With around 1.46 billion inhabitants, India currently has the largest population in the world – for a long time, China had been in the pole position. Between this vibrant growth and the ongoing urbanisation, India is facing a huge challenge: water supply. Although the country accounts for 18% of the world’s population, it only has access to around 4% of the world’s water resources. In this dynamic environment, a sustainable water management plays a decisive role – in order to tackle this severe water crisis.
Given that context, India represents itself as an attractive market for companies specialised in the field of modern sustainable water management. In the following interview, Dr Keno Strömer, managing director of REMONDIS Aqua (India), talks about the rapid evolution of India’s industrial water treatment sector, the drivers behind its growth, and how REMONDIS Aqua is positioning itself to meet rising demand.
REMONDIS Aqua (India)
REMONDIS Aqua (India), a subsidiary of REMONDIS Aqua, is a reliable expert for all aspects of industrial water and wastewater treatment, recycling and ZLD solutions. For more than 15 years, the company – with its Indo-German collaboration – has been providing customised water management solutions and services to various industries including specialty chemicals, automotive, electro-plating, dairy, metals & mining, food & beverage, fragrance and other sectors.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, India’s industrial wastewater treatment sector appears poised for significant growth. What developments are you seeing on the ground, and what’s driving this momentum?
Keno Strömer: The Indian market is indeed experiencing remarkable momentum, driven by a combination of factors. Regulation has long played a pivotal role in shaping the sector, and the new draft law introduced by the Indian government last October – requiring major water consumers to reuse wastewater – is a notable step forward. But it’s not the only driver. India’s rapid industrial expansion, the growing emphasis on sustainability among corporates, and the overall push toward water efficiency are all fuelling demand for advanced wastewater treatment and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) solutions.
What’s also exciting about India and driving the momentum is the overall dynamism of India and its people – you can really feel the pace of change here. That energy makes it a uniquely rewarding place to build long-term partnerships and solutions.
Given that context, what makes India an attractive market for specialised companies like REMONDIS Aqua?
Keno Strömer: Several aspects stand out. India offers a skilled workforce and competitive labour costs, which are important for industrial-scale projects. At the same time, the government’s reform agenda – reflected in India’s significant rise on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index – has helped build investor confidence. A recent KPMG study from 2024 shows that six in ten German companies in India are planning to expand local investments, with a strong majority expecting higher revenues and profits. This tells us the industrial sector is not just growing but evolving – and that opens the door for sophisticated treatment solutions.
Dr Keno Strömer, Managing Director of REMONDIS Aqua (India)
“What’s also exciting about India and driving the momentum is the overall dynamism of India and its people – you can really feel the pace of change here. That energy makes it a uniquely rewarding place to build long-term partnerships and solutions.”
How is REMONDIS Aqua (India) positioning itself to serve this growing demand?
Keno Strömer: We’ve established a strong local presence from our base at the Rhenus Tower in Mumbai. In 2024 alone, we secured three milestone industrial wastewater recycling projects, each demonstrating our expertise in the field of wastewater recycling. On top of that, we recently completed the acquisition of Wasser Kraft Tech, which has expanded our portfolio and allows to offer a wider range of treatment methods now tailored to even more industries. Our strategy is to tailor every solution to the specific needs of the client – ensuring not only regulatory compliance but also enhanced water efficiency and operational performance.
How do you see this market continuing to evolve in the near future?
Keno Strömer: The outlook is very promising. India’s overall water market is projected to increase with a CAGR of over 8% for the next two to three years. As industries scale up and regulations become more stringent, we expect continued growth in demand for efficient and compliant wastewater treatment systems. ZLD and closed-loop processes are especially relevant in India’s context, given the strong national focus on water conservation. At REMONDIS Aqua (India), we’re committed to staying ahead of these trends – delivering end-to-end services that help clients meet both legal and sustainability goals.
Final thoughts on how REMONDIS Aqua (India) fits into this evolving landscape?
Keno Strömer: India’s industrial growth, combined with clear legislative direction, creates a strong environment for advanced wastewater solutions. Businesses are increasingly seeing the value of resource recovery and water reuse – not just for compliance but as part of a long-term sustainability strategy. We’re proud to support that shift.
What excites me personally is seeing that the mindset is shifting – sustainability is no longer only seen as a cost but as an investment in resilience and reputation. At REMONDIS Aqua (India), we’re proud to support that transition. Our goal is to be a trusted partner in helping industries move toward smarter, more responsible water management – and to do so in a way that delivers real, measurable results. Seeing the impact of our projects is what drives our team forward.
First acquisition in India’s water sector
A milestone for REMONDIS Aqua (India) is its acquisition of Wasser Kraft Tech (WKT) Enviro Systems. This strategic move marks REMONDIS Aqua (India)’s first acquisition in the country’s water sector and expands its portfolio of advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions. WKT Enviro Systems, based in Chennai, brings a strong track record in designing, supplying, and constructing industrial wastewater treatment plants, as well as a solid client base in southern India. The partnership also underscores a shared commitment to developing smart water management solutions, including real-time monitoring, for greater efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Signing of the contract with Dr Keno Strömer and Venkata Subramanian (managing directors REMONDIS Aqua India), joined by special guest Dr Michael Rose (managing director REMONDIS Aqua International) and key representatives of WKT
Image credits: image 1: Shutterstock: petrmalinak, image 2, 3: © REMONDIS
