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Reverse osmosis membrane market is poised to observe an appreciable growth from 2022 to 2028 with the increasing demand for effective water purification technologies driven by the rising demand for clean drinking water. This has instigated the adoption of reverse osmosis to a great extent and is being backed by various supportive government initiatives globally. It is considered as one of the most economical way to remove water contaminants like herbicides, antibiotics, pyrogens, pesticides, insecticides, soluble salts, nitrates, metal ions, etc.
The rising contamination levels in waterbodies have raised several concerns related to waterborne diseases. Rising industrialization in developing as well as developed economies has led to a notable rise in the disposal of industrial wastes in waterbodies leading to a heightened threat to public health.
The rising population level in the cities from economic development, rapid urbanization, and improved living standard in developing countries has increased the adoption of healthy eating habits. This, in turn, has fueled clean drinking water demand in residential as well as commercial spaces leading to increased demand for reverse osmosis systems.
With regards to the membrane type, the Reverse osmosis membrane market is bifurcated into cellulose-based and thin-film composite. Of these, thin-film composite segment is estimated to witness substantial growth over the forthcoming years. These membranes comprise of three layers that are largely used in the water and wastewater treatment processes. They find extensive usage in desalination systems or water purification owing to their superior ability to reject unwanted materials including salts and metal ions. In addition, thin-film composites are known to have high mechanical strength as well as filtration rate which is significantly driving their adoption.
In terms of regional outlook, Asia Pacific is expected to stand tall as a notable growth hub for the market owing to the rising awareness about water-borne diseases coupled with rising population, and rapid industrialization in the region. Besides, rising government initiatives to make water accessible to all are further supporting the market growth by stimulating product adoption. The industry expansion is also being accelerated by the ongoing industrial activities and growing residential & commercial sectors in the region.
The major participants in reverse osmosis membrane market are Dow Chemical Company, Hydranautics, LG Chem, Lanxess AG, Toray Industries Ltd, Toyobo Co Ltd, Koch Membrane System, Axeon Water Technologies, Membranium, Microdyn-Nadir GmbH, etc.
These market players are largely focusing on business expansion strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market. For instance, in 2021, Toray Industries, Inc., received the order for its reverse osmosis membrane for Rabigh 3 Desalination Plant in Saudi Arabia which is expected to be the largest SWRO plant in the country.
The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic made a significant impact in reverse osmosis membrane market due to the disruptions in manufacturing and supply chain operations across the sectors including textile, food & beverage, pulp & paper, power, etc. Besides, the demand for water from various end-use sectors was reduced due to the lockdown restrictions across the globe.
However, with the gradual lifting of restrictions, restoration of industrial operations, and stabilization of the global economy, the market is expected to exhibit steady growth in the upcoming years.