The Global MBR Market has received a rather expected member in the form of LG Electronics, which has announced the launch of its Green MBR system (http://www.lg.com/global/press-release/article/lg-unveils-first-mbr-process-for-wastewater-treatment.jsp)

The key features of the LG Green MBR is the flat sheet MF membrane configuration and claims to be have a significantly smaller footprint but the full details of the MBR product are yet to emerge.

We have been tracking the evolution of the MBR market since 2005 when we published the European MBR Market study and estimated the market to be about $62.5 million in 2005 with a double digit CAGR of around 11 percent. We further upgraded our MBR analysis with the Global MBR Market study in 2008 and estimated the global market to be around $500 million and still continuing with a strong double digit CAGR.

The growth momentum of the MBR has continued to have the committment of the established players with increased investments in improving the MBR products and development of new innovative variations. The increasing success of MBR in the industrial sector has further upped the appetite of both industry, suppliers and investors alike.

In the case of LG Electronics, the launch of the new Green MBR is seen a first stepping stone in the Global Water Market and the focus on the near term appears to be on technology solutions for water & wastewater treatment in the industrial sector. The success in this sector is expected to influence its planned progression into the municipal sector and also further up the value chain to shift its image from a OEM/water technology supplier to more an EPC player in the Global Water Market.

The entry of companies such as LG Electronics will most certainly stir up the competition but will also bring in a breath of fresh air and the much needed urgency of innovation in this otherwise conventional set-up.