in MBR systems, the demand for advanced nutrient removal and resource recovery processes, the expansion of MBR technology in desalination and water purification, and an emphasis on decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Major trends during this period include the integration of membrane technology with anaerobic digestion, a focus on zero liquid discharge (ZLD) solutions, advancements in membrane materials and module design, the use of hollow fiber membranes for MBR systems, and the development of hybrid systems incorporating advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).

The increasing prevalence of water pollution is playing a significant role in driving the growth of the membrane bioreactor market. Water pollution, caused by the discharge of toxic substances such as chemical products or microorganisms into water bodies like streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans, has become a concerning issue due to the scarcity of pure and drinkable water. In response to the escalating problem of water pollution, membrane bioreactors have emerged as a viable solution for water treatment through microfiltration or ultrafiltration processes. For example, the WHO reported in September 2023 that over 2 billion people were residing in water-stressed countries in 2021, and around 1.7 billion individuals globally were relying on drinking water contaminated with fecal matter in 2022. Consequently, the increasing incidents of water pollution are anticipated to drive the demand for membrane bioreactors in the forecast period.

The growth of the membrane bioreactor market is expected to be propelled by increasing urbanization. Urbanization, a process driven by economic development and industrialization, leads to the transformation of rural areas into urban centers. In urban areas, membrane bioreactors find applications in advanced wastewater treatment and water reuse. According to the World Bank Group's April 2023 report, more than half of the global population currently resides in urban regions, and this urban population is projected to increase to 6 billion by 2045, marking a 1.5 times increase. Thus, the ongoing trend of urbanization is a key driver behind the growth of the membrane bioreactor market.

Technological advancement is a notable trend gaining traction in the membrane bioreactor market. Key companies in this market are actively incorporating advanced technologies into their water treatment solutions. These technologies include microfiltration, ultrafiltration, rotating biological contactors, aeration technology, mechanical filtration, and others, offering high-level removal of organic and suspended solids. For instance, in March 2022, Toray Industries, a Japan-based water treatment membrane and technical services company, introduced the TBW-HR series of ultralow-pressure reverse osmosis membrane elements. This new offering enhances the rejection of neutral molecules such as silica and boron from untreated water by controlling RO membrane micropore sizes and structures.

Major companies in the membrane bioreactor market are launching innovative wastewater treatment solutions to address water and waste management needs. The Evac Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Mid-range is an example of an advanced wastewater treatment plant designed for various vessel types. Introduced by Evac Oy in September 2022, this system filters up to 99% of microplastic particles, provides nutrient removal, and produces effluent of high quality that can be reused on vessels. The Evac MBR is designed with sustainability and operational efficiency in mind, featuring a fully automatic design, low maintenance, stainless steel tanks for corrosion resistance, improved membrane cleaning, and enhanced sensors. It occupies 50% less space than its predecessor and is suitable for navy and offshore installations, smaller passenger vessels, and superyachts.

In January 2023, Integrated Water Services, Inc., a US-based provider of water and wastewater treatment solutions, acquired M|MBR Systems. This acquisition positions Integrated Water Services to expand market opportunities for their BluBox Modular MBR Systems, combining technology, products, and field installation to better serve customers. M|MBR Systems, a US-based bioreactor manufacturer and distributor, primarily served selected wastewater treatment and water reuse markets in the USA.

Major companies operating in the membrane bioreactor market include Suez SA, Kubota Corporation, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Toray Industries Inc., CITIC Envirotech Ltd., Koch Membrane Systems Inc., Alfa Laval AB, Veolia Environnement S.A., newterra ltd., General Electric Company, B&P Water Technologies S.r.l., MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions GmbH, HUBER SE, Aqua-Aerobic Systems Inc., Aqua Membranes Inc., BioprocessH2O LLC, DAS Environmental Expert GmbH, Dow Water & Process Solutions, Hydranautics, LG Chem Ltd., Membrane Specialists LLC, Microdyn-Nadir GmbH, Pentair PLC, Siemens Water Technologies Corp., Sociedad de Fomento Agrícola Castellonense S.A.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the membrane bioreactor market in 2023, and it is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the membrane bioreactor market research report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.

The countries covered in the membrane bioreactor market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, and USA.

The membrane bioreactor consists of sales of aerobic and anaerobic treatment tanks, an aeration system, mixers, a membrane tank, a clean-in-place system. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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