Membrane Separation Systems Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

In 2021, the membrane separation systems market was valued at approximately US$ 22,177.00 million and is anticipated to grow to around US$ 40,512.12 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2022 to 2028.

The primary drivers of this market expansion include the widespread application of membrane separation technologies in wastewater treatment and their diverse uses within the dairy sector. Nonetheless, the intricate nature of membrane separation techniques poses challenges to market advancement.

Recent innovations in high-performance nanostructured materials, advancements in production methods like 3D printing, and enhanced computing capabilities are paving the way for new developments in membrane separation processes. Polymers are the predominant material group utilized in these processes, as polymeric membranes are cost-effective and versatile for numerous applications. Common types of polymeric membranes include cellulose acetate (CA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyimide, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Additionally, polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are being enhanced with nanomaterials, including metal/metal oxides and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), to optimize filtration performance. The oil and gas industry is experiencing a significant demand for nanofiltration systems, particularly for processing natural gas, including coal bed methane. For instance, the Guangdong Rural Credit Union is set to establish a natural gas production and storage facility in Guangdong, China, as part of the 14th Five-Year Plan for Energy (2021-2025). In the United States, the government announced in 2021 the construction of 177 natural gas plants aimed at reducing CO2 emissions by 2030, which is expected to enhance the demand for nanofiltration membrane systems in the oil and gas sector.

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 included various measures to enhance the treatment of water for drinking and industrial use. The pandemic has significantly impacted economies worldwide, including Japan, India, Australia, China, and South Korea. However, manufacturers of membrane separation systems have adapted to these challenges through innovative solutions. Since the onset of COVID-19, the membrane separation systems market has implemented several strategies aimed at recovery and future growth, focusing on long-term market demands and infrastructure planning supported by government initiatives. The governments of India and China have facilitated large-scale vaccine production, such as Covaxin & Covishield and Convidecia, to support mass vaccination efforts. The production of vaccines, biologics, and pharmaceuticals necessitates the use of sterile water, thereby increasing the relevance of membrane separation systems in the healthcare industry. Furthermore, the heightened demand for household water and beverages during the pandemic has further stimulated the use of these systems.

The membrane separation systems market is categorized by technology into microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and others. The reverse osmosis segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021 and is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period.

In terms of application, the market is divided into environmental, food & beverages, healthcare, and other sectors. The environmental segment held the largest share in 2021, while the healthcare segment is expected to experience the most significant growth rate during the forecast period. Membrane separation technologies are widely utilized in downstream processes for separation and purification, employing methods such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and diafiltration. Moreover, the innovative technique of membrane chromatography facilitates the effective purification of monoclonal antibodies.

From a material perspective, the membrane separation systems market is segmented into polyethersulphones, polysulphones, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and others. The polyethersulphones segment dominated the market in 2021 and is anticipated to achieve the highest CAGR in the coming years.

Key sources of information for this report include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Trade Administration (ITA), CEIC: Global Economic Data, Indicators, Charts & Forecasts, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, and the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).