Educating End Users on the Benefits of these Products will Lower the Resistance to New Technology

Deteriorating water quality and technological innovations have given a huge boost to the water treatment equipment market in both residential and commercial segments in Asia-Pacific. People’s desire for clean water and rising environmental consciousness in the wake of greater urbanisation, pollution, and occurrence of natural disasters have all ensured higher uptake of water treatment equipment.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (UK), Analysis of Residential and Commercial Water Treatment Equipment Market in Asia-Pacific, finds that the market earned revenues of US$3.15 billion in 2012 and estimates this to reach US$5.00 billion in 2018. End users have shown a marked preference for point-of-use (POU) water treatment equipment.

Technological advancements have enabled companies to develop cost- and energy-efficient water treatment devices. However, these novel technologies are better accepted in developed countries than developing ones.

Asia-Pacific is a conservative market and tends to be resistant to new technologies. Additionally, water treatment equipment requires long-term and regular maintenance, which involves considerable effort and costs. This tends to discourage several potential end users from making a long-term commitment to implementing these devices.

“In such a scenario, it is critical for market participants to make a concerted effort to educate end users on the various benefits of water treatment equipment,” said Frost & Sullivan Energy & Environmental Research Analyst Janice Wung. “Users are likely to be receptive to such information due to the escalating environmental awareness.”

Participants will also have to offer competitive prices and after-sales services to stay relevant in markets where municipal water supply and quality are gradually improving. They should also look to leverage technology to add more attractive and user-friendly features to their water treatment equipment.

“Overall, strong branding and customer services are likely be the key to success,” noted Wung. “Technological advancement, a focus on user-friendly features, and low maintenance will also give participants an edge in the market.”