Biological Treatment Technologies Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Biological Treatment Technologies Market is projected to expand from USD 3.82 Billion in 2025 to USD 5.72 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.96%. These technologies employ microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to break down organic pollutants in wastewater and solid waste, transforming them into stable outputs like biogas and treated effluent. Growth is largely driven by strict environmental regulations concerning discharge quality and a growing global focus on circular economy principles, specifically energy recovery from waste. This upward trend is substantiated by industry data; according to the World Biogas Association, global biogas production was forecast in 2024 to increase by 32% between 2023 and 2028, signaling a rise in the use of biological systems for sustainable energy generation.

Despite this growth, the market encounters a major obstacle regarding the operational sensitivity inherent in biological processes. These systems necessitate the maintenance of exacting environmental conditions, including stable temperature and pH levels, as even slight variations can inhibit microbial activity and reduce treatment efficacy. This technical limitation requires stringent monitoring and expert management, requirements that can hinder widespread implementation in areas lacking robust infrastructure or operational proficiency.

Market Drivers

Strict environmental regulations and discharge standards act as the primary catalyst for the uptake of biological treatment systems. Globally, regulatory authorities are enforcing tight restrictions on nutrient and organic pollutant levels in industrial and municipal effluents, necessitating a shift from basic physical treatment to sophisticated biological processes such as membrane bioreactors. This regulatory push is underscored by substantial public funding designated for compliance; according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's February 2024 release, 'Biden-Harris Administration Announces $5.8 Billion for Water Infrastructure Investment,' $5.8 billion was distributed to states, Tribes, and territories to modernize critical water infrastructure, directly promoting the adoption of compliant biological treatment solutions.

Increasing global water scarcity and the resulting demand for wastewater reuse further propel market growth by changing the priority from simple disposal to resource recovery. As freshwater resources dwindle, municipalities and industries are increasingly relying on biological technologies to recycle wastewater for industrial and agricultural uses, thereby alleviating pressure on natural reserves.

The necessity of this transition is emphasized by international figures; according to the United Nations' 'United Nations World Water Development Report 2024' published in March 2024, roughly 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, highlighting the urgent need for alternative water sources obtained through biological purification. To facilitate these massive infrastructure upgrades, significant capital is being allocated; according to Ofwat, in 2024, a spending plan of £88 billion was proposed for water companies in England and Wales for the 2025-2030 period, designed to ensure cleaner rivers and secure water supplies via modernized treatment facilities.

Market Challenges

The operational sensitivity associated with biological processes represents a major hurdle impeding the expansion of the Global Biological Treatment Technologies Market. In contrast to robust chemical or physical methods, biological systems rely on living microorganisms that demand precise environmental conditions to survive and operate effectively. Fluctuations in key parameters such as pH, temperature, or feedstock composition can quickly interrupt microbial activity, resulting in process instability and treatment failure. This vulnerability necessitates continuous, high-level monitoring and specialized operational knowledge, resources that are frequently lacking in many potential markets.

These rigorous technical demands establish a high barrier to entry and sustainability, particularly in areas with developing infrastructure or limited skilled labor. The potential for system upsets and the associated high operational costs discourage investment and limit the scalability of these technologies. The challenge of achieving widespread implementation due to these complexities is evident in recent industry statistics. According to the World Biogas Association, in 2024, merely 2% of globally generated organic waste was effectively treated and recycled. This low utilization rate underscores the difficulty in sustaining the precise operating environments required for these biological technologies to succeed on a global scale.

Market Trends

The integration of Artificial Intelligence and IoT for Real-Time Monitoring is transforming the market by addressing the operational sensitivity of biological processes. Modern treatment systems are increasingly employing machine learning and smart sensors to continuously track critical variables such as pH and temperature, enabling operators to proactively manage microbial health and avert system disruptions. This digital evolution improves reliability, fostering adoption in complex industrial settings where stability is essential. Highlighting this technological transition, major industry players are reporting financial success; according to Veolia's '2024 Annual Results' released in February 2025, the company's Water division realized an organic revenue increase of 5.6%, a performance largely attributed to the scalability of its digital services and the implementation of new generative AI capabilities.

Simultaneously, the expansion of Waste-to-Energy and Bioenergy Recovery Solutions is redirecting market focus from contaminant removal toward resource generation. Facilities are rapidly deploying anaerobic digestion technologies to transform organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG), generating valuable revenue streams that help offset operational expenses. This trend is channeling significant capital into the sector, especially for decentralized industrial and agricultural projects. This momentum is quantified by recent infrastructure statistics; according to the American Biogas Council's February 2025 release, 'Investment in New U.S. Biogas Systems Grows by $3 Billion in 2024,' the industry attracted over $3 billion in new capital investments throughout 2024, representing a 40% rise in funding compared to the prior year.

Key Players Profiled in the Biological Treatment Technologies Market

• BioCo Tech AS
• Biffa Ltd.
• Composting Solutions Ltd.
• Alfa-Therm Limited
• Supreme International Limited
• Closed Loop Environmental Solution Pty Ltd.
• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
• Pentair PLC
• Alfa Laval Corporate AB
• SCARAB International, LLLP

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Biological Treatment Technologies Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Biological Treatment Technologies Market, by Treatment:

• Composting
• Vermicomposting
• Black Soldier fly treatment
• Anerobic Digestion
• Fermentation

Biological Treatment Technologies Market, by Application:

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial

Biological Treatment Technologies Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Biological Treatment Technologies Market.

Available Customization

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• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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