Opportunities for Growth in PFAS Water and Wastewater Treatment Market (2024-2031)
The PFAS water and wastewater treatment equipment market in the U.S. is poised for significant growth between 2024 and 2031, with projections indicating an increase of over 11%. This surge is primarily attributed to stringent regulatory demands and a heightened awareness among the public regarding the risks associated with PFAS contamination. The market’s value was estimated to be above $90 million in 2024.
Various treatment technologies are gaining popularity due to their effectiveness in eliminating PFAS, including activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange, and membrane technologies. Both municipal utilities and industrial sectors are investing more in these technologies to ensure compliance with regulations. Additionally, initiatives driven by public advocacy and federal funding programs are contributing to the widespread adoption of these treatment solutions.
Opportunities abound for companies that can develop advanced solutions to tackle short-chain PFAS contamination. As regulatory standards become more stringent, technologies such as electrochemical oxidation and advanced electrochemical methods are expected to garner increased interest. Companies focusing on sustainable and low-waste solutions stand to benefit the most in this evolving market landscape. Investing in innovation, regulatory expertise, and sustainability will place companies in a favorable position to capitalize on the growing market demand while staying ahead of regulatory changes.
The scope of the PFAS water and wastewater treatment market is expanding beyond municipal utilities to encompass various industrial sectors like manufacturing, food processing, and textiles. Technologies such as granular activated carbon, ion-exchange resins, and membrane technologies are seeing increased adoption in managing PFAS in wastewater, particularly in industries like coatings, packaging, and processing equipment. Companies offering tailored solutions to suit the specific needs of different industries are likely to witness significant growth in this shifting PFAS treatment arena.
The market has witnessed a price sensitivity when it comes to PFAS treatment solutions. Activated carbon remains the most cost-effective choice, followed by resin-based technologies. Despite being the most expensive, reverse osmosis is experiencing rapid growth in PFAS removal due to its dual benefits of effectively eliminating contaminants and supporting water reuse initiatives. As municipalities and industries prioritize long-term water sustainability, the uptake of reverse osmosis systems is expected to increase. Membrane manufacturers are continuously innovating to enhance the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of reverse osmosis systems, positioning it as a fast-growing segment in the PFAS treatment sector.
In the highly competitive PFAS treatment equipment market, the top three companies held over 65% of the total market revenue in 2024. Key players include Xylem Inc., Calgon Carbon Corporation, Jacobs Solutions, Inc., Clean Harbors, Inc., Veolia, Aquagga, EPOC Enviro, and Pall Corporation. The municipal sector accounted for approximately 70% of the total end-user market revenue in 2024, while the industrial sector held around 20%. However, a structural shift is expected in the next few years, with the industrial sector poised for significant growth driven by stricter regulations mandating advanced pretreatment solutions for wastewater discharge. Granular activated carbon emerged as the leading technology in 2024, capturing more than half of the market revenue.
With granular activated carbon leading the charge in PFAS removal, the market is on the brink of transformation as companies tailor specialized solutions to cater to the unique requirements of various industries and municipalities.
