Pulp & paper drive growth in wastewater market

Rising water prices have driven the pulp and paper industry to adopt more water-efficient practices, according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan.

The study claims that the focus on water recycling, biogas generation and sludge management is sustaining strong investments in the water and wastewater treatment market.

Frost & Sullivan reported that the market earned revenues of more than $983.9 million in 2012 and estimates this to reach $1.57 billion in 2020.

The market earned revenues of more than $983.9 million in 2012

“Pulp and paper manufacturers are looking for advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies with an efficient energy rating and easy operation and maintenance,” said Frost & Sullivan energy and environmental research analyst Paulina Szyplinska.

“Increasing dependence on water specialists to comply with tightening environmental standards and enhance operational efficiency has accelerated market growth.”

According to the report, significant advances in closed-loop and minimal impact production facilities have added to market revenues.

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.

Pulp and paper manufacturers are increasingly 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 recycling rates,” noted Szyplinska. “Water and wastewater treatment equipment suppliers must provide a broad range of customised treatment technologies to appeal to various industrial end-users.”

The study concludes that research and development to design treatment technology that can incorporate renewable energy initiatives will sustain the market in the long run.