Reverse-Osmosis, Nanofiltration to Drive Membrane Market for Water & Wastewater Treatment

With Japan and South Korea being among the global hubs of membrane system manufacturing and the few top suppliers globally, the water and wastewater treatment markets in these countries are well developed and approaching maturity. According to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, the highly competitive domestic market and strong demand in overseas markets are making a strong case for key companies in these countries to shift their business focus to foreign markets.

The new report Market for Membrane Technologies Used in Water and Wastewater Treatment in Japan and South Korea from Frost & Sullivan finds that the market earned revenues of US $325.4 million in 2011 and estimates this to reach US $639.4 million in 2017. Intense economic activities boost the demand for water and wastewater treatment (WWWT).

"Limited space availability for infrastructure is the primary factor determining the choice of technology for WWWT facilities," Frost & Sullivan Research Associate Janice Wung said in a prepared statement. "With membrane technologies enabling the use of decentralized water and wastewater treatment systems that offer the benefits of smaller footprint, ease of operation, and automation, the market for membrane technologies looks promising."

However, the market is pegged back by higher operating and maintenance costs than conventional technologies. Hence, customers prefer the more economically priced traditional technologies. Further, being the trailblazers in this market, participants in Japan and South Korea have extensive knowledge of the technology. Their know-how intensifies domestic competition, compelling participants to innovate proactively, says Frost & Sullivan.

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Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are expected to be the future buzzwords in the membrane technologies segment of the water and wastewater market, with both segments witnessing rapid growth.

"Key market players have been strongly focusing on technological advancement through their robust R&D activities to earn their place not only in the domestic market, but in the international market as well," Wung said.

Market for Membrane Technologies Used in Water and Wastewater Treatment in Japan and South Korea is part of the Environmental Growth Partnership Services program. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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