Abstract
Research Overview
Demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Rises as Food Producers are Increasingly Pressured by Legislation and Public Concerns
In addition to the quality requirements specific to the food and beverage
industry, environmental legislation and mounting public pressures have
prompted increasing investment in water and wastewater treatment. The
Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive requires
industries to install equipment that meets their requirements under best
available technology (BAT). While this provides a fairly rigorous test for all
treatment equipment, suppliers that can manage these regulations and provide
technology that meets these criteria are guaranteed further success in the
market. The need to comply with other directives such as the Water Framework
Directive and the Landfill Directive are also driving demand for water and
wastewater treatment equipment.
Demand for Clean Technology Combined with Quality and Cost Pressures Encourage Water Reuse Solutions
"Rising environmental consciousness is forcing the food and beverage industry
to utilise technologies that are clean, produce less sludge as well as offer
the option of reuse," according to the analyst of this study. "A desire for
process efficiencies and cost reductions further encourages reuse of the
water, especially in secondary processes such as boilers, steam generation,
washing and cooling towers."
A high and constant requirement for water in the production process as well as
related functions presents stable demand for water treatment equipment across
the food and beverage industry. In addition, food and beverage industry
standards specify that water intended for reuse, even if it is for cleaning
purposes, must be at least of drinking quality. This high quality requirement
necessitates demand for treatment equipment and encourages technological
innovations for suitable reuse solutions as well.
Maturing Market Combined with Increasing Competition Demands Innovative Solutions and Attractive Pricing
The traditional strongholds of the food and beverage industry such as Germany,
France and the United Kingdom are experiencing growing signs of maturity,
thereby restricting demand for treatment equipment in the long term. Equipment
suppliers, as a result, have been forced to identify regions such as southern
Europe for sustained potential demand in the future. This industry is also
keen on introducing innovative solutions including diversified products,
advanced technological options and efficient operational processes such as
outsourcing contracts.
"As opportunities reduce in this maturing market, competition is increasingly
based on prices and innovative business strategies including meeting specific
technological requirements and the ability to undertake outsourcing projects,"
explains the analyst. "However, heightened degree of awareness and public
consciousness is promoting demand. Additionally, in a mature market scenario
with growing potential for replacements and upgrades, there is steady demand
for treatment equipment."
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