Global Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Size

• The global sludge dewatering equipment market size was valued at USD 5.17 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 13.38 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 12.60% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the increasing volume of wastewater from expanding urban and industrial sectors, along with growing regulatory pressure to reduce sludge volumes and improve waste treatment efficiency across municipal and industrial facilities
• Furthermore, the rising demand for energy-efficient, automated dewatering systems that lower operational costs and support sustainable waste disposal practices is driving widespread adoption of advanced sludge dewatering technologies, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth

Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Analysis

• Sludge dewatering equipment is designed to remove water from sewage sludge, reducing its volume and weight for easier handling, disposal, or further treatment. These systems include technologies such as centrifuges, belt filter presses, and screw presses, which are widely used in municipal wastewater treatment plants and various industries
• The growing emphasis on environmental compliance, rising awareness of resource recovery from sludge, and increasing investments in water infrastructure are key factors propelling the demand for sludge dewatering equipment across global markets
• Europe dominated the sludge dewatering equipment market with a share of 25.5% in 2024, due to stringent environmental regulations, strong municipal infrastructure, and increased government focus on sustainable wastewater management
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the sludge dewatering equipment market during the forecast period due to rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and rising environmental consciousness
• Centrifuges segment dominated the market with a market share of 40.5% in 2024, due to its high-speed processing capabilities, reduced footprint, and growing popularity in industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and petrochemicals. Centrifugal dewatering systems are ideal for handling difficult-to-dewater sludge and offer significant advantages in automation and reduced operator intervention, making them increasingly attractive for advanced treatment facilities seeking higher throughput and efficiency

Report Scope and Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Segmentation      

Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Trends

“Increasing Environmental Regulations”

• A significant and accelerating trend in the sludge dewatering equipment market is the tightening of environmental regulations governing wastewater treatment and sludge disposal across the globe
  • For instance, leading companies such as Alfa Laval, Andritz AG, and SUEZ are expanding their portfolios of advanced dewatering technologies to help municipal and industrial clients comply with stricter discharge limits and sustainability mandates
• Governments in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are implementing more rigorous standards for sludge management, pushing utilities and industries to invest in efficient dewatering solutions that minimize environmental impact and reduce landfill usage
• The adoption of innovative equipment—such as centrifuges, belt filter presses, and screw presses—enables operators to achieve higher solids content, lower disposal costs, and improved resource recovery from sludge
• The trend toward circular economy practices, including the recovery of biogas and nutrients from dewatered sludge, is further driving demand for advanced dewatering systems
• As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and public awareness of environmental issues grows, the demand for reliable, energy-efficient, and automated sludge dewatering equipment is rising rapidly across both developed and emerging markets

Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Dynamics

Driver

“Increasing Water and Wastewater Treatment Needs”

• The growing need for effective water and wastewater treatment is a major driver for the sludge dewatering equipment market, as urbanization, industrialization, and population growth place greater pressure on water resources and treatment infrastructure
  • For instance, companies such as Evoqua Water Technologies, Huber SE, and Veolia are supplying dewatering solutions to municipal utilities and industrial facilities facing rising volumes of sludge from expanded treatment operations
• The proliferation of new wastewater treatment plants, upgrades to aging infrastructure, and the expansion of industrial processing facilities are fueling demand for equipment that can efficiently separate water from solids and reduce the volume of sludge requiring disposal
• Dewatering equipment is essential for optimizing plant performance, lowering transportation and disposal costs, and meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards. The market is also benefiting from the adoption of automation, remote monitoring, and energy-efficient technologies that enhance operational reliability and reduce total cost of ownership
• The expanding focus on resource recovery and sustainable sludge management is further supporting market growth, as utilities and industries seek to extract value from waste streams

Restraint/Challenge

“Long Implementation Cycles”

• Long implementation cycles represent a significant challenge in the sludge dewatering equipment market, often delaying project completion and return on investment for end users
  • For instance, the installation and commissioning of advanced dewatering systems from providers such as Andritz AG and Alfa Laval can require extensive site preparation, permitting, and integration with existing treatment processes, leading to prolonged project timelines
• Complexities related to equipment customization, regulatory approvals, and coordination with multiple stakeholders can further extend implementation periods, especially for large-scale municipal or industrial projects
• These lengthy cycles can deter investment, particularly in regions with limited capital budgets or where immediate operational improvements are needed
• Overcoming this challenge will require suppliers to offer more modular, plug-and-play solutions, streamlined project management, and enhanced technical support to accelerate deployment and minimize downtime

Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, technology, and application.

• By Type

On the basis of type, the sludge dewatering equipment market is segmented into sludge dewatering, paper dewatering, plastic dewatering, and others. The sludge dewatering segment dominated the largest market revenue share in 2024, attributed to the rising volume of wastewater generated by municipal and industrial facilities and the growing regulatory focus on minimizing sludge disposal costs. This equipment plays a critical role in reducing the water content of sludge, making it easier and more cost-effective to handle, transport, and dispose of. Sludge dewatering systems are also favored due to their ability to lower the overall environmental impact of waste management and improve the efficiency of downstream treatment processes.

The plastic dewatering segment is expected to register the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by the rapid expansion of the plastic recycling industry and increasing global emphasis on circular economy practices. As recycling operations grow, so does the need for efficient dewatering systems that can handle mixed plastic waste streams and reduce moisture before reprocessing. This segment benefits from the demand for sustainable waste processing technologies, especially in regions with stringent plastic waste management regulations and rising consumer awareness.

• By Technology

On the basis of technology, the sludge dewatering equipment market is segmented into belt filter press, centrifuges, screw press, vacuum filters, filter presses, drying beds, sludge lagoons, and others. The centrifuge segment accounted for the largest market revenue share 40.5% in 2024, due to its high-speed processing capabilities, reduced footprint, and growing popularity in industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and petrochemicals. Centrifugal dewatering systems are ideal for handling difficult-to-dewater sludge and offer significant advantages in automation and reduced operator intervention, making them increasingly attractive for advanced treatment facilities seeking higher throughput and efficiency.

The belt filter press segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, fueled by its cost-effective operation and suitability for continuous dewatering of large sludge volumes, particularly in municipal applications. Belt filter presses are preferred for their operational simplicity, low energy consumption, and ability to process a wide range of sludge consistencies. Their established use across wastewater treatment plants and availability in modular configurations make them a go-to solution for urban infrastructure projects.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the sludge dewatering equipment market is segmented into municipal and industrial. The municipal segment led the market in 2024, backed by increasing urbanization, rising wastewater generation, and government investments in expanding sanitation and water treatment infrastructure. Municipal bodies prioritize sludge dewatering equipment to comply with environmental discharge standards and optimize the disposal of biosolids, driving large-scale adoption across wastewater treatment plants.

The industrial segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, spurred by stringent environmental regulations and the need for effective waste management across sectors such as mining, chemicals, textiles, and food & beverages. Industries are increasingly deploying advanced dewatering technologies to minimize sludge volume, recover resources, and ensure regulatory compliance, especially in regions where landfill disposal is restricted or heavily taxed.

Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Regional Analysis

• Europe dominated the sludge dewatering equipment market with the largest revenue share of 25.5% in 2024, driven by stringent environmental regulations, strong municipal infrastructure, and increased government focus on sustainable wastewater management
• Countries across the region are investing heavily in upgrading wastewater treatment facilities and adopting advanced sludge management technologies to comply with EU directives
• Technological advancements, combined with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and circular economy practices, are accelerating the deployment of sludge dewatering solutions across industrial and municipal sectors

Germany Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Insight

The Germany sludge dewatering equipment market accounted for the largest revenue share within Europe in 2024, supported by the country’s well-developed industrial base and strict environmental policies. Germany’s emphasis on resource recovery and sustainable waste handling is fostering the adoption of advanced sludge dewatering technologies across sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. The integration of energy-efficient systems and automation is further driving market growth.

U.K. Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Insight

The U.K. sludge dewatering equipment market is projected to grow at a notable CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by increasing demand for efficient sludge handling in both urban and rural areas. Rising investments in upgrading aging wastewater infrastructure and a growing focus on carbon reduction and sustainable sludge disposal practices are pushing market expansion. The industrial sector’s adoption of advanced dewatering solutions also contributes to overall growth.

North America Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Insight

The North America sludge dewatering equipment market is anticipated to register steady growth, led by rising environmental awareness and a growing need for efficient wastewater treatment systems across industrial and municipal segments. Supportive government initiatives and a focus on reducing operational costs are encouraging the adoption of mechanical dewatering systems.

U.S. Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Insight

The U.S. market captured the highest share in North America in 2024, driven by stringent EPA regulations, high industrial wastewater generation, and growing municipal demand for cost-effective, space-saving dewatering systems. The U.S. also benefits from strong technological innovation and a well-established water treatment infrastructure.

Asia-Pacific Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Insight

The Asia-Pacific sludge dewatering equipment market is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, propelled by rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and rising environmental consciousness in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Increasing investments in wastewater treatment infrastructure and favorable government policies are accelerating market growth.

China Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Insight

China led the Asia-Pacific market in revenue share in 2024, owing to the country’s large-scale urbanization, strict pollution control mandates, and strong manufacturing capabilities. The implementation of smart wastewater management systems and the growing emphasis on sustainable practices are major growth drivers.

Japan Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Insight

Japan is witnessing steady growth in the sludge dewatering equipment market, underpinned by its advanced technological landscape and commitment to environmental sustainability. Investments in energy-efficient and compact dewatering solutions, especially in urban wastewater plants and aging infrastructure, are boosting market demand.

Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market Share

The sludge dewatering equipment industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• The Chemours Company (U.S.)
• ALFA LAVAL (Sweden)
• ANDRITZ (Austria)
• Veolia (France)
• HUBER SE (Germany)
• BDP industries (U.S.)
• PIERALISI MAIP SPA (Italy)
• Solvay (Belgium)
• Hitachi Zosen Corporation (Japan)
• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC (U.S.)
• SUEZ SA (France)
• Keppel Seghers (Belgium)
• ENCON Evaporators (U.S.)
• GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (Germany)

Latest Developments in Global Sludge Dewatering Equipment Market

• In October 2024, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced a strategic investment exceeding USD 6 billion into an advanced water infrastructure initiative, formerly known as Operation Next (OpNEXT). This large-scale project aims to strengthen the region’s water resilience against aging infrastructure, unreliable imported sources, and environmental risks such as droughts and earthquakes. A key component of this initiative includes the installation of sludge dewatering equipment, which is expected to significantly accelerate market growth by increasing municipal demand for efficient sludge management solutions across Los Angeles
• In September 2024, Andritz secured a major procurement contract from MVA Bielefeld-Herford GmbH in Germany to supply an EcoFluid bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) boiler system for a new sewage sludge mono-incineration plant. This development enhances the sludge treatment process by enabling more effective waste concentration and phosphorus recovery, thereby promoting the adoption of high-performance dewatering technologies in Europe and strengthening the region's position in the global market
• In November 2021, Indutrade, a Swedish production company, completed the acquisition of Dewaco Oy, a Finnish firm specializing in sludge thickening, removal, and dewatering for wastewater treatment. The undisclosed acquisition is expected to bolster Indutrade's earnings per share and expand its market reach, enhancing its position in the wastewater treatment sector through Dewaco's specialized technologies and expertise
• In March 2020, HUBER SE expanded its U.S. footprint by launching a new manufacturing facility and office in Denver, North Carolina, spanning over 44,000 sq. ft.. This move was in response to rising order volumes and regulatory factors such as the Buy American Act, which limited the use of imported equipment. The facility focuses on the production of screening and dewatering solutions, including the HUBER Wash Press WAP series, and is expected to enhance local supply capabilities, reduce delivery timelines, and improve market competitiveness within the U.S. sludge dewatering equipment industry

SKU-56114