Kurita Water Industries: A High-Growth Player in the Global Water Treatment and Sustainability Sector

The global transition toward decarbonization and resource efficiency has created a fertile ground for innovation in the water treatment industry. At the forefront of this movement is Kurita Water Industries, a company that has strategically positioned itself to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable water management solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, forging forward-thinking partnerships, and embedding environmental stewardship into its business model, Kurita is not only addressing critical global challenges but also unlocking significant growth opportunities in a rapidly expanding market.

Strategic Partnerships and Technological Innovation

Kurita's 2025 initiatives underscore its commitment to pioneering solutions that align with decarbonization and circular economy principles. A notable example is its integration of Avista Membrane Treatment Solutions, which has enhanced the performance of membrane technologies used in industrial water treatment. This partnership reflects Kurita's focus on improving resource efficiency, a critical factor as industries seek to minimize water consumption and energy use.

Equally groundbreaking is Kurita's collaboration with ispace, a Japanese lunar exploration company, to explore water treatment systems for the lunar surface. While this venture may seem unconventional, it highlights Kurita's long-term vision to address water scarcity in extreme environments-a skill set that translates directly to terrestrial applications. Additionally, Kurita has partnered with leaders in PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) removal, ensuring its technologies meet stringent environmental and health standards.

On the technological front, Kurita has developed bio-based substitutes for phosphorus, a key innovation in reducing the environmental impact of industrial water treatment according to company reports. These advancements, coupled with improvements in ultrapure water production chemistries, have enabled Kurita to achieve a 98% waste recycling rate across its major facilities according to operational data. Such metrics not only demonstrate operational excellence but also position the company as a trusted partner for industries aiming to meet regulatory and sustainability targets.

Sustainability Achievements and Market Impact

Kurita's 2025 sustainability report reveals tangible outcomes from its initiatives. The company helped customers save 108 million cubic meters of water and reduce 1.3 million tons of CO₂ emissions through its solutions according to company data. These figures are projected to rise significantly, as Kurita has set ambitious goals to cut Scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050 according to company goals.

The company's Creating Shared Value (CSV) model has expanded to 114 business models, each designed to reduce water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource inputs according to company reports. This approach aligns with global sustainability frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and has been reinforced by Kurita's membership in the Water Resilience Coalition (WRC) according to company documentation. Locally, Kurita's Impact Together campaign addresses water scarcity in the Colorado River Basin and the PCJ River Basins in Brazil, further cementing its role as a global leader in water stewardship.

Market Dynamics and Growth Projections

The industrial water treatment market is poised for robust growth, driven by regulatory pressures, climate change mitigation efforts, and the adoption of advanced technologies. According to a report by FactMR, the global market was valued at USD 48.0 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 80.5 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% according to market analysis. Kurita's focus on anaerobic water treatment systems and zero liquid discharge technologies positions it to benefit from this expansion, as industries increasingly prioritize resource efficiency according to market insights.

While Kurita's exact market share remains unspecified, it is recognized as one of the top players in the sector, competing with industry giants like Veolia, Ecolab, and Xylem according to market research. The market's moderate concentration-led by Veolia at 9.5% market share-suggests ample room for Kurita to capture growth through its specialized expertise in chemical treatment and integrated water management solutions according to market data.

Investment Case: Aligning with Megatrends

Kurita's strategic alignment with decarbonization and resource efficiency megatrends makes it an attractive investment. Its 359 billion gallons of water saved in 2025 and 2.2 million tons of CO₂ emissions reduced according to company reports demonstrate the scalability of its solutions. Furthermore, the company's CSV model ensures that its growth is not only financially sustainable but also socially and environmentally responsible.

As the industrial water treatment market expands, Kurita's ability to innovate-such as its bio-based phosphorus substitutes and lunar water treatment research-will likely differentiate it from competitors. Investors seeking exposure to the sustainability sector can benefit from Kurita's dual focus on technological leadership and global environmental impact, making it a high-growth player in a sector critical to the future of resource management.