The rising demand for water treatment and desalination and increasing adoption in the food & beverage industry are driving the growth of the Membranes Market at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Membranes Market” that contains the information from 2019 to 2035.

The Global Membranes Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 8.9 % during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.

MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Global Membranes Market — Toray Industries, LG Chem, ALSYS Group, Culligan, AXEON Water, Pentair, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Hydranautics, DuPont, Veolia and others.

The Global Membranes Market accounted for registering a CAGR of 8.9 % during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 28.46 billion by 2035.

The food and beverage industry are increasingly adopting membrane technology for filtration and separation processes, driven by the need for improved product quality, extended shelf life, and enhanced process efficiency. Membrane systems, including microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO), play a crucial role in processing dairy products, fruit juices, wine, beer, and water used in food production. These membranes help remove unwanted particles, bacteria, and contaminants while concentrating desirable components, ensuring a superior final product. The growing global demand for high-quality food and beverages, particularly in major markets like China and India, has spurred the widespread implementation of membrane technology. China, as the largest food market with a revenue of $1.5 trillion in 2023, and India, the second largest with $803.3 billion, are leading this adoption due to their expanding food processing sectors and increasing consumer awareness of quality and safety.

One of the primary applications of membrane technology in the food and beverage industry is dairy processing. Membrane filtration techniques such as MF and UF are widely used to remove bacteria and solids from milk, producing high-quality cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. These membranes enable the fractionation of milk proteins, the concentration of whey, and the removal of unwanted microorganisms, thereby improving product safety and extending shelf life. Additionally, membrane technology eliminates the need for heat treatment, preserving the nutritional and sensory properties of dairy products. The ability to process milk at lower temperatures without compromising quality has significantly contributed to the increasing adoption of membranes in the dairy industry, allowing manufacturers to enhance production efficiency while meeting stringent hygiene standards.

The juice and beverage industry has also seen extensive use of membrane technology for clarification, concentration, and purification processes. UF and MF membranes are commonly employed to remove pulp, suspended solids, and microorganisms from fruit juices, resulting in a clearer, more visually appealing product with a longer shelf life. Reverse osmosis (RO) is particularly beneficial for juice concentration, as it allows for the removal of water while preserving the natural flavor and nutrients. This process reduces transportation costs by decreasing the volume of the final product without compromising quality. Additionally, a combination of resin and membrane processes can help improve the taste of citrus juices by reducing bitterness, making membrane technology an indispensable tool in modern juice production. The Chinese consumption of packaged beverages reached approximately 274 billion liters in 2023 and is projected to increase to 306 billion liters by 2026, further highlighting the growing importance of membrane technology in beverage processing.

In the brewing and winemaking industries, membrane filtration plays a crucial role in product refinement and stability. MF and UF membranes are used in beer production to remove yeast, bacteria, and other impurities without the need for heat pasteurization, thereby preserving the beverage’s taste and freshness. Similarly, in winemaking, membranes assist in clarifying wine by removing yeast cells and sediments, enhancing both the appearance and sensory attributes of the final product. The integration of membrane systems in breweries and wineries has resulted in significant cost savings, reduced energy consumption, and improved process efficiency. Some breweries have even adopted membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology for wastewater treatment, allowing for water reuse and minimizing environmental impact. The ability to maintain product integrity while streamlining production processes has made membrane technology an increasingly attractive option for beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Another critical area where membrane technology is making an impact is in water treatment and wastewater management within the food and beverage industry. RO membranes are extensively used to purify water for food production by removing dissolved minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. In addition, many food processing facilities and breweries are implementing membrane-based wastewater treatment systems to reduce their environmental footprint. For instance, breweries like Stone Brewing Company in California use MBR and RO technology to treat wastewater and reuse process water, thereby reducing discharge volumes and promoting sustainability. The efficiency and reliability of membrane technology in water treatment applications have led to widespread adoption across the food and beverage sector, further driving market growth. With major food markets like China and India leading the way, and global packaged beverage consumption on the rise, the demand for membrane technology is expected to grow further.

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Segmental Analysis

The Global Membranes Market has been segmented based on Material, on Product Technology, by Membrane Type, by Configuration, by Modification Techniques, by Distribution Channel, by Size and by Application.

Based on Material, this segment includes Polymeric Materials (Polyamide (PA), Polyethersulfone (PES), Polysulfone (PS), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), Cellulose Acetate (CA), Others), Ceramic (Alumina (Al₂O₃), Titania (TiO₂), Zirconia (ZrO₂), Others), Others. The Polymeric Materials segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Polymeric membranes are the most widely used type in the global membrane market due to their affordability, ease of manufacturing, and versatility across multiple applications, including water treatment, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, biotechnology, and medical filtration. These membranes’ function based on pore size, allowing them to perform processes such as microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO). They are primarily composed of synthetic polymers, each offering distinct advantages and limitations.

Based on Production Technology, this segment includes Phase Inversion Processes (Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation (NIPS) and Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS)), Spinning Methods (Dry-Jet Wet Spinning, Melt Spinning, Other). The Phase Inversion Processes segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Phase inversion is a versatile membrane fabrication technique that involves the transformation of a homogeneous polymer solution into a solid membrane structure through controlled phase separation. This technique allows for the creation of asymmetric or symmetric membranes with tunable pore structures. The two primary types of phase inversion processes are Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation (NIPS) and Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS), both of which play a significant role in the production of polymeric membranes for filtration and separation processes.

Based on Membrane Type, this segment includes (Microfiltration (MF), Ultrafiltration (UF), Nanofiltration (NF), Reverse Osmosis (RO). The Reverse Osmosis (RO) segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Reverse osmosis membranes are designed for molecular-level filtration, with pore sizes smaller than 0.001 microns. They are capable of removing salt, heavy metals, and dissolved contaminants, making them the preferred choice for desalination, ultrapure water production, and industrial wastewater treatment. RO membranes are widely utilized in seawater desalination plants, semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and beverage processing. Their ability to remove up to 99% of dissolved solids and contaminants makes them critical in industries where high-purity water is essential. Advancements in membrane materials, anti-fouling coatings, and low-energy RO systems are further enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of reverse osmosis technology.

Based on Configuration, this segment includes Hollow Fiber, Flat Sheet and Others. The Hollow Fiber segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Hollow fiber membranes consist of thin, capillary-like fibers that provide a large surface area for filtration while maintaining a compact design. These membranes are widely used in water treatment, medical applications (such as hemodialysis), and gas separation processes. Due to their unique structure, hollow fiber membranes offer high flow rates and efficient separation of contaminants while being cost-effective and easy to scale for industrial applications. Industries such as municipal water treatment, industrial wastewater recycling, and pharmaceutical manufacturing benefit from hollow fiber membranes because they can handle large fluid volumes with minimal pressure requirements. These membranes are commonly employed in ultrafiltration (UF) and microfiltration (MF) processes, where they efficiently remove bacteria, suspended solids, and macromolecules from liquids.

Based on Modification Techniques, this segment includes Surface Treatments (Plasma Treatment, Grafting, Nanoparticle Coating, Others), Others. The Surface Treatments segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Surface treatment techniques modify the outer layer of membranes, enhancing hydrophilicity, chemical resistance, and fouling resistance. These methods ensure that membranes function effectively under harsh chemical, biological, and operational conditions, making them suitable for advanced filtration, gas separation, and biomedical applications.

Based on Distribution Channel, this segment includes Direct OEMs, Distributors & Dealers, Online Retailers, Others. The Direct OEMs segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Direct OEMs are the primary and most significant distribution channel in the global membrane market. Manufacturers supply membranes directly to OEMs, who integrate them into filtration systems, medical devices, energy storage solutions, and industrial processing equipment. This channel ensures strict quality control, consistent performance, and technical reliability, making it a preferred option for industries requiring customized or high-performance membrane solutions. Large-scale industries such as municipal water treatment, pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and power generation rely heavily on OEMs to procure membranes that meet specific operational and regulatory standards.

Based on Size, this segment includes Large Membrane Modules, Medium Membrane Modules, Small Membrane Modules. The Large Membrane Modules segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Large membrane modules are high-capacity filtration systems designed for industries that require bulk separation, purification, or concentration of fluids. These modules are commonly used in municipal water treatment plants, large-scale desalination facilities, petrochemical processing, pharmaceutical production, and industrial wastewater management. They offer high throughput, extended operational lifespans, and enhanced efficiency in treating large volumes of liquids and gases. Large membrane modules are often preferred in applications where continuous filtration, minimal maintenance, and long-term operational reliability are essential.

Based on Application, this segment includes Medical Technology (MedTech) & Healthcare (Hemodialysis Membranes, Drug Delivery Systems, Oxygenation Systems, Tissue Engineering, Plasma Separation, Others), Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology (Biopharmaceutical Production, Plasma Separation, Others), Water and Wastewater Treatment (Industrial Water Treatment and Residential Water Purification), Oil & Gas (Gas Separation, Petrochemical Processing, Biogas Upgrading, Others), Energy Sector (Renewable Energy Systems, Thermoelectric (Thermal Power), Others), Food & Beverage (Food Concentration, Protein Separation, Others), Pollution Control (Air and Water Pollution Mitigation and Others), Specialized Industrial Applications (Metallic Filter Cleaning Systems, Oxygenation Systems, Others). The Food & Beverage segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Water and Wastewater Treatment segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Membranes are widely used in the food & beverage industry for filtration, concentration, purification, and separation processes, ensuring product quality, safety, and nutritional retention. In food concentration, membranes play a crucial role in preserving flavors and nutrients by eliminating the need for high-temperature evaporation. Reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are used to concentrate fruit juices, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages without compromising taste and aroma.

Regional Analysis

Geographically, the Global Membranes Market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa.

Major demand factors driving the North America market are the rising demand for water treatment and desalination and increasing adoption in the food & beverage industry. North America stands as one of the most advanced markets for membrane technologies, driven by stringent environmental regulations, technological innovations, and increasing demand for clean water and energy-efficient solutions. The region benefits from strong government initiatives, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on wastewater treatment and industrial discharge limits, which fuel demand for membrane-based filtration and separation processes. The U.S. dominates the North American membrane market, followed by Canada and Mexico. The growth of industries like biopharmaceuticals, food & beverage processing, and municipal water treatment has significantly boosted demand for advanced reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF), and microfiltration (MF) membranes. Additionally, rising investments in desalination plants along the U.S. and Mexican coasts are driving membrane adoption in water purification applications.

Europe's membrane market is experiencing steady growth, driven by sustainability initiatives, circular economy policies, and strict water reuse regulations set by the European Union (EU). The region places a strong emphasis on reducing industrial wastewater discharge, leading to widespread adoption of membrane bioreactors (MBRs), RO, and NF membranes for efficient water recycling and purification. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK lead the European membrane market, fueled by strong industrial bases in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and petrochemicals. The rising demand for biogas upgrading, hydrogen fuel cells, and CO₂ capture is further propelling the use of membrane separation technologies in the region. European companies such as Hydranautics (a Nitto Group Company), Pentair, and GEA Group are investing heavily in next-generation polymeric and ceramic membranes to improve efficiency and durability.

Asia Pacific (APAC) is the fastest-growing membrane market globally, driven by rapid urbanization, rising industrialization, and increasing water scarcity concerns. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are heavily investing in membrane-based water and wastewater treatment solutions to address the challenges of polluted rivers, declining groundwater levels, and increasing industrial discharge. China dominates the APAC membrane market, with the government focusing on advanced membrane desalination, MBRs, and brine treatment technologies. The Made in China 2025 initiative is encouraging domestic production of high-performance membranes for energy storage, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor industries.

South America's membrane market is growing steadily, mainly driven by rising concerns over water scarcity, industrial pollution, and energy efficiency. The region is investing in desalination plants, mining wastewater treatment, and biofuel production, leading to increased adoption of NF, UF, and RO membranes. Chile and Peru, major mining hubs, are utilizing membrane filtration for metal recovery and acid mine drainage treatment, ensuring sustainable extraction processes. Meanwhile, Brazil and Argentina are focusing on wastewater recycling for agriculture, sugarcane ethanol production, and food processing industries.

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is a global leader in desalination, accounting for a significant share of the world’s membrane-based seawater desalination capacity. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Israel are investing heavily in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants, addressing water scarcity issues and ensuring sustainable water supply. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036 are pushing for high-efficiency membrane technologies to improve desalination plant performance and energy efficiency. The adoption of forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation (MD) technologies is also gaining momentum in the region.

Key Findings of the Study

• The Global Membranes Market is expected to reach USD 28.46 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period.


• The North America region accounted for the fastest-growing global market.


• Based on the Material, the Polymeric Materials segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.


• Toray Industries, LG Chem, ALSYS Group, Culligan, AXEON Water, Pentair, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Hydranautics, DuPont, Veolia are some of the players in the market.