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Market for water and wastewater treatment set to grow

Globally, the pulp and paper industry is characterized by a high water footprint, and rising water prices have forced manufacturers to adopt water-efficient and high-end equipment to treat wastewater and reduce water consumption. The focus on water recycling, biogas generation and sludge management is sustaining strong investments in the water and wastewater treatment market for this industry, according to a new analysis by Frost & Sullivan.

While developing countries offer the highest potential for market expansion owing to greater greenfield project development, opportunities in mature regions such as North America and Europe will arise from the need to modernize existing facilities, the group states.

The report from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.environmental.frost.com), CEO 360 Degree Perspective on the Global Pulp and Paper Water and Wastewater Treatment Market, finds that the market earned revenues of more than $983.9 million in 2012 and estimates this to reach $1.57 billion in 2020.

“Pulp and paper manufacturers are looking for advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies with an efficient energy rating and easy operation and maintenance,” said Paulina Szyplinska, energy and environmental research analyst with Frost & Sullivan. “Increasing dependence on water specialists to comply with tightening environmental standards and enhance operational efficiency has accelerated market growth.”

Significant advances in closed-loop and minimal impact production facilities have added to market revenues, the report states. Closed-loop systems are especially popular, as they enable the recycling and reuse of water within the pulp and paper industry, as well as recover excess pulp fibres in the wastewater.

According to Frost & Sullivan, pulp and paper manufacturers are switching from conventional treatment systems to more sophisticated solutions such as membranes to increase treatment levels and reduce the loss of raw materials.

“Continuous technological advancements and infrastructure improvements are vital to boost [water] recycling rates,” noted Szyplinska. “Water and wastewater treatment equipment suppliers must provide a broad range of customized treatment technologies to appeal to various industrial end-users.”