Reverse Osmosis Membranes Market to reach $10.5 Billion by 2030; growing demand for clean water, advancements in RO technology, increase in government desalination projects and water scarcity

The Reverse Osmosis Membranes Market size is estimated to reach $10.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period 2024-2030, according to a recent report published by IndustryARC, titled, “Reverse Osmosis Membranes Market – By Material Type (Cellulose-based Membranes & Thin Film Composite Membranes), By Filter Module (Plate & Frame, Spiral Membranes, Pillow-shaped Membranes, Tubular-shaped Membranes, Hollow-fiber Membranes), By Application (Wastewater Treatment & Reuse, Desalination, Utility Water Treatment & Process Water Treatment), By End-Use Industry (Building & Construction, Medical & Healthcare, Chemical & Pharmaceuticals and Others) and By Geography - Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030

The growing need for pure water is driving the reverse osmosis membrane market as municipalities and industries seek efficient methods to remove contaminants. Increasing focus on water purification is spurring the adoption of reverse osmosis technologies to ensure safe and clean drinking water. Additionally, growing government investments in desalination is also driving the market.

Asia-Pacific dominates the reverse osmosis (RO) membranes market due to water scarcity and contaminated water. Countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations face increasing demand for clean water due to industrialization and expanding municipal needs. Approximately 500 million people in Asia Pacific lack access to a basic water supply, while 1.14 billion people lack adequate sanitation, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Joint Monitoring Program. Additionally, APAC’s extensive investments in desalination projects and water infrastructure further propel the adoption of RO systems. Governments are implementing strict regulations on wastewater treatment to tackle pollution, which boosts market demand. 

Growing awareness of the health risks associated with waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea, is driving the demand for advanced water treatment technologies like reverse osmosis. Contaminated water sources in both urban and rural areas are a significant concern, leading households and municipalities to invest in RO systems to ensure safe drinking water. Public health campaigns and educational initiatives are also increasing awareness of the importance of clean water, further encouraging adoption. As consumers prioritize health and safety, the demand for reliable water filtration systems continues to rise, benefiting the RO membrane market.

Advances in membrane materials, such as thin-film composite membranes, have significantly improved the efficiency of water purification processes. Modern RO membranes now offer better salt rejection rates, enhanced durability, and greater resistance to fouling, which is a common issue caused by impurities clogging the membrane surface. Additionally, ongoing research is leading to the development of energy-efficient membranes that require lower operating pressures, reducing energy costs. These innovations not only make RO systems more cost-effective but also expand their applicability across diverse industries, fueling market demand. Technological innovation is a key driver of growth in the reverse osmosis membrane market.

• In November 2024, Toray Industries, Inc. announced the launch of its TBW-XHR series of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane elements, designed to improve ultrapure water production from recycled wastewater. These new elements, targeting the semiconductor industry, significantly enhance urea removal efficiency.

• In August 2024, Aquaporin A/S signed a distributorship agreement with Brenntag in APAC and Turkey covering its Clear product series of brackish water RO membrane elements.

• In December 2023, Samyang Corporation released two new products under its Trilite brand name: Trilite RO membrane (reverse osmosis), and Trilite EDI (electrodeionizer).

Key companies profiled in the Reverse Osmosis Membranes Market are DuPont, Toray Industries, Koch Membrane Systems, Nitto Denko Corporation, Veolia Water Technologies, Applied Membranes, Dow Water Solutions, Toyobo, GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, LG Chem and Others