Zero Liquid Discharge Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032

Zero Liquid Discharge Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts (2025-2032)

Zero Liquid Discharge Market is estimated to be valued at USD 1,073.6 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1,781.2 Mn in 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways

• Based on the System Type, the Hybrid segment dominates the market as it is more cost-effective, since it utilizes less energy.
• Based on the Application, the Power Generation segment dominates the market due to high water consumption in power plants.
• Based on the Region, North America is expected to hold a dominant position due to the stringent regulations regarding wastewater emissions.

Market Overview

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) is a water treatment process in which all wastewater is purified and recycled. Thus, leaving zero discharge at the end of the treatment cycle. ZLD treatment is mainly done through thermal or membrane processes. These processes require the utilization of decanters, separators, concentrators, evaporators, and crystallizers. Zero liquid discharge is being used, particularly in the mining and industrial sectors, to recover valuable minerals and by-products from waste streams. Regulations regarding wastewater discharge limits in various nations around the world have set and implemented strict policies and guidelines for industrial plants and municipal bodies to meet zero liquid discharge norms, to stop the deterioration of water quality in their countries. This is due to growing awareness regarding the need to protect the environment from the discharge of harmful wastewater effluents.

Current Events and Their Impact on the Zero Liquid Discharge Market

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End-user Feedback and Unmet Needs in the Zero Liquid Discharge Market

End-user Feedback

• Operational Efficiency Concerns: Many users say ZLD systems use too much energy and are hard to manage, especially those that use heat. This increases work, costs, and slows overall plant operations.
• Regulatory Compliance Support: End-users find ZLD systems helpful for meeting strict pollution and water discharge rules. They help avoid legal problems and fines by making sure waste is safely managed and reused.
• High-Cost Barrier: Users often say the cost of buying and running ZLD systems is too high. This makes it hard for smaller companies to afford or fully use the technology.

Unmet Needs

• Cost-effective Solutions: There is a strong need for ZLD systems that are cheaper to install and run. Small businesses, especially in developing countries, find current systems too expensive to use.
• Technology Simplification: Many users want ZLD systems that are easier to operate and fix. They prefer systems that don’t need highly trained staff or regular technical support to function properly.
• Better Waste Recovery: Users are looking for systems that can save more useful materials and water from waste. Improved recovery helps lower costs and makes the process more valuable and eco-friendlier.

Segmental Insights

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Zero Liquid Discharge Market Insights, By System Type

The Hybrid segment dominates the market as they are more cost-effective

Based on system type, the hybrid segment dominated the market, as hybrid ZLD systems are more cost-effective since they utilize less energy, even if they need a higher initial capital investment than traditional ZLD systems. Because of their low operational costs, these systems are widely accepted. By using both membrane and thermal methods, hybrid systems help lower running costs, increase the amount of water that can be reused, and offer flexibility for industries with strict discharge rules. There are different types of hybrid ZLD systems. For instance, the Hybrid MEE plant combines an electrical evaporator with a traditional thermal multi-effect distillation (MEE) plant to reduce operating costs.

Zero Liquid Discharge Market Insights, By Application

The Power Generation segment dominates the market due to High Water Consumption in Power Plants

Based on application, the market is segmented into power generation, oil & gas, chemicals & petrochemicals, mining & metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and others, where the Power Generation segment dominates the market due to High Water Consumption in Power Plants. The growth of the power generation segment in the zero liquid discharge (ZLD) market is due to strict environmental rules, growing water shortages, and the need for eco-friendly operations. Thermal power plants use ZLD systems to treat and reuse wastewater, lower their use of fresh water, and follow discharge rules. For instance, UCC Environmental and Vacom Systems announced a strategic Agreement to Enhance Zero Liquid Discharge Technology Offering within Power Generation, which is further accelerating the zero liquid discharge market demand.

Regional Insights

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North America Zero Liquid Discharge Market Trends

North America is expected to hold a dominant position with a share of 40% due to the largest zero liquid discharge market share during the forecast period. The market's regional expansion is driven by the U.S., a major country in the region with extremely stringent regulations regarding wastewater emissions. The U.S. EPA (National Security Office) made a few alterations to its existing guidelines on wastewater guidelines. The new rules establish government guidelines for fair and square handling of harmful metals and various releases, making ZLD the preferred solution for toxins in fly debris transport water, debris transport water, and wastewater from pipe gas mercury. ZLD installations in American power plants will also receive regulatory incentives from the government, further contributing to the zero liquid discharge market share.

Asia Pacific Zero Liquid Discharge Market Trends

The growth of the liquid discharge market in the Asia Pacific is driven by fast industrial growth, increasing awareness about the environment, and stronger government rules on wastewater treatment. Countries like China and India are facing serious water pollution and shortage, pushing industries to use advanced methods like Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). Growing industries such as textiles, chemicals, and power generation play a major role. Also, higher spending on eco-friendly infrastructure and stricter rules are supporting the use of better water recovery systems. For instance, Evonik Catalysts opened its first Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plant in Dombivli, Maharashtra, India. This plant is designed to treat industrial wastewater, significantly reducing the need for fresh water and converting waste into marketable products like sodium sulfate and mixed salts.

United States Zero Liquid Discharge Market Trends

The liquid discharge market growth in the United States is supported by strict environmental rules, growing industrial work, and rising worries about water shortage. Major industries like power plants, chemical factories, and medicine production are using advanced systems to treat wastewater, follow rules, and lower harm to the environment. Also, more public understanding, the need to use less fresh water, and the move toward better water use are pushing companies to use efficient liquid discharge and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) methods. For instance, the U.S. company Aquatech operates as a Provider of desalination & membrane systems, and wastewater treatment services. Aquatech has raised an undisclosed amount in funding from Ecolab. This is further accelerating the zero liquid discharge market revenue.

India Zero Liquid Discharge Market Trends

The liquid discharge market demand in India is driven by the increasing industrial activities, rising worries about water pollution, and strict government rules on wastewater treatment. Fast urban growth and growing water shortage are pushing industries to use better water recovery methods like Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). Sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and power plants are major users, as they need large amounts of water and must follow environmental rules. Government support and growing awareness also help in using cleaner wastewater treatment systems. For instance, Toyobo MC Corporation launched Spiral Wound RO Membranes in India, collaborated with BI Marketing and Services Pvt. Ltd., to address the growing water treatment demands in the region.

Market Report Scope

Global Zero Liquid Discharge Market– Drivers

• Energy Recovery and Cost Savings

ZLD systems incorporate energy recovery mechanisms such as heat exchangers and evaporators, and thus, enable the reuse of thermal energy and reduce operational costs. The potential for cost savings in terms of water procurement, disposal, and treatment is also expected to drive the market growth.

For Instance, AquaTech International LLC, a leading water and wastewater treatment solutions provider, implemented a ZLD solution at a major refinery in India. The project aims to achieve energy recovery and cost savings by treating and reusing the refinery's wastewater. The ZLD system incorporates advanced technologies such as thermal evaporation and crystallization to achieve 99% water recovery, reducing freshwater consumption and wastewater discharge.

Global Zero Liquid Discharge Market– Opportunities

• Increasing Stringency of Environmental Regulations

Stringent environmental regulations and water discharge standards by governments worldwide are expected to create opportunities for the ZLD market. Industries such as power generation, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles are under pressure to adopt sustainable wastewater management practices. ZLD systems provide an effective solution for these industries to meet regulatory requirements and to achieve zero liquid discharge.

Global Zero Liquid Discharge Market– Trends

• Rising investment in innovative ZLD technologies

For the treatment of high salinity brines, new technologies, including Forward Osmosis (FO) membranes and electro-separation systems in the field of ZLD, are introduced. The forward osmosis membrane technology's low operating pressure and fast cross-flow velocity provide it with the ability to accomplish dissolved solids separation on high fouling streams.

The crucial intermediate step of the ZLD process could be performed by using membrane technology instead of a membrane brine concentrator (MBC), which offers lower energy consumption, reduced capital cost, improved reliability, and the ability to achieve higher water recovery. This would allow the final ZLD step of crystallization to operate at a lower flow and lower energy.

Focus on Resource Recovery

The concept of resource recovery from wastewater is a major trend in the global ZLD market. ZLD systems are being designed to recover valuable resources such as salts, minerals, metals, and energy from the wastewater treatment process. This trend aligns with the circular economy principles and provides economic and environmental benefits to industries.

Global Zero Liquid Discharge Market: Key Developments

• In July 2025, Alabama-based Flash Rockwell Technologies introduced its ZeroPoint Evaporator, a patented, portable, zero-liquid discharge evaporation system that removes 100% of water from produced water on-site, leaving behind only dry particulate solids.
• In April 2025, Grasim Industries created a Zero Liquid Discharge Benchmark in Water-Scarce Nagda, India, achieving 98% water recovery and lowering unit costs by double-digit percentages.
• In December 2024, NX Filtration secured a contract for nanofiltration membranes in Mexico for indirect potable water reuse. This project, focused on the world's largest hollow fiber nanofiltration plant, will be supplied to SAPAL, with EcoAzur as the local partner.
• In September 2024, Gradiant, a leading solution provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment, launched ProtiumSource, an end-to-end solution for electrolyzer-ready water.
• In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) now require coal-fired power plants to move to a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) strategy for FGD wastewater, Bottom Ash Transport Water, and Combustion Residual Leachate (CRL).

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) market is ready for major changes, as thermal technologies—are too costly for 60% of medium-sized industrial users. Even though rules and regulations are strict, many companies are slow to adopt ZLD due to the high cost of systems like evaporators and crystallizers. For example, thermal ZLD systems in coal-fired power plants can use up to 1.5 MWh of electricity for every 1,000 m³ of water treated, making them impractical in areas like Southeast Asia, where energy prices are high and change often. Unless suppliers improve membrane-based hybrid systems, ZLD will stay just a way to meet legal requirements instead of becoming a smart water-saving strategy.
• More industries are now using ZLD not only to follow the rules but also to recover valuable materials—like lithium and caustic soda—from wastewater, turning waste into a source of income. Companies such as Veolia and Gradiant have tested advanced ZLD systems that recover up to 90% of lithium from wastewater in mining areas of Chile. This shows a shift from just treating waste to making money from it. It is changing the way ZLD is viewed—from being a cost burden to becoming a way to increase profits, especially in resource-heavy industries like chemicals and metals.
• India and China are leading the way in new developments out of necessity. In Gujarat, a 2017 rule forced over 200 textile factories to quickly install ZLD systems, which led to a boom in local technology growth. What started as a challenge in following the law has now helped build strong local companies like VA Tech Wabag and Ion Exchange. These companies now offer systems that use 30% less energy and have faster payback times, proving that tough rules in cost-sensitive markets can drive practical and scalable innovation.

Market Segmentation

• Global Zero Liquid Discharge Market, By System Type
  • Conventional
  • Hybrid
• Global Zero Liquid Discharge Market, By Application
  • Power Generation
  • Oil & Gas
  • Chemicals & Petrochemicals
  • Mining & Metallurgy
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Others
• Global Zero Liquid Discharge Market, By Region
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key players
• • Aquatech International LLC
  • Alfa Laval Corporate AB
  • GEA Group
  • S. Water Services Inc.
  • Veolia Water Technologies
  • Oasys Water, Inc
  • GE Water & Process Technologies
  • Thermax Global
  • Suez Environment
  • 3v Green Eagle S.p.A
  • ENCON Evaporators
  • Aquarion AG
  • Doosan Hydro Technology
  • IDE Technologies

Sources

Interviews from the Following Stakeholders

Stakeholders

Interviews were conducted with environmental engineers, industrial wastewater specialists, sustainability consultants, plant operations managers, procurement heads, EPC contractors, compliance officers, water reuse technologists, chemical treatment experts, and effluent management consultants. These stakeholders provided insights into ZLD system adoption drivers, technology preferences (thermal vs. membrane), capital and operating cost dynamics, regulatory challenges, and ROI expectations across various industries, including power generation, textiles, oil & gas, and chemicals.

Specific Stakeholders

• ZLD system OEMs and integrators (regional and global)
• EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) heads of industrial facilities
• Power plant water treatment engineers
• Chemical process and utility engineers
• Wastewater management consultants
• Membrane and thermal equipment manufacturers
• Regulatory compliance consultants (pollution control boards)
• Industrial EPC firms with water infrastructure portfolios
• Project financiers and infrastructure investment firms
• Industrial sustainability and ESG reporting lead
• Water analytics and automation solution providers
• NGOs and advocacy groups working on water reuse and zero discharge initiatives

Databases

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Effluent guidelines and ZLD case studies
• Central Pollution Control Board (India) – Industry-specific ZLD norms and audit reports
• Eurostat – Wastewater treatment and reuse statistics in EU industries
• International Energy Agency (IEA) – Power plant water usage and cooling technologies
• India Water Portal – Case studies on industrial ZLD implementation
• World Bank Open Data – Water stress zones and industrial wastewater burden
• Global Water Intelligence (GWI) – Water treatment project pipelines and vendor profiles
• National Green Tribunal (India) – ZLD enforcement actions and rulings

Magazines

• Water & Wastewater Asia
• Water Today Magazine (India)
• Industrial WaterWorld
• Chemical Engineering World
• Plant Services Magazine
• The Chemical Engineer
• Smart Water & Waste World
• Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine
• Utility Week – Industrial Water Focus
• Power Line Magazine – Water Management Section

Journals

• Desalination and Water Treatment
• Journal of Water Process Engineering
• Water Research
• Environmental Technology
• Journal of Membrane Science
• Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
• Environmental Science Water Research & Technology
• Water Environment Research
• Journal of Cleaner Production – Industrial Water Section
• Journal of Hazardous Materials – Industrial Effluent Studies

Newspapers

• The Hindu BusinessLine – Industrial water infrastructure and ZLD updates
• The Economic Times – Environmental regulations and industry response
• Times of India – Pollution control and industrial water use trends
• Mint – ESG investments and water reuse technology news
• Financial Express – Infrastructure and EPC project developments
• China Daily – Industrial water reuse policy and adoption trends
• The Wall Street Journal – Global industrial environmental compliance and water reuse tech
• Reuters – Water scarcity and regulation-driven technology shifts
• Business Standard – India-specific industrial water and ZLD adoption news
• Nikkei Asia – Water treatment investments in Southeast Asia

Associations

• Water Environment Federation (WEF)
• International Water Association (IWA)
• Indian Desalination Association (InDA)
• Water Reuse Association
• Confederation of Indian Industry – Water Task Force
• FICCI – Water & Waste Management Division
• European Water Partnership
• Zero Liquid Discharge Association (proposed consortia and working groups)
• American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA)
• International Desalination Association (IDA)
• Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) – Industrial water audits
• National Mission for Clean Ganga – ZLD in river basin industries

Public Domain Sources

• Ministry of Jal Shakti (India) – Industrial water reuse policies
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC – India) – ZLD enforcement and compliance guidelines
• U.S. Department of Energy – ZLD feasibility in power and process industries
• European Commission – Industrial wastewater discharge directives
• China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment – ZLD mandates in high-pollution sectors
• World Bank – Industrial wastewater management projects and outcomes
• OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook – Industrial water demand and treatment
• National Institute of Urban Affairs (India) – Industrial cluster water management
• CPCB ZLD Guidelines and Sectoral Reports
• NITI Aayog – Water Stress and Industrial Water Use Reports
• UNIDO – Industrial water reuse technologies and best practices

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, and the Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for the last 8 years.