Study Goals and Objectives
This technical/market study was prepared to track and forecast trends in the chemical waste treatment industry. It will concentrate on such waste treatment technologies as oxidation, ion exchange, thermal methods and electrically driven techniques. Novel processes are grouped together within each section as miscellaneous technologies. This report will concentrate on advanced methods of chemical waste treatment. First generation chemical technologies will not be discussed.
For the purposes of this report, thermal plasma will refer to technologies in which contaminants are volatilized. If the plasma process results in a glassy slag that stabilizes the pollutants, it will be covered in the vitrification section. Room temperature plasma will be dealt with as a miscellaneous technology in the oxidation section.
History of the Market
Origins of the waste treatment market are found in the history of environmental regulation. Prior to the 1972 Water Act amendments and empowerment of the EPA, waste treatment was basically unknown. Treatment fell into the category of "dilution is the solution to pollution." The past 25 years have seen enormous growth in the waste treatment market. Increased generation of waste by industry and individuals, and government-mandated remediation of Superfund and brownfield sites have added to this increase. A recent trend, however, seems to be towards minimization of waste through clean industrial processes and the in-process recycling of raw materials. So-called "green" companies are finding that minimized use of natural resources and good housekeeping practices result in reduced emissions and reduced exposure of workers and consumers to toxic materials. This, in turn, leads to cost savings and minimization of potential liabilities, which are eventually reflected in the bottom line.
Reasons for Doing this Study
Waste is continually being produced and never completely disappears. Waste treatment often produces secondary waste. The environmental services industry is continually looking for better methods to control pollution and remediate sites where pollution damage has been done. This report tracks a variety of new chemical treatment methods, as well as some proven processes, that are being developed to provide efficient, cost-effective waste management.
Methodology
This study covers the four major areas of advanced chemical waste management, with focus on the United States market. Individual technologies and applications are described and a section on recent patents and research is included within each area. Companies involved in the manufacture of waste treatment products and providers of waste treatment services are profiled. A market analysis projects the profitability of existing technologies; informed assumptions have been made with respect to the growth of novel technologies.
Scope and Format
This BCC, Inc. report evaluates the chemical technologies used in waste treatment. The technologies are broken into 4 sections: oxidation, ion exchange, thermal processes and electrically driven methods. The waste management methods are in different phases of development from laboratory research to full-scale commercialization. Specific product information is given when available.
Waste treatment methods are covered in individual sections containing technology descriptions, process applications, patent information, research trends, involved companies and the value of the market.
Values of the market in this report are for the years given, represent sales by companies in the marketplace, and are for the United States only. Projections are in terms of constant dollars an represent real growth. Values for emerging technologies are based on the best estimates of those involved in the commercialization of the techniques.
Contributions of the Study and for Whom
This study evaluates existing chemical treatments of waste and introduces waste removal methods still in development stages. Companies in any industry that produce waste as a part of operation may find relevant, useful information in the report. Reducing costs and improving processes for waste control is a major motivator for every business. Venture capitalists, investment analysts, environmental service professionals, waste management departments, and others involved in the use, production or investment in the field of chemical waste treatment will find this evaluation of technology and markets an interesting and necessary tool.
Information Sources
Information contained in this report was gathered from a variety of sources including SEC filings, corporate annual reports, patent searches, company literature, technical journals, industry publications and telephone interviews.
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