Membrane bioreactor market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems is a high-efficient wastewater treatment technology that uses a microbial process. The main applications of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) is in the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater. It involves the combination of a suspended growth bioreactor and a perm-selective or semi-permeable membrane technique, such as microfiltration (MF) or ultrafiltration (UF). The most popular MBR system types are vacuum, gravity, and pressure-driven systems. 

Market Dynamics

Implementation of Stringent Environmental Regulations

Implementing stringent regulations in industries and power plants regarding emissions in water bodies is one of the key factors driving the growth of the membrane bioreactors market. The industrial sector mainly uses membrane bioreactors as it is the highest generator of water pollutants. The emissions include arsenic, salt, nitrate, mercury, selenium, lead, and other toxic elements. Membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment systems treat wastewater and generate refined water, which is further reused by industries such as food and beverages. This, in turn, has resulted in the increased adoption of these technologies. Several mandates and environmental regulations have further driven the market growth. For instance, in October 2017, the environment industry modified standards for four parameters that ascertain water quality in India. The parameters included biochemical oxygen demand, pH value, total suspended solids, and fecal coliform. 

High Usage of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Systems 

With the rapid development of the economy and the acceleration of urbanization and industrialization, the concern about water quality has increased. In addition, the rising population in cities has a substantial impact on water quality. Moreover, the growing number of industries that release emissions is also anticipated to generate high demand for membrane bioreactors for water treatment. Thus, the market for membrane bioreactors is expected to grow with increasingurbanization and consumer awareness. Growing urbanization affects the environment by diminishing the availability of resources due to population growth. It causes health complications due to pollution and congested living conditions. Water quality in urban areas is also low due to factory waste. Therefore, clean water has become a critical objective in urban areas, boosting the demand for membrane bioreactors. With increasing awareness of the harmful effects of contaminated water, the need for membrane bioreactor water treatment systems is expected to rise, creating lucrative market growth opportunities. 

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global bioreactor membrane market includes the following segments by membrane type, system configuration, and application:

• Based on membrane type, the market is sub-segmented into hollow fiber, flat sheet, and multi-tubular.

• Based on system configuration, the market is bifurcated into submerged and side stream.

• Based on application, the market is augmented into  municipal or industrial.

Hollow Fiber is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

The hollow fiber sub-segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market.  Hollow fiber is estimated to be the most swiftly developing segment during the forecast period. Hollow fiber (HF) configurations comprise one of the three significant configurations for membrane bioreactor technology. Hollow fiber membranes are almost always vertically oriented, with the aerators fitted to the frame or integrated with the membrane module. In addition, the fibers generally contain slack to enable them to move laterally in the flow of air bubbles to airlift the sludge across the fiber bundle. A hollow fiber membrane bioreactor comprises hollow fiber membranes parallelly built in an external shell, typically in the shape of a cylinder. The fibers are potted in the shell, forming a medium and a cell compartment separated by the membranes.

Municipal Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The municipal wastewater treatment segment is estimated to witness the  considerable market share and highest growth during the forecast period. Globally, population growth has increased the demand for treated water. The scarcity of water resources has increased the demand for water recycling and water treatment services. Most of the wastewater treatment capacity offered by membrane bioreactors is for municipal wastewater treatment, as the overall flow of sewage is more significant than that of industrial effluent. Municipal wastewater is usually treated to fulfill the statutory requirements for discharge into environmental waters. In order of importance, the significant contaminants requiring removal from municipal wastewater include suspended solids, organic matter, ammonia, nitrates, phosphate, pathogenic bacteria, and micropollutants.

Regional Outlook

The global membrane bioreactormarket is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe),Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). The Middle East and Africa is expected to witness strong growth over the forecast period owing to the growth in the industrial sector. Various prominent industrial players are moving their production facilities to this region due to the availability of low-cost labor and favorable regulations. This is expected to fuel demand for membrane bioreactors over the forecast period.

Global Membrane Bioreactor Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Asia-Pacific Holds Major Market Share

Among all the regions, Asia-Pacific held the largest revenue share in 2022. Significant growth in the industrial sector including chemical, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and oil & gas industries is likely to increase the demand for membrane bioreactors for the treatment of the effluent streams. The region is experiencing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, leading to an increased demand for wastewater treatment solutions. Moreover, governments in countries like China and India are implementing stringent regulations to address water pollution and improve water quality. These factors, along with the growing awareness of water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management, are driving the adoption of membrane bioreactors technology in the Asia-Pacific region. The rising investments in infrastructure development and the expanding industrial sector further contribute to the growth of the membrane bioreactors market in this region.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global membrane bioreactormarket include Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Toray Industries, Inc. , General Electric, and Asahi Kasei Corp. among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market.  For instance, in June 2021, MICRODYN-NADIR, a company of MANN+HUMMEL, announced the launch of a new company, MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global membrane bioreactormarket. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.