Environmental Testing Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Sample (Soil, Water, Air and Wastewater/Effluent), By Type (HALT and HASS Testing, Shock and Vibration Testing, Standards Compliance Testing, Climatic Testing, Temperature Testing, Humidity Testing, Others), By Contaminant (Microbial Contamination, Organic Compounds, Heavy Metals, Residues and Solids), By Technology (Conventional and Rapid Method), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Environmental Testing Market was valued at USD 13.02 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 17.02 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.52% during the forecast period. Environmental Testing is a comprehensive process that involves monitoring and analyzing the performance of environmental conditions and their impact on living organisms. This crucial procedure encompasses various parameters such as temperature sensitivity, humidity levels, solar radiations, vibrations, fungus presence, acoustic measurements, and many others. By meticulously measuring and evaluating these factors, environmental testing allows forecasting bodies to maintain the optimal balance of components in the environment.

The significance of environmental testing extends beyond mere balance maintenance. It plays a vital role in reducing the incidence of water and airborne diseases, as well as other related health issues. Additionally, this testing methodology finds wide-ranging applications in the analysis of microbial contaminants, heavy metals, residues, solids, and organic compounds. By comprehensively assessing these elements, environmental testing ensures the safety and well-being of both humans and the ecosystem as a whole.

Key Market Drivers

Increase In Soil Contamination

The significant rise in soil contamination is a prominent factor driving the growth of the environmental testing market. Rapid urbanization and the expansion of commercial, residential, and industrial construction projects encroaching upon agricultural land have contributed to agricultural pollution. Disposal of industrial and agricultural waste in local water bodies has resulted in water pollution, leading to contaminated water seeping into the soil and exposing crops to trace amounts of mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Consequently, numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide have undertaken various initiatives to enhance agricultural soil quality. For example, Birla White's Soil Testing Program aims to educate farmers in India about soil fertility and productivity. The program conducted soil testing in a mobile soil van for 122 farmers across different villages. Such initiatives will drive the growth of the environmental testing market in the forecast period.

Technological Advancements in Environmental Testing Procedures

Technological advancements in environmental testing procedures are expected to significantly increase global demand for this type of testing. Cutting-edge technologies, such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and advanced analytics, have revolutionized environmental testing and monitoring, enabling faster, more precise, and comprehensive analysis. These advancements have made it possible to monitor and measure environmental parameters on a near real-time basis, dramatically increasing the breadth and depth of environmental data available for analysis. Furthermore, advanced technologies have reduced the cost and time associated with testing, making it more accessible to a wider range of stakeholders. In September 2022, ALS enhanced its food and environmental testing capabilities through the acquisition of HRL Holdings. This acquisition significantly expands ALS’s service offerings across key markets, including food, natural products, and environmental testing under Analytica; asbestos and occupational hygiene testing through Octief (Australia) and Precise Consulting (New Zealand); and data management solutions via Octfolio.

As the global community becomes increasingly aware of the importance of environmental conservation, and as environmental regulations become more stringent, the demand for accurate, timely, and cost-effective environmental testing is expected to rise significantly. These technological advancements in testing procedures, therefore, play a crucial role in meeting this growing demand, thus driving the global market for environmental testing.

Growing Industrialization in Emerging Economies

Growing industrialization in emerging economies has led to increased urbanization, massive infrastructural development, and boosted manufacturing activities. While these advancements have stimulated economic growth, they have also resulted in substantial environmental degradation, mainly through increased pollution. Consequently, the need for stringent environmental testing has skyrocketed globally. This testing ensures compliance with environmental regulations and aids in monitoring and controlling the pollution levels. By using environmental testing, governments, communities, and businesses can better understand the impact of industrial activities on the environment and take effective mitigation measures. In July 2022, Eurofins Scientific, a global leader in testing services for food, environment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences, and agroscience contract research, announced the successful acquisition of WESSLING Hungary.

Furthermore, the increasing awareness of the adverse effects of pollution on health and well-being is driving the demand for environmental testing. The governments in these emerging economies are enforcing strict regulations for waste disposal and emissions to safeguard public health and the environment, thus driving the demand for these services. Additionally, international environmental agencies and organizations are encouraging environmental testing to maintain global standards. As industrialization continues to boom in emerging economies, the demand for comprehensive, rigorous environmental testing is expected to rise concurrently, making it a vital tool for sustainable development.

Escalating Healthcare Costs Due to Environmental Pollution

The escalating costs of healthcare due to environmental pollution are anticipated to increase the demand for environmental testing globally. With the staggering rise in diseases linked to environmental contaminants - such as respiratory disorders, cardiovascular issues, and various types of cancers - the burden on global healthcare systems is intensifying. This surge in healthcare costs is primarily driven by the necessity for continued treatment, long-term care, and management of these environmentally-induced illnesses. Consequently, the urgency and need for environmental testing are becoming more pronounced. Environmental testing, which includes tests for contaminants in water, soil, and air, serves as an essential tool in identifying and mitigating potential health hazards. In December 2024, SGS strengthened its sustainability expertise through the acquisition of Aster Global Environmental Solutions, Inc. Aster Global, a leading provider of validation and verification services for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and offsets, as well as forestry, ecosystem, and corporate social responsibility solutions, enhances SGS’s capabilities in this sector. Founded in 2019, Aster Global brings key accreditations and expands the range of GHG services available to clients in North America and globally. The acquisition also adds 25 skilled professionals to SGS’s team.

It provides critical data that can guide policy regulations, help in pollution control, and ensure compliance with environmental safety standards. Thus, as the health and economic implications of environmental pollution become increasingly clear, the demand for thorough and accurate environmental testing is expected to rise. This growth is projected on a global scale, as countries worldwide grapple with the dire effects of pollution and its subsequent healthcare costs.

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Key Market Challenges

Lack of Skilled Workforce

The global environmental testing market faces a significant challenge in the form of a lack of a skilled workforce, which is anticipated to decrease demand. Environmental testing, a complex and technical field, necessitates a high degree of expertise and knowledge, which is currently lacking in many areas worldwide. The absence of adequately trained professionals can lead to subpar testing results, potentially causing erroneous data interpretation and flawed decision-making, undermining the credibility of environmental testing. Furthermore, without skilled personnel, the capacity of laboratories to handle advanced testing equipment and to adhere to intricate testing protocols is compromised, leading to inefficiencies and reduced market demand. This issue is particularly pronounced in emerging economies where there is a stark scarcity of trained personnel in environmental testing. As such, the absence of a competent workforce poses a significant obstacle to the growth and development of the global environmental testing market. It indicates a pressing need for investment in education and training to build a proficient workforce capable of meeting the technical demands of environmental testing and mitigating the potential decrease in market demand.

High Operational Costs

One of the key factors hindering the growth of the environmental testing market is the high operational costs associated with it. This is particularly evident when looking at the division of vendors in the market, with some falling into the category of large laboratories while others are classified as small laboratories based on their revenue generation.

Interestingly, there can be diseconomies of scale for environmental testing laboratories based on their size. It is observed that small or medium-scale laboratories tend to make higher profits compared to their larger counterparts. This is primarily due to the fact that smaller laboratories typically conduct simpler tests and process lower sample volumes, resulting in lower operational costs. On the other hand, large laboratories face significant challenges when it comes to managing high operational costs. Their cost structures are generally higher compared to smaller laboratories, with personnel costs being the largest component. As laboratories grow in size, administrative and overhead costs also tend to increase progressively. Considering these factors, it is evident that the environmental testing market growth is limited by the challenges posed by high operational costs, especially for larger laboratories. This dynamic is expected to persist during the forecast period, impacting the overall market growth in the environmental testing industry.

Key Market Trends

Rapid Urbanization & Industrial Development

Rapid urbanization and industrial development across the globe have amplified the demand for environmental testing. As cities and industries grow at an unprecedented rate, they produce a massive volume of waste and pollutants, noticeably affecting the environment. These pollutants, in the form of air emissions, industrial effluents, and solid waste, can inflict severe harm on the environment and human health. Therefore, the need for environmental testing has escalated to monitor and mitigate the impact of these pollutants. This testing assists in identifying the contaminants, understanding their impact, and developing strategies to reduce their harmful effects. Furthermore, the increasing public awareness about environmental issues and stringent governmental regulations to maintain ecological balance are other significant factors propelling the environmental testing demand. In October 2023, SGS entered into an agreement to divest its U.S. powertrain testing operations to Columbia River Partners. This decision aligns with SGS’s strategic objective to refine and optimize its portfolio. Columbia River Partners, a California-based private equity firm specializing in industrials, business services, and IT services, has acquired the powertrain testing operations, which focus on environmental simulation of combustion engines, powertrain component evaluation, and additive testing.

 Industries are now compelled to adhere to environmental standards and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. As such, environmental testing has become an integral part of their operations. Consequently, as urbanization and industrial development continue to surge, we can expect an accompanying increase in the demand for environmental testing on a global scale.

Proliferation Of Portable & Easy-To-Use Testing Equipment

The global demand for environmental testing is slated to surge, fueled significantly by the proliferation of portable and easy-to-use testing equipment. These devices are facilitating widespread and efficient monitoring of various environmental parameters such as water quality, air pollution, soil contamination, and more. The compact nature and user-friendly interface of these instruments enable even non-professional users to conduct precise environmental testing, thereby democratizing the process. As environmental concerns are escalating globally, the ease of use of these devices is driving the expansion of testing beyond laboratories and into households, industries, and public spaces. Further, these portable devices are promoting the regular monitoring of environments, essential for detecting potential hazards early and implementing effective remedies. By offering real-time data and increasing accessibility to environmental testing, these instruments are playing a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental health and safety. Hence, the advent of portable and easy-to-use environmental testing equipment is expected to significantly bolster the global market demand, reinforcing the essentiality of regular environmental surveillance and driving a more sustainable future.

Segmental Insights

Sample Insights

Based on the Sample, the wastewater/effluent sample segment was the dominant market segment in 2024. Wastewater treatment is crucial for safeguarding public health, preserving the environment, and ensuring smooth industrial processes. Regulatory authorities typically require regular analytical testing of wastewater effluents at different treatment stages. For instance, the MCERT standard mandates sampling and chemical testing of treated sewage effluents, as well as untreated sewage effluents. The soil sample segment encompasses the testing of polluted sites, sediment, sludge, building materials, compost, and more.

Soil testing serves to effectively assess the inherent fertility status of soils and anticipate plant nutrient requirements. In 2024, the water sample segment held a significant revenue share. Regular water testing plays a vital role in monitoring changes in water quality over time. It is essential to conduct monitoring at regular intervals from the same location to ensure accurate data. The increasing demand for clean water is projected to drive the need for environmental testing services for water during the forecast period. Additionally, the air sample segment also accounted for a considerable revenue share in 2024. The market is expected to benefit from the growing demand for air quality services to monitor and mitigate air pollution.

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Regional Insights

The North American region hold a dominant position in the Global Environmental Testing Market In 2024. This can be attributed to the rigorous environmental regulations implemented by the government and the heightened awareness among the population regarding environmental sustainability and conservation. Furthermore, the increasing industrialization and urbanization in this region have contributed to a rise in pollution levels, consequently driving the demand for environmental testing services. North America continues to lead the environmental testing market due to its stringent environmental regulations and high awareness of environmental issues. The United States and Canada are the major markets in the region.  In Europe, the environmental testing market ranks as the second-largest due to the implementation of strict environmental regulations and the growing demand for sustainable practices. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France are the major markets in this region.

Recent Developments

• On February 19, 2025, Maybelline, Kraft Heinz, and P&G partnered to enhance the recycling of plastic caps and other small-format plastic components. Leading companies in the food, cosmetics, and retail sectors have joined forces to address the challenge of small plastics often being overlooked in traditional recycling systems. Maybelline’s parent company, L’Oréal Groupe, along with Target, have also become part of the Consortium to Recover Small Formats. This initiative, launched by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy, aims to mitigate small plastic waste through collaboration among brands, retailers, and recyclers. Driven by state regulations and corporate circular economy commitments, the consortium seeks to advance sustainable packaging solutions.
• In September 2024, NASA's Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft successfully completed environmental testing, including vibration, thermal, and other assessments to ensure its resilience during launch and operation in space. Following this milestone, the spacecraft team at Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, is conducting flight system software tests to simulate critical aspects of launch, maneuvers, and the scientific mission in lunar orbit. Simultaneously, the operations team, led by IPAC at Caltech in Pasadena, California, is performing simulations to test spacecraft commanding, communication with NASA’s Deep Space Network, and navigation capabilities.
• In March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the fourth test order under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), mandating testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This initiative aligns with the EPA's National PFAS Testing Strategy and marks a key milestone in the agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to mitigate the widespread contamination of these persistent chemicals, including NMeFOSE. Beyond regulatory compliance, this directive is expected to have a substantial impact on the environmental testing market throughout the forecast period.
• In August 2024, Cummins commenced comprehensive vehicle testing at Allison Transmission's Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center. Allison Transmission, a leading provider of fully automatic transmissions and electrified propulsion systems, announced that Cummins Inc., a global leader in power solutions, has selected its testing facility to conduct a series of evaluations on multiple trucks equipped with Cummins' powertrains.

Key Market Players

• SGS S.A.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• AB Sciex
• Romer Labs Inc.
• Eurofins Scientific SE
• TUV SUD AG
• TUV Rheinland Group
• Bureau Veritas SA
• Intertek Group PLC

In this report, the Global Environmental Testing Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Environmental Testing Market, By Sample:

o   Soil

o   Water

o   Air

o   Wastewater/Effluent

• Environmental Testing Market, By Type:

o   HALT and HASS Testing

o   Shock and Vibration Testing

o   Standards Compliance Testing

o   Climatic Testing

o   Temperature Testing

o   Humidity Testing

o   Others

• Environmental Testing Market, By Contaminant:

o   Microbial Contamination

o   Organic Compounds

o   Heavy Metals

o   Residues

o   Solids

• Environmental Testing Market, By Technology:

o   Conventional

o   Rapid Method

• Environmental Testing Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Environmental Testing Market.

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