The Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system market is gaining significant traction as industries worldwide face increasing pressure to comply with stringent environmental regulations and water conservation efforts. ZLD systems are advanced wastewater treatment processes that ensure no liquid waste is discharged into the environment, by recovering usable water and converting remaining waste into solid residue. These systems are widely adopted across industries such as power generation, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, where water usage is high and effluent discharge must be minimized. The growing need for sustainable water management solutions and strict regulatory frameworks are driving the demand for ZLD systems globally.
1. GEA Group AKtiengesellschaft:
Company Overview:
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft is a leading global technology company specializing in process engineering and solutions, primarily for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The company provides equipment and systems for manufacturing and processing, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. GEA is recognized for its expertise in food production, dairy processing, chemical engineering, and environmental technology solutions, including Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems.
Headquarters:
- Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Founding:
- Year Founded: 1881
- Founder: Originally established as Metallgesellschaft, the company has evolved and rebranded as GEA Group.
Industry Type:
- Industry: Industrial Engineering and Process Solutions
- Primary Focus: Food, Beverage, Pharma, Chemical, and Environmental Technology
Key Products:
- Processing Equipment: For food and beverages, dairy, and chemicals.
- Pharmaceutical Solutions: Systems for biopharma production and processing.
- Environmental Solutions: Including Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems for wastewater treatment and environmental compliance.
Revenue (2023–2024):
- For 2023, GEA Group reported revenue of approximately €5 billion. Revenue for 2024 is expected to fluctuate based on market demand for industrial processing technologies and sustainability-driven projects.
Major Operations:
- Food and Beverage Technology: The largest segment, focusing on machinery for dairy, food, and beverage processing.
- Pharmaceutical Systems: Providing solutions for drug manufacturing and biopharma production.
- Environmental Technology: Including Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems and other water and wastewater treatment technologies.
No. of Employees (2024):
- As of 2024, GEA Group employs approximately 18,500 people worldwide, working in research, development, production, and corporate functions.
Strategic Focus:
- GEA Group focuses on providing cutting-edge solutions to increase production efficiency, enhance sustainability, and reduce environmental impact. The company is committed to advancing its environmental technologies, particularly in areas like wastewater management and emissions reduction.
Recent Developments:
- Expansion of ZLD Solutions Portfolio: In 2023, GEA expanded its ZLD systems offerings to meet increasing demand for water recycling and sustainability solutions in industries like chemicals, power, and food processing.
- Sustainability Initiatives: In 2023, GEA set new sustainability goals, aiming to reduce carbon emissions across its operations by 25% by 2030. This includes investments in greener technologies and improving the energy efficiency of its production systems.
2. Aquarion AG
Company Overview: Aquarion AG is a global leader in water treatment solutions, specializing in systems for both industrial and municipal applications. The company is focused on advanced water treatment technologies such as membrane filtration, desalination, and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, aimed at recycling water and minimizing environmental impact. Known for its innovative, customized solutions, Aquarion meets the challenging water and wastewater treatment demands of industries like oil & gas, power, chemicals, and food & beverage.
Headquarters:
- Location: Baar, Switzerland
Founding:
- Year Founded: 2008
- Founder: Established to address the growing global need for advanced water treatment and sustainability solutions.
Industry Type:
- Industry: Water Treatment and Environmental Solutions
- Primary Focus: Water and Wastewater Treatment, Desalination, ZLD Systems
Key Products:
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Advanced systems to ensure no wastewater discharge.
- Membrane Filtration Systems: For water purification and wastewater treatment.
- Desalination Solutions: Systems designed to convert seawater into fresh water.
- Industrial Water Treatment: Solutions for sectors like oil & gas, power, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Revenue (2023–2024):
- For 2023, Aquarion AG generated revenue of approximately €100 million, with growth anticipated in 2024 due to rising demand for water recycling and ZLD solutions in industrial sectors.
Major Operations:
- ZLD Systems: A core offering, helping industries meet regulatory requirements by treating wastewater and recovering water for reuse.
- Desalination Plants: Designed to provide sustainable water supply solutions in water-scarce regions.
- Industrial Water Recycling: Tailored solutions for industries like chemicals, oil & gas, and pharmaceuticals.
No. of Employees (2024):
- As of 2024, Aquarion AG employs approximately 300 people, including engineers, project managers, and technical specialists focused on water treatment solutions.
Strategic Focus:
- Aquarion AG is committed to expanding its global presence in the water treatment market, particularly in industries that require sustainable water management solutions. The company is heavily invested in innovation, developing new technologies to improve water reuse efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Recent Developments:
- Expansion of ZLD Projects in Asia: In 2023, Aquarion secured contracts for multiple ZLD projects in Asia, particularly in the textile and power generation industries, where water conservation is critical.
- Launch of New Desalination Technology: In 2023, the company introduced a new energy-efficient desalination technology designed to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, catering to the growing demand for fresh water in arid regions.
3. Evoqua Water Technologies LLC:
- Company Overview: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC is a leading global provider of water and wastewater treatment solutions. It offers a broad range of services and technologies to meet the water needs of industrial, municipal, and commercial sectors. The company is known for its innovative solutions that enhance water reuse, conservation, and environmental compliance.
- Headquarters:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA - Founding:
- Year Founded: Evoqua’s origins trace back over 100 years through its predecessor companies. It was established in its current form in 2013 following a spinoff from Siemens Water Technologies.
- Industry Type:
- Industry: Water Treatment and Environmental Solutions
- Primary Focus: Water Filtration, Wastewater Treatment, and ZLD Systems
- Key Products:
- Water Filtration Systems: Advanced filtration solutions for both industrial and municipal applications.
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems: Designed to recover water and eliminate wastewater discharge.
- Disinfection Technologies: UV and ozone solutions for safe water treatment.
- Wastewater Treatment Systems: Customized solutions for industrial wastewater.
- Revenue (2023–2024): Evoqua Water Technologies reported revenue of approximately $1.7 billion in 2023, with continued growth expected in 2024, driven by strong demand for water recycling and sustainability solutions.
- Major Operations:
- ZLD Solutions: Widely utilized in power generation, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals industries.
- Municipal Water Treatment: Providing clean drinking water and wastewater management systems and services.
- Industrial Water Services: Tailored solutions for sectors such as oil & gas, food & beverage, and healthcare.
- No. of Employees (2024): Approximately 4,000 people globally, including engineers, technicians, and water treatment specialists.
- Strategic Focus: Evoqua is dedicated to advancing sustainable water treatment technologies, expanding market reach, and enhancing its product portfolio. The company prioritizes water reuse and conservation in industries with significant water usage.
- Recent Developments:
- Acquisition by Xylem Inc.: In 2023, Evoqua was acquired by Xylem Inc., enhancing its water treatment solutions and global presence.
- Expansion of ZLD Solutions: In 2023, Evoqua expanded its ZLD offerings due to rising demand in industries such as power generation and pharmaceuticals, focusing on reducing wastewater and improving water reuse efficiency.
4. Aquatech International LLC:
- Company Overview: Aquatech International LLC is a global leader in water purification technologies and wastewater treatment solutions. Specializing in water recycling, desalination, and ZLD systems, Aquatech serves the industrial and infrastructure sectors, aiding in water consumption reduction and regulatory compliance.
- Headquarters:
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA - Founding:
- Year Founded: 1981
- Founder: Founded by Veolia Water Technologies to meet the growing demands for advanced water and wastewater management in industrial sectors.
- Industry Type:
- Industry: Water Treatment and Environmental Solutions
- Primary Focus: Water Purification, Desalination, Wastewater Treatment, and ZLD Systems
- Key Products:
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems: Advanced systems for industries requiring complete elimination of wastewater.
- Desalination Solutions: Technologies for converting seawater into potable water.
- Water Recycling and Reuse: Solutions designed to maximize water reuse in industrial processes.
- Effluent Treatment Systems: Custom wastewater treatment solutions for various industries.
- Revenue (2023–2024): Aquatech International LLC reported an estimated revenue of around $200 million in 2023, with growth anticipated in 2024 due to increasing global demand for water conservation and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.
- Major Operations:
- ZLD Projects: Aquatech pioneers ZLD systems with installations across sectors like oil & gas, chemicals, and textiles.
- Desalination Plants: Construction of large-scale desalination plants worldwide, especially in water-scarce regions.
- Water Recycling: Solutions aimed at achieving high water recovery rates and minimizing freshwater consumption.
- No. of Employees (2024): Approximately 600 people globally, including engineers, project managers, and water treatment specialists.
- Strategic Focus: Aquatech is committed to advancing water sustainability through technological innovation, aiming to expand its presence in water-scarce regions and focusing on water recycling, ZLD systems, and desalination. It also emphasizes digital solutions for optimizing water treatment processes.
- Recent Developments:
- ZLD Expansion in the Middle East: In 2023, Aquatech secured contracts for ZLD systems in the Middle East, aiding companies in water-stressed areas.
- Launch of AquaSmart Platform: In 2023, Aquatech introduced the AquaSmart digital platform, a cloud-based solution optimizing water treatment operations through real-time monitoring and data analytics.
5. Evoqua Water Technologies LLC:
- Recent Developments:
- Strategic Focus: Evoqua is dedicated to advancing sustainable water treatment technologies, expanding market reach, and enhancing its product portfolio. The company prioritizes water reuse and conservation in industries with significant water usage.
- No. of Employees (2024): Approximately 4,000 people globally, including engineers, technicians, and water treatment specialists.
- ZLD Solutions: Widely utilized in power generation, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals industries.
- Municipal Water Treatment: Providing clean drinking water and wastewater management systems and services.
- Industrial Water Services: Tailored solutions for sectors such as oil & gas, food & beverage, and healthcare.
- Major Operations:
- Revenue (2023–2024): Evoqua Water Technologies reported revenue of approximately $1.7 billion in 2023, with continued growth expected in 2024, driven by strong demand for water recycling and sustainability solutions.
- Water Filtration Systems: Advanced filtration solutions for both industrial and municipal applications.
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems: Designed to recover water and eliminate wastewater discharge.
- Disinfection Technologies: UV and ozone solutions for safe water treatment.
- Wastewater Treatment Systems: Customized solutions for industrial wastewater.
- Key Products:
- Industry: Water Treatment and Environmental Solutions
- Primary Focus: Water Filtration, Wastewater Treatment, and ZLD Systems
- Industry Type:
- Year Founded: Evoqua’s origins trace back over 100 years through its predecessor companies. It was established in its current form in 2013 following a spinoff from Siemens Water Technologies.
- Founding:
- Headquarters:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA - Company Overview: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC is a leading global provider of water and wastewater treatment solutions. It offers a broad range of services and technologies to meet the water needs of industrial, municipal, and commercial sectors. The company is known for its innovative solutions that enhance water reuse, conservation, and environmental compliance.
- Acquisition by Xylem Inc.: In 2023, Evoqua was acquired by Xylem Inc., enhancing its water treatment solutions and global presence.
- Expansion of ZLD Solutions: In 2023, Evoqua expanded its ZLD offerings due to rising demand in industries such as power generation and pharmaceuticals, focusing on reducing wastewater and improving water reuse efficiency.
6. Aquatech International LLC:
- Company Overview: Aquatech International LLC is a global leader in water purification technologies and wastewater treatment solutions. Specializing in water recycling, desalination, and ZLD systems, Aquatech serves the industrial and infrastructure sectors, aiding in water consumption reduction and regulatory compliance.
- Headquarters:
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA - Founding:
- Year Founded: 1981
- Founder: Founded by Veolia Water Technologies to meet the growing demands for advanced water and wastewater management in industrial sectors.
- Industry Type:
- Industry: Water Treatment and Environmental Solutions
- Primary Focus: Water Purification, Desalination, Wastewater Treatment, and ZLD Systems
- Key Products:
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems: Advanced systems for industries requiring complete elimination of wastewater.
- Desalination Solutions: Technologies for converting seawater into potable water.
- Water Recycling and Reuse: Solutions designed to maximize water reuse in industrial processes.
- Effluent Treatment Systems: Custom wastewater treatment solutions for various industries.
- Revenue (2023–2024): Aquatech International LLC reported an estimated revenue of around $200 million in 2023, with growth anticipated in 2024 due to increasing global demand for water conservation and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.
- Major Operations:
- ZLD Projects: Aquatech pioneers ZLD systems with installations across sectors like oil & gas, chemicals, and textiles.
- Desalination Plants: Construction of large-scale desalination plants worldwide, especially in water-scarce regions.
- Water Recycling: Solutions aimed at achieving high water recovery rates and minimizing freshwater consumption.
- No. of Employees (2024): Approximately 600 people globally, including engineers, project managers, and water treatment specialists.
- Strategic Focus: Aquatech is committed to advancing water sustainability through technological innovation, aiming to expand its presence in water-scarce regions and focusing on water recycling, ZLD systems, and desalination. It also emphasizes digital solutions for optimizing water treatment processes.
- Recent Developments:
- ZLD Expansion in the Middle East: In 2023, Aquatech secured contracts for ZLD systems in the Middle East, aiding companies in water-stressed areas.
- Launch of AquaSmart Platform: In 2023, Aquatech introduced the AquaSmart digital platform, a cloud-based solution optimizing water treatment operations through real-time monitoring and data analytics.
7. IDE Technologies
- Company Overview:
IDE Technologies is a global leader in water treatment solutions, specializing in desalination, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), and advanced industrial water treatment systems. Known for its expertise in both thermal and membrane desalination technologies, IDE has built some of the largest desalination plants in the world and pioneers energy-efficient, cost-effective technologies. - Headquarters:
Kadima, Israel - Founding:
- Year Founded: 1965
- Founders: Established through a partnership between Israel Chemicals and Delek Group.
- Industry Type:
- Industry: Water Treatment and Desalination
- Primary Focus: Desalination, ZLD Systems, Industrial Wastewater Treatment, and Water Reuse
- Key Products:
- Thermal Desalination Plants: Large-scale Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) and Mechanical Vapor Compression (MVC) plants.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Desalination: High-efficiency RO plants, including some of the world’s largest.
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems: Systems to recycle wastewater and reduce environmental impact.
- Brine Management: Treatment and management solutions for concentrated brine.
- Revenue (2023–2024):
IDE Technologies reported an estimated revenue of approximately $400 million in 2023, with growth expected in 2024 due to increasing demand for desalination and water reuse solutions. - Major Operations:
- Desalination Plants: Large-scale facilities in regions like the Middle East, Australia, and the U.S.
- ZLD and Industrial Water Treatment: Technologies in industries such as power generation, mining, and petrochemicals.
- Municipal Water Services: Comprehensive water treatment solutions including wastewater recycling and potable water treatment.
- No. of Employees (2024):
Approximately 700 people globally, including engineers, scientists, and environmental experts. - Strategic Focus:
IDE Technologies aims to expand its global footprint in desalination and water reuse markets. The company invests in R&D for more energy-efficient desalination technologies and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, targeting markets with high water stress. - Recent Developments:
- Launch of Next-Generation Desalination Technology: In 2023, IDE introduced the IDE PROGREEN™, an energy-efficient desalination system aimed at reducing operational costs.
- New Projects in the Middle East: In 2023, IDE secured contracts for large-scale desalination plants in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reinforcing its leadership in the region.
8 . Thermax Limited
- Company Overview:
Thermax Limited is a leading Indian company specializing in energy and environmental solutions. The company offers integrated solutions in water and wastewater treatment, energy efficiency, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems, and air pollution control, serving industries such as power, chemicals, textiles, and food & beverage. - Headquarters:
Pune, Maharashtra, India - Founding:
- Year Founded: 1966
- Founder: Ashok Kumar Bachhawat
- Industry Type:
- Industry: Engineering, Energy, and Environmental Solutions
- Primary Focus: Water and Wastewater Treatment, Energy Efficiency, ZLD Systems, and Air Pollution Control
- Key Products:
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Solutions: Technologies for water purification, treatment, and recycling.
- Energy Efficiency Solutions: Industrial boilers, heat recovery systems, and cogeneration systems.
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems: Technologies to treat and recycle wastewater completely.
- Air Pollution Control: Emission control solutions including scrubbers and filters.
- Revenue (2023–2024):
Thermax Limited reported estimated revenue of approximately ₹11,500 crore ($1.4 billion) in 2023, with growth anticipated in 2024 due to rising demand for sustainable industrial solutions. - Major Operations:
- Water and Wastewater Management: Comprehensive solutions for municipal and industrial clients.
- Energy Solutions: Products and services to enhance energy efficiency.
- ZLD and Wastewater Recycling: ZLD systems used in textiles, chemicals, and power industries.
- Air Pollution Control: Solutions to meet stringent emission regulations.
- No. of Employees (2024):
Approximately 5,500 people, including engineers, project managers, and environmental specialists. - Strategic Focus:
Thermax aims to expand its global market presence through innovation in water treatment, energy efficiency, and air pollution control. The company seeks to enhance its capabilities in providing integrated solutions for environmental and energy challenges. - Recent Developments:
- Expansion in Water Treatment Technologies: In 2023, Thermax launched new water and wastewater treatment technologies, including advanced ZLD systems.
- New Energy Efficiency Projects: In 2023, the company secured contracts for energy-efficient solutions in major industries, including high-efficiency boilers and heat recovery systems.
