Dubai, UAE—January 2026 - Kings Research announced the publication of its latest report, “Membrane Filtration Market: Size, Share, Trends & Forecast 2025–2032.” The report examines the market’s growth trajectory, technology evolution, regulatory dynamics, and competitive landscape across water and wastewater treatment, food and beverage processing, dairy operations, and industrial bioprocessing applications.
According to Kings Research, the global membrane filtration market was valued at USD 17.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 32.98 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 8.38% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is supported by rising investments in municipal and industrial water infrastructure, increasing adoption of membrane-based purification in food and dairy processing, and expanding biopharmaceutical manufacturing that requires consistent, high-purity separation capabilities.
Membrane filtration allows for the selective separation of suspended solids, microorganisms, and dissolved substances from liquids using semipermeable membranes. The technology works via pressure-driven processes like reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and nanofiltration.
By providing high-quality water, sterile product streams, and regulatory-compliant discharge, membrane systems are regarded as essential tools in modern industrial and municipal separation settings.
Kings Research highlighted the major factors driving the growth of the membrane filtration market:
1. Water Reuse & Infrastructure Modernization
Water shortage, risk of pollution, and stricter discharge regulations are the main factors driving membrane filtration in both municipal utilities and industrial operators. Several government-funded reuse projects and infrastructure upgrades have served as catalysts for the widespread acceptance of such technologies. In November 2025, PPG launched an ultrafiltration antifouling membrane that can be used in industrial water reuse and has features that make it resistant to oily waste and complex contaminants.
2. Biopharmaceutical Production Expansion
Greater outputs of biologics, vaccines, and cell-based therapies have boosted the demand for high-performance membrane systems for clarification, concentration, and sterile filtration. In January 2025, Toray Industries, Inc. revealed its new high-efficiency separation module for bioprocessing, which successively increased purification yields to over 90%, and that pilot evaluations in gene therapy workflows were ongoing.
3. Industrial Processing & Food and Dairy Applications
Continuous processing models, digital optimization tools, and automated CIP technologies are facilitating membrane throughput and lifecycle efficiency in food, beverage, and dairy operations. In November 2024, GEA brought Smart Filtration CIP and Flush tools to the market, which, along with membrane cleaning at the Ammerland dairy, managed to reduce water use by 48% and energy consumption by 77%, respectively.
4. Barriers & Market Response
High capital intensity still stands as a major hurdle for cost-sensitive operators, especially in emerging markets. Technologies such as advanced membranes, pressure systems, and control units necessitate a large amount of money for initial spending, not to mention site-specific engineering and skilled installation labor. Suppliers are offering modular systems, energy-efficient membrane designs, phased deployment models, and leasing structures that lower upfront exposure and increase return on investment.
B2B leaders in municipal utilities, industrial processing, food & dairy operations, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing benefit from membrane filtration through:
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Control: Meets government standards for potable water, discharge, and purity in both municipal and regulated industries.
- Operational Efficiency: Uses fewer chemicals, shortens cleaning cycles, and increases membrane lifespan.
- Product & Process Consistency: Maintains constant water and product quality for beverages, dairy, fermentation, and biologics production.
- Water Reuse & Sustainability: Facilitates wastewater reclamation and resource recovery, thus lowering the need for freshwater and the risk of non-compliance.
- Scalable Deployment: Modular equipment can be used for phased capacity expansion and retrofit installations without a major initial investment.
Regional Outlook
North America accounted for 35.95% of the market in 2024, which was worth USD 6.27 billion. The growth of the segment was led by municipal investments in potable water treatment, industrial reuse projects, and regulatory enforcement of federal and state water quality standards. Besides, replacement cycles for aging assets in utilities and industrial facilities also continue to be a recurring source of demand.
Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.08% through 2032, supported by rapid industrialization, urban population growth, and rising water resources pressure. The expansion of wastewater management capacity, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceutical production processes further drives regional adoption.
Competitive Landscape
The membrane filtration market is characterized by technology-led competition in polymeric and ceramic membranes, energy-efficient modules, advanced coatings, modular system architectures, and smart process monitoring.
Key companies include 3M, Koch IP Holdings, LLC, GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, Pall Corporation, Veolia, ALFA LAVAL, SPX FLOW, Inc., DuPont, ProMinent GmbH, Pentair, Porvair Filtration Group, SUEZ SA, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., Asahi Kasei Corporation, and Nitto Denko Corporation.
To request a sample or access the full report, visit: https://www.kingsresearch.com/report/membrane-filtration-market-3016
About Kings Research
Kings Research is a global research and consulting firm that helps organizations navigate emerging markets, evaluate opportunities, and make data-driven decisions through comprehensive market intelligence and analysis.
All market data are sourced from Kings Research proprietary analysis, validated against credible government publications and peer-reviewed research papers. Key references include EPA, PPG, GEA, and Toray Industries.