Outsourcing Opportunities in the European Industrial Water Markets

Abstract

Increasing End-user Diversity Demands Specialised Outsourcing Strategies

While outsourcing is gaining ground in the European industrial water sector, increasing end-user diversity and the consequent demand for a high degree of specialisation in water and wastewater treatment is creating a highly challenging environment. These end-users range from small production sites in the food and beverage industry to large petrochemical and refinery sites and international companies with multi-site needs. In order to remain competitive, companies need to offer effective outsourcing strategies, tailored to suit the size of the industrial site, type of effluents produced, local regulations and nature of the production process. Competence and specialist knowledge are expected to be key factors for winning major outsourcing contracts, especially in the petrochemical and chemical industries along with a focus on total and integrated service solutions.

This Frost & Sullivan research service analyses the outsourcing opportunities in the European industrial water sector. It also discusses the various market trends and opportunities while providing in-depth analysis of market share, forecasts, drivers, restraints and revenues. The strategic conclusions and comprehensive focus of this study are expected to enable companies to effectively align their positioning strategies in order to benefit from the changing markets and obtain maximum return on investment.

Potential Savings and Risk Minimisation Drive the Market

Service providers that can manage on-site water processes effectively while allowing industrial customers to stabilise costs, make savings and concentrate on core-activities are more likely to win lucrative outsourcing contracts. "Critical factors for attracting industrial customer also include accelerated re-engineering benefits, long term stability from integrated services, proactive support in managing exposure to legislation and full or partial risk transfer," says the analyst of this research.

Industrial customers are also outsourcing their water management needs to reduce the risks associated with handling such operations in-house. Along with an assured supply of fresh water, an outsourcing agreement minimises the industrial sites investment in time, resources and manpower. The need to comply with strict environmental standards and regulations within a stipulated period is also increasing outsourcing opportunities across a broad range of industries.

Solution -- Driven Market Places Emphasis on Customer Requirements

Focusing on the specific needs of industrial customers is essential to popularize outsourcing as a cost-effective option for water management. For instance, there is a growing demand for higher-end solutions and "integrated water management" that cater to the sites entire water needs ranging from water for boiler feed, process water and wastewater treatment to recycling and reusing wastewater.

Moreover, since the market for industrial water and wastewater treatment is highly cost conscious, price is a key factor that could tilt the balance in favour of a particular outsourcing contract. "Suppliers will need to establish a good track record and facilitate continuous interaction and involvement with industrial end-users in order to effectively combat initial resistance and develop confidence regarding the outsourcing option," explains the analyst.