Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Direct Type,Indirect Type), By Application (Pulp,Textile,Oil,Food and Beverage,Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Overview

Global Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Marketsize is anticipated to be worth USD 588.97 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 703.87 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 2.1%.

The Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market is witnessing increased adoption across industries dealing with sludge treatment, wastewater management, and industrial drying processes. This market is characterized by a growing need for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies that help industries reduce moisture content in solid waste while optimizing operational costs.

Thermal drying dewatering equipment is especially critical in industries such as food and beverage, oil, textile, and pulp, where waste management and water recovery are key operational challenges. Manufacturers are focusing on advanced systems that enhance drying efficiency while minimizing emissions. Demand is rising in both developed and developing economies due to stringent environmental regulations on waste disposal and the growing emphasis on resource recovery.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Environmental regulations and industrial sustainability goals are propelling the demand for thermal drying dewatering systems.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share, driven by industrial growth and stricter environmental standards.

Top Segment: The Direct Type segment dominates due to its high energy efficiency and ease of integration in industrial processes.

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Trends

The Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market is experiencing significant growth due to a rise in industrial waste management solutions and technological innovations. Over 62% of industrial facilities globally have shifted to advanced thermal drying systems, especially in regions where regulatory compliance is strict. This shift is largely driven by a 48% increase in demand from wastewater treatment and pulp industries, seeking to reduce sludge volume by up to 90%.

A notable trend is the adoption of automated and sensor-based drying systems, which now account for nearly 33% of installed units globally. These systems allow for continuous operation with minimal manual intervention and better energy optimization. Energy-efficient models have also gained traction, contributing to a 26% reduction in operational energy use across installations compared to conventional equipment.

In terms of application spread, the food and beverage sector has shown a 41% rise in equipment installation, primarily to manage organic waste and recover reusable water. Similarly, the textile and oil industries have reported a 37% and 29% increase respectively, as companies look to meet sustainability targets and optimize wastewater management.

The market is also leaning toward modular systems, which account for 22% of the recent deployments. These systems are particularly favored in Europe and Asia-Pacific due to space constraints and demand for portable solutions. There has also been a 19% growth in the use of hybrid systems combining mechanical dewatering and thermal drying, enhancing drying efficiency by up to 58% over traditional methods.

Overall, the Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market is evolving rapidly with an emphasis on smart systems, lower environmental impact, and cross-industry adoption patterns that signal strong future potential for both manufacturers and end users.

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for sustainable waste treatment solutions

Environmental regulations are intensifying worldwide, prompting industries to shift toward sustainable sludge and wastewater management solutions. Approximately 68% of municipal and industrial facilities have implemented or are planning to implement thermal drying systems to meet zero-liquid discharge goals. In the food and beverage industry alone, over 52% of operations rely on thermal drying to reduce organic sludge volume. Additionally, 63% of textile processing plants have upgraded to advanced thermal drying equipment to align with eco-compliance targets. This growing push for sustainability is significantly fueling market expansion.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in industrial automation and smart monitoring integration

Nearly 47% of newly installed thermal drying dewatering systems now feature IoT-enabled sensors and automated monitoring tools, offering improved efficiency and predictive maintenance capabilities. Smart technologies allow for 35% faster fault detection and reduce manual labor input by 42%, creating operational savings and increasing system longevity. In regions such as North America and Europe, around 58% of manufacturers are incorporating AI-based performance monitoring in thermal drying systems, opening new opportunities for market players to deliver integrated and high-value solutions.

RESTRAINTS

High installation and operational costs hinder adoption

Despite the clear benefits, 44% of small and medium enterprises in developing regions have cited the high cost of equipment installation and energy consumption as major barriers to adoption. Direct thermal drying systems may consume up to 38% more energy compared to conventional methods if not optimized, which deters price-sensitive buyers. Additionally, 49% of industries report concerns over long ROI cycles, often exceeding five years, making them hesitant to invest in advanced thermal drying systems without government subsidies or incentives.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and limited technical expertise

There is a notable 36% shortage of trained professionals capable of operating and maintaining complex thermal drying equipment, particularly in Latin America and parts of Asia-Pacific. This limits system efficiency and increases downtime. Furthermore, rising global steel and energy prices have caused a 27% hike in overall manufacturing costs for thermal drying dewatering equipment. The combined pressure of cost inflation and skill shortages challenges manufacturers to deliver cost-effective yet technically advanced solutions that can be scaled across varied industrial settings.

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Segmentation

The segmentation of the Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Market is primarily based on Type and Application, which significantly influence equipment selection, operational suitability, and market penetration. This structured approach allows stakeholders to identify growth pockets and target end-user segments more effectively. Variations in equipment design, drying efficiency, and industry-specific requirements create a diverse market landscape across direct and indirect drying systems. Likewise, sectoral demand from industries such as pulp, textile, oil, food and beverage, and others plays a key role in shaping the competitive and technological dynamics of this market.

By Type

• Direct Type: Direct thermal drying systems account for approximately 57% of the total market due to their higher heat transfer efficiency and rapid drying performance. These systems are extensively used in high-capacity industrial setups where speed and consistency are critical. Nearly 62% of food processing facilities prefer direct drying systems to reduce moisture content by more than 80% in minimal time, ensuring enhanced product quality and operational throughput.
• Indirect Type: Indirect drying systems comprise nearly 43% of the market and are favored in industries requiring contamination-free drying. These systems use heat exchangers and closed-loop systems, minimizing material contact with combustion gases. Over 48% of pharmaceutical and chemical processing plants use indirect dryers to meet stringent purity standards. Additionally, indirect systems are increasingly adopted in applications requiring low oxygen environments to prevent oxidation and material degradation.

By Application

• Pulp: Thermal drying systems used in the pulp industry account for 24% of the market. These systems help reduce sludge volume by up to 85%, significantly lowering transportation and disposal costs. Approximately 61% of paper mills across Europe and Asia-Pacific have adopted advanced thermal drying to align with waste minimization regulations.
• Textile: The textile industry contributes 19% to the market. Thermal drying systems are crucial in managing dye waste and fiber sludge. Around 53% of textile dyeing units in South Asia utilize thermal drying systems to reduce wastewater treatment load and recycle process water.
• Oil: Thermal drying systems in the oil sector make up 17% of the application share. These are used extensively to dewater drilling mud and oil-contaminated sludges. Approximately 46% of offshore platforms and 38% of onshore facilities in North America deploy thermal drying to ensure safer and more efficient waste handling.
• Food and Beverage: Comprising 26% of the market, this segment benefits from thermal drying systems to process organic sludge and recover reusable water. Nearly 58% of beverage manufacturing plants in North America use these systems to treat sludge generated from cleaning and processing operations.
• Others: This segment, representing 14%, includes applications such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and municipal waste treatment. Nearly 39% of municipal wastewater plants in urban Asia now rely on thermal drying dewatering to reduce the load on incineration and landfill systems.

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Regional Outlook

The Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market demonstrates diverse regional trends influenced by industrialization, environmental regulations, and infrastructure investments. While Asia-Pacific holds the dominant market position due to rapid urbanization and government initiatives, North America and Europe exhibit high adoption rates driven by technological advancements and stricter environmental norms. Emerging economies in the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth owing to increasing investments in wastewater treatment and sludge management infrastructure.

• North America

North America is a technologically mature market, accounting for a substantial share of thermal drying dewatering equipment deployment. Over 64% of municipal wastewater facilities in the U.S. have upgraded their drying systems to meet EPA-compliant sludge management guidelines. Industrial sectors such as oil, pulp, and food processing are increasingly adopting modular and energy-efficient solutions, contributing to a 37% increase in equipment replacement cycles. Canada also shows promising growth with nearly 45% of its food and beverage facilities integrating thermal drying systems for organic waste control. Additionally, 33% of equipment sales in this region are now linked to systems integrated with smart sensors and real-time control features.

• Europe

Europe is characterized by its strong environmental policies and aggressive decarbonization goals. The region accounts for around 29% of global installations. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden have mandated zero-landfill policies for industrial sludge, driving the adoption of thermal drying dewatering systems. Approximately 71% of European textile and pulp industries utilize advanced drying solutions to comply with EU wastewater treatment directives. Moreover, over 55% of installations in Europe are low-emission models that help reduce carbon output by nearly 34% compared to older systems. Smart, closed-loop drying systems now account for 46% of new deployments in Western Europe.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads the global market with over 38% of the share, driven by rapid industrialization, urban population growth, and stringent regulatory frameworks in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Nearly 66% of industrial zones in China have adopted thermal drying systems for effective sludge and wastewater handling. India is also showing robust growth, with a 52% increase in equipment procurement for municipal waste processing projects. Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, is witnessing a 43% growth in adoption within the food and textile industries. Affordable direct drying solutions dominate this region due to low upfront investment needs and quick scalability.

• Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing a steady rise in demand for thermal drying dewatering equipment, primarily driven by water scarcity issues and the need for effective sludge management in oil-rich nations. Over 49% of wastewater treatment plants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia use thermal drying systems for bio-solids reduction. The oil industry in this region accounts for nearly 31% of application demand. South Africa is also emerging as a key market, with municipal projects driving a 28% rise in the adoption of indirect drying technologies. Government-backed desalination and recycling projects have increased the focus on sustainable sludge handling, encouraging wider implementation of thermal drying equipment.

List of Key Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Companies

• Andritz AG
• Veolia
• Huber SE
• GEA Group
• AES
• Pieralisi
• Air and Liquid Systems
• The Witte Company

Top Companies with Highest Share

Andritz AG :  Holds approximately 18% of the total market share due to its broad product portfolio and strong presence in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Veolia :  Accounts for nearly 16% market share, primarily driven by its dominance in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment sectors worldwide.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment opportunities in the Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Market are expanding rapidly due to the convergence of regulatory pressure, sustainability trends, and technological innovation. More than 61% of industrial decision-makers are now prioritizing capital expenditure toward environmentally friendly dewatering solutions. This shift has led to a 42% increase in public-private partnerships for municipal sludge treatment infrastructure across developed and emerging economies.

Significant investments are being funneled into energy-efficient drying systems, with over 37% of the total equipment demand now comprising low-emission or heat-recycling units. Industrial players are increasingly attracted to systems that lower moisture content by more than 85%, helping reduce transportation and landfill costs. Investment in automated and remote-controlled drying systems has risen by 48%, driven by demand for predictive maintenance and reduced labor dependency.

Private sector involvement is also growing, with venture capital inflow into thermal drying startups and mid-tier manufacturers increasing by nearly 39% over the past 24 months. These investments are aimed at accelerating innovations in modular systems, hybrid drying units, and smart controllers. Small- and medium-sized enterprises are seeing increased financial access through green bonds and ESG-aligned portfolios.

In emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, there’s a 34% rise in multilateral investment agency projects targeting urban waste management and industrial wastewater treatment. These initiatives are driving equipment vendors to localize manufacturing, creating opportunities for cost optimization and regional employment growth.

From a sectoral perspective, the food and beverage industry remains the highest investing vertical, accounting for 26% of the total capital flow, followed by oil (19%), textile (18%), and municipal applications (15%). Custom-engineered solutions, especially in hazardous sludge treatment, are attracting specialized investments with high return potential.

New Products Development

New product development in the Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Market is experiencing a surge driven by innovation in energy efficiency, automation, and compact design. Over 46% of manufacturers have launched upgraded thermal drying units with integrated heat recovery systems, leading to a reduction of energy consumption by up to 38% in continuous operations. These systems also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 31%, aligning with the growing global demand for carbon footprint reduction.

Around 52% of new product lines are now equipped with IoT-enabled monitoring features, enabling real-time analytics, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. These intelligent systems help increase operational uptime by 41% and extend equipment lifecycle by nearly 29%. There is also a growing trend toward modular and containerized systems—now accounting for 35% of new installations—especially in regions with limited space or mobile waste treatment needs.

The development of hybrid thermal-mechanical drying systems is another major trend. Nearly 28% of newly released models incorporate dual-drying mechanisms that combine mechanical dewatering followed by thermal treatment, increasing overall moisture reduction efficiency by up to 62%. These hybrid systems are particularly popular in high-load industrial applications such as mining, textile processing, and oil sludge treatment.

Automation and AI integration continue to dominate R&D investments, with more than 33% of manufacturers deploying software-controlled systems that adapt heat input based on sludge composition and ambient conditions. These adaptive systems enhance drying consistency while reducing operational errors by 36%. Additionally, over 22% of new products come with mobile app interfaces for real-time performance tracking and alerts.

Sustainability-focused features such as solar-assisted preheating, low-NOx burners, and water recovery modules are increasingly embedded in product rollouts. Nearly 19% of manufacturers are investing in research on renewable-powered drying systems to support off-grid waste processing facilities.

Overall, the Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Market is being reshaped by a wave of new product launches aimed at improving energy performance, operational intelligence, and environmental compliance.

Recent Developments

Andritz AG: In 2024, Andritz AG introduced a new generation of belt dryers with improved sludge throughput and energy-saving features. The updated system reduced drying time by 22% while lowering overall energy usage by 28%, making it one of the most efficient in the municipal wastewater segment. This launch led to a 17% spike in Andritz’s project acquisitions in Western Europe within six months of release.

Veolia: In 2023, Veolia unveiled a fully automated indirect drying system designed for food and beverage processing plants. The system features AI-based thermal input control, reducing thermal deviation by 33% and increasing efficiency in small-batch operations. As a result, installations of this model rose by 31% in North America, especially in facilities under 10,000 m³/day capacity.

GEA Group: GEA Group launched a solar-assisted drying system in early 2024, targeted at decentralized municipal units in Asia and Africa. The hybrid unit leverages thermal collectors to preheat sludge before entry into the main dryer, reducing fossil fuel reliance by 36%. This innovation helped GEA secure four regional government contracts in Southeast Asia within two quarters.

Huber SE: Huber SE, in 2023, upgraded its low-temperature drying portfolio with enhanced stainless steel components to cater to pharmaceutical and chemical clients. This version achieved a 29% longer lifespan in corrosive environments and a 21% lower maintenance rate. It gained strong traction in Germany, where 43% of new installations in the chemical sector adopted this version.

AES: In 2024, AES developed a mobile skid-mounted thermal dryer to support temporary waste treatment setups in disaster-prone regions. Weighing 34% less than traditional systems and with a 47% faster setup time, the model was deployed in flood-hit areas across South Asia and delivered rapid sludge management results, gaining notable praise from municipal administrators and NGOs.

Report Coverage of Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market

The report on the Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market offers a comprehensive analysis across all key parameters that define the industry’s trajectory and performance. Covering multiple layers of the market landscape — including product innovations, regional demand patterns, competitive dynamics, and investment trends — the report provides insights valuable to stakeholders such as manufacturers, investors, policymakers, and supply chain strategists.

The market study includes segmentation based on type (direct and indirect) and application (pulp, textile, oil, food and beverage, and others). Each segment is evaluated on the basis of equipment demand, performance efficiency, moisture removal capability, industry preference, and technological integration. Direct thermal dryers represent the dominant technology type with over 57% market share due to higher efficiency, while indirect systems are gaining ground in applications requiring purity and non-contact drying.

The competitive landscape profiles leading companies such as Andritz AG, Veolia, Huber SE, GEA Group, AES, Pieralisi, Air and Liquid Systems, and The Witte Company. The report highlights recent technological advancements, product launches, and strategic partnerships undertaken by these players. For instance, approximately 33% of key market players are now investing in hybrid systems and IoT-enabled units.

Key market dynamics are analyzed, including drivers like rising sustainability awareness, opportunities in industrial automation, and challenges such as high operational costs and technical skill shortages. These factors are discussed with factual support — including 68% adoption rates among industrial waste handlers and a 34% shortage of skilled operators in developing regions.

 

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Overview

Global Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Marketsize is anticipated to be worth USD 588.97 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 703.87 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 2.1%.

The Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market is witnessing increased adoption across industries dealing with sludge treatment, wastewater management, and industrial drying processes. This market is characterized by a growing need for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies that help industries reduce moisture content in solid waste while optimizing operational costs.

Thermal drying dewatering equipment is especially critical in industries such as food and beverage, oil, textile, and pulp, where waste management and water recovery are key operational challenges. Manufacturers are focusing on advanced systems that enhance drying efficiency while minimizing emissions. Demand is rising in both developed and developing economies due to stringent environmental regulations on waste disposal and the growing emphasis on resource recovery.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Environmental regulations and industrial sustainability goals are propelling the demand for thermal drying dewatering systems.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share, driven by industrial growth and stricter environmental standards.

Top Segment: The Direct Type segment dominates due to its high energy efficiency and ease of integration in industrial processes.

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Trends

The Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market is experiencing significant growth due to a rise in industrial waste management solutions and technological innovations. Over 62% of industrial facilities globally have shifted to advanced thermal drying systems, especially in regions where regulatory compliance is strict. This shift is largely driven by a 48% increase in demand from wastewater treatment and pulp industries, seeking to reduce sludge volume by up to 90%.

A notable trend is the adoption of automated and sensor-based drying systems, which now account for nearly 33% of installed units globally. These systems allow for continuous operation with minimal manual intervention and better energy optimization. Energy-efficient models have also gained traction, contributing to a 26% reduction in operational energy use across installations compared to conventional equipment.

In terms of application spread, the food and beverage sector has shown a 41% rise in equipment installation, primarily to manage organic waste and recover reusable water. Similarly, the textile and oil industries have reported a 37% and 29% increase respectively, as companies look to meet sustainability targets and optimize wastewater management.

The market is also leaning toward modular systems, which account for 22% of the recent deployments. These systems are particularly favored in Europe and Asia-Pacific due to space constraints and demand for portable solutions. There has also been a 19% growth in the use of hybrid systems combining mechanical dewatering and thermal drying, enhancing drying efficiency by up to 58% over traditional methods.

Overall, the Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market is evolving rapidly with an emphasis on smart systems, lower environmental impact, and cross-industry adoption patterns that signal strong future potential for both manufacturers and end users.

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for sustainable waste treatment solutions

Environmental regulations are intensifying worldwide, prompting industries to shift toward sustainable sludge and wastewater management solutions. Approximately 68% of municipal and industrial facilities have implemented or are planning to implement thermal drying systems to meet zero-liquid discharge goals. In the food and beverage industry alone, over 52% of operations rely on thermal drying to reduce organic sludge volume. Additionally, 63% of textile processing plants have upgraded to advanced thermal drying equipment to align with eco-compliance targets. This growing push for sustainability is significantly fueling market expansion.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in industrial automation and smart monitoring integration

Nearly 47% of newly installed thermal drying dewatering systems now feature IoT-enabled sensors and automated monitoring tools, offering improved efficiency and predictive maintenance capabilities. Smart technologies allow for 35% faster fault detection and reduce manual labor input by 42%, creating operational savings and increasing system longevity. In regions such as North America and Europe, around 58% of manufacturers are incorporating AI-based performance monitoring in thermal drying systems, opening new opportunities for market players to deliver integrated and high-value solutions.

RESTRAINTS

High installation and operational costs hinder adoption

Despite the clear benefits, 44% of small and medium enterprises in developing regions have cited the high cost of equipment installation and energy consumption as major barriers to adoption. Direct thermal drying systems may consume up to 38% more energy compared to conventional methods if not optimized, which deters price-sensitive buyers. Additionally, 49% of industries report concerns over long ROI cycles, often exceeding five years, making them hesitant to invest in advanced thermal drying systems without government subsidies or incentives.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and limited technical expertise

There is a notable 36% shortage of trained professionals capable of operating and maintaining complex thermal drying equipment, particularly in Latin America and parts of Asia-Pacific. This limits system efficiency and increases downtime. Furthermore, rising global steel and energy prices have caused a 27% hike in overall manufacturing costs for thermal drying dewatering equipment. The combined pressure of cost inflation and skill shortages challenges manufacturers to deliver cost-effective yet technically advanced solutions that can be scaled across varied industrial settings.

Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Segmentation

The segmentation of the Thermal Drying Dewatering Equipment Market Market is primarily based on Type and Application, which significantly influence equipment selection, operational suitability, and market penetration. This structured approach allows stakeholders to identify growth pockets and target end-user segments more effectively. Variations in equipment design, drying efficiency, and industry-specific requirements create a diverse market landscape across direct and indirect drying systems. Likewise, sectoral demand from industries such as pulp, textile, oil, food and beverage, and others plays a key role in shaping the competitive and technological dynamics of this market.

By Type

• Direct Type: Direct thermal drying systems account for approximately 57% of the total market due to their higher heat transfer efficiency and rapid drying performance. These systems are extensively used in high-capacity industrial setups where speed and consistency are critical. Nearly 62% of food processing facilities prefer direct drying systems to reduce moisture content by more than 80% in minimal time, ensuring enhanced product quality and operational throughput.
• Indirect Type: Indirect drying systems comprise nearly 43% of the market and are favored in industries requiring contamination-free drying. These systems use heat exchangers and closed-loop systems, minimizing material contact with combustion gases. Over 48% of pharmaceutical and chemical processing plants use indirect dryers to meet stringent purity standards. Additionally, indirect systems are increasingly adopted in applications requiring low oxygen environments to prevent oxidation and material degradation.

By Application

• Pulp: Thermal drying systems used in the pulp industry account for 24% of the market. These systems help reduce sludge volume by up to 85%, significantly lowering transportation and disposal costs. Approximately 61% of paper mills across Europe and Asia-Pacific have adopted advanced thermal drying to align with waste minimization regulations.
• Textile: The textile industry contributes 19% to the market. Thermal drying systems are crucial in managing dye waste and fiber sludge. Around 53% of textile dyeing units in South Asia utilize thermal drying systems to reduce wastewater treatment load and recycle process water.
• Oil: Thermal drying systems in the oil sector make up 17% of the application share. These are used extensively to dewater drilling mud and oil-contaminated sludges. Approximately 46% of offshore platforms and 38% of onshore facilities in North America deploy thermal drying to ensure safer and more efficient waste handling.
• Food and Beverage: Comprising 26% of the market, this segment benefits from thermal drying systems to process organic sludge and recover reusable water. Nearly 58% of beverage manufacturing plants in North America use these systems to treat sludge generated from cleaning and processin

   

Frequently Asked Questions