See How Top 10 Membranes Companies are Transforming Life and Technology

The cell membrane guards the cell and keeps up a stable internal environment. It lets through nutrients and flushes out toxins. Proteins including glycoproteins or lipoproteins pick up on signals and link up with neighboring cells. These proteins may be glycoproteins or lipoproteins and are essential for cell-to-cell interaction. The membrane also provides structural support and contains a high level of cholesterol, which strengthens and stabilizes it, something that distinguishes it from many internal membranes. In plants, bacteria, and algae, an extra outer covering called the cell wall gives stronger protection compared to the plasma membranes. 

They are bifurcated into two groups: synthetic and biological membranes. Biological membranes cover nuclear, cell, and tissue membranes, such as serosae. Conversely, synthetic membranes are man-made materials put together for a variety of applications.

It acts as selective gates, safeguarding cells and enabling vital functions such as communication, energy generation, and nutrient exchange. They are the reason life maintains stability in changing environments. Membranes power up modern technologies, from clean water systems to medical treatments and renewable energy. Their knack for filtering out and sorting through materials at microscopic levels makes them quite crucial in both living systems and industry. 

With the water crisis intensifying owing to the rise in population, desalination has stepped up as a vital solution by turning seawater into drinkable water. Middle Eastern and African countries lean heavily on this technology for daily needs. The surge in desalination projects, spurring uptake of home water purifiers, and shifting regulations are driving a strong need for advanced water treatment technologies. In the U.S., the industry is set to hit USD 1.60 billion by 2032, driven by stringent regulations on wastewater and water treatment.

As per a report by Fortune Business Insights™, the market for membranes stood at USD 8.27 billion in 2024 and is poised to grow from USD 8.79 billion in 2025 to USD 14.21 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period (2025-2032).

Fortune Business Insights™ Profiles Top 10 Key Membranes Companies in the Market

1. Toray Industries Inc.

The firm stands out as a renowned player in next-gen materials, operating across carbon composites, with revenues of USD 18.94 billion in 2022. In 2022, the corporation rolled out its TBW-HR RO membranes, designed to ramp up water treatment efficiency by blocking neutral substances such as silica.

2. DuPont

DuPont delivers advanced materials and solutions that transform industries, focusing on Water & Protection, Mobility & Materials, and Electronics & Industrial. The company is advancing sustainability by targeting 100% green chemistry-based product design by 2030. With thousands of patents and numerous innovation awards, the company earned USD 12.07 billion in revenues in 2023. In 2022, it upgraded its Athlone, Ireland, facility to boost OxyMem MABR production for growing global demand.

3. SUEZ SA

Operating globally in water and waste management through recycling, recovery, and advanced digital solutions. The company expanded its Water Technologies & Solutions division by acquiring LANXESS's Reverse Osmosis membrane product line, enhancing production capacity and strengthening water treatment solutions in line with its "Shaping SUEZ 2030" strategy.

4. KOCH Separation

Massachusetts-based Koch Separation Solutions (KSS) specializes in advanced membrane and filtration technologies. With 19 offices globally, the company emphasizes innovation, execution, and client satisfaction. In 2021, KSS expanded its portfolio with INDU-COR HD, a high-density tubular membrane that improves crossflow filtration efficiency, reduces space needs, and lowers industrial waste treatment costs while enhancing sustainability.

5. Pentair Plc.

Ireland-based Pentair provides sustainable technologies for water, fluid treatment, and pool systems through its Flow, Water Solutions, and pool segments. Its product includes advanced filtration, water Solutions, reuse systems, pumps, and energy-efficient pool equipment. In 2021, the company acquired Pentair for USD 255 million, enhancing its portfolio with innovative filtration and clean air solutions for pools and industrial applications.

6. Hydranautics

As part of Nitto Denko Corporation, Hydranautics develops high-performance membrane products for global water treatment applications. With a presence on every continent and sales offices globally, it offers the industry’s most comprehensive membrane portfolios, including its IMS technology, integrating RO, NF, UF, and MF systems. In 2022, the company introduced K4R-PW1, an innovative ultrafiltration membrane that is hot water sanitizable and capable of producing WFI Quality Water.

7. TOYOBO

Japan’s Toyobo evolved from textiles into advanced fields such as polymerization, modification, processing, and biotechnology. Operating under three segments: Industrial Materials, Healthcare, and Films and Functional Polymers, the company delivers innovative, high-performance solutions. Its hollow fiber industrial membranes allow compact module design with superior packaging density.

8. Pall Corporation

Pall Corporation provides cutting-edge separation, purification, and filtration technologies to diverse industries globally. The company operates through two key segments: Life Sciences, focusing on healthcare, biopharma, and food & beverage, and industrial, serving energy, water, and microelectronics markets with innovative solutions. 

9. MANN+HUMMEL

As a leading expert in filtration, Mann+Hummel provides innovative solutions, including air, liquid, cabin filters, as well as intake systems. Its markets range from automotive and industrial applications to life sciences and environmental sectors. The company operates in about 80 global locations, with a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and resource conservation.

10. Synder Filtration

Family-owned Synder Filtration develops advanced polymeric membrane solutions for liquid separation in industries including food, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and microfiltration systems, supported by partners and distributors. In 2021, the company expanded its Vacaville, CA campus with a new sales office integrated into 53,000 sq. ft.

Why Membranes Matter Now and in the Future

Membranes may seem simple barriers, but they are among the most powerful tools of nature and science. In living organisms, they safeguard cells, regulate exchangers, and maintain the delicate balance necessary for survival. In technology and industry, they purify water, enable life-saving medical treatments, and even support innovation in renewable energy. Their ability to selectively allow or restrict movement makes them indispensable in both biology and engineering. As research advances, it will become more efficient and vital, continuing to shape the future of health and technology.