Water Treatment Polymer Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rapid industrialization: Water treatment polymers are in high demand due to the rapid industrialization across the world, especially in the industrial sector for uses like heat exchanger fluids and steam generation. According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), industry and energy are responsible for 19% of global freshwater withdrawals, including groundwater. The discharge of almost 80% of all wastewater produced into waterways pollutes the environment and endangers aquatic life and human health.
  
  Moreover, the release of heavy metals into the environment from painting and electroplating waste is a consequence of advancements in industrial technologies. One of the most promising methods for removing heavy metals from wastewater is the adsorption process, which uses inexpensive materials. Also, composites are gaining popularity due to their high mechanical feasibility, enhanced stability, and potential absorptivity.
• Shift towards sustainable polymers: Biopolymers enhance water treatment by creating flocs that improve the removal of particles and contaminants. Chitosan, alginate, and starch-based polymers are particularly effective due to their biodegradability and low environmental impact. FUR4Sustain, a European network for FURan-based chemicals and materials for sustainable development, is addressing the issues of traditional petrol-based polymers through innovative solutions based on furan compounds. The initiative promotes 2.5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a renewable chemical derived from agricultural waste and forestry by-products. FDCA serves as an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical acids, contributing to sustainable practices in water treatment and material production.
  
  Water treatment procedures can become more ecologically conscious by substituting these biopolymers for conventional chemical coagulants. In addition to addressing issues with water quality, this change advances the overarching objective of encouraging sustainability in water management techniques.
• Increased government regulations: Government laws for wastewater treatment and reinjection policies are another factor escalating the growth of the water treatment polymers market. For instance, the Government of India has tightened restrictions, requiring large users to recycle half of their effluent by 2031 to reduce water wastage. Organizations that use more than 5,000 liters per day need to register and implement thorough treatment procedures.
  
  Additionally, in 2020, Europe established minimum standards for urban wastewater reuse and mandated transparency and risk management definitions. Crop profitability, downstream cascade reuse, and water scarcity will restrict the actual influence of regulation on circular economy goals.

Challenges

• Environmental concerns surrounding the potential for overused polymers: Operators attempting to resolve a settle ability issue may add polymer; however, adding too much polymer results in a negative charge, which precludes flocculation and worsens the situation. Furthermore, large volumes of polymer can blind filter presses and media, resulting in further pollution concerns. This may impede the water treatment polymers market from growing.
• Higher cost of wet sludge: Composed of 90-95% water and 5-10% garbage, sludge is produced during the wastewater treatment process. Along with personnel and energy expenditures, one of the biggest expenses for wastewater treatment plants is the transportation and disposal of water-heavy sludge, also known as biosolids or solids, which may hinder the expansion of the water treatment polymers market.