PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1869959
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1869959
The global microplastics removal technologies market size was estimated at USD 1.24 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach 3.77 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2025 to 2033. The market is driven by increasing environmental concerns over plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health.
Growing regulatory pressure and investment in advanced water treatment solutions further accelerate market adoption. Microplastics, often less than 5mm in size, have been detected in oceans, freshwater sources, soil, and even in the human bloodstream. Research has linked microplastic ingestion to potential endocrine disruption and organ toxicity. For example, a 2022 study published in the journal Environment International found microplastics in nearly 80% of 22 Dutch volunteers' blood samples in 2022, triggering global concern. This world-first study revealed plastic particles in the bloodstream of 17 out of 22 participants and identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the most common microplastic, likely from bottles, packaging, and clothing. This mounting evidence is pushing governments, industries, and consumers to demand solutions that effectively capture and eliminate microplastics from water, air, and industrial effluents.
Governments and international agencies are introducing stricter regulations on plastic pollution, fueling the demand for microplastic removal technologies. The European Union has implemented directives under its Circular Economy Action Plan targeting single-use plastics and requiring advanced wastewater treatment systems capable of filtering microplastics.
Similarly, countries like Canada and Japan are investing in advanced filtration and membrane bioreactor (MBR) technologies for wastewater treatment plants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level authorities are also studying enforceable standards for microplastics in drinking water. Such regulatory pressure compels municipalities, industries, and water utilities to adopt innovative solutions for compliance, creating a robust growth driver for the market.
Continuous innovation in filtration, biotechnology, and nanotechnology is expanding the effectiveness of microplastics removal. Universities, startups, and established companies are collaborating to develop scalable solutions, such as bio-based flocculants and nanomaterial-coated filters that capture even the smallest plastic fragments. For example, researchers in Switzerland are experimenting with ferrofluid-based methods to attract microplastics from water magnetically.
Meanwhile, partnerships between municipalities and private firms are piloting advanced treatment systems in Europe and North America. This innovation pipeline, supported by growing venture capital investments and government funding, is driving the commercialization and adoption of microplastics removal technologies globally.
Global Microplastics Removal Technologies Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at a global level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global microplastics removal technologies market report based on type, application, and region: