Membrane chemicals are specialty chemicals that are used to treat a wide range of RO/UF/NF/MF membrane scalants and foulants. Membrane chemical is basically used to remove the contaminants from wastewater treatment industry as these membranes are highly effective in filtering water impurities. Moreover, they are also used across other industries such as power, chemicals, food and beverages, desalination, paper and pulp, and pharmaceuticals. Membrane chemical is primarily used to remove the impurities present in water such as bacteria and microorganism which can change the quality and color of the water. On the basis of product type the market is classified into scale inhibitors, coagulants and flocculants, biocides, pH adjusters, and dechlorinants.
The global membrane chemicals market is estimated to account for slightly less than US$ 1.4 billion in terms of value in the year 2018 and it predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period (2019-2027)
Drivers
Growing water scarcity around the globe is expected to boost the market growth of membrane chemicals. As per the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, only 10 countries have access to 60% of the world’s freshwater supply. In order to meet the rising demand for water around the globe government of various countries are installing distillation plant which is increasing demand for chemical membranes, which in turn propelling the market growth.
Market Opportunities
The increasing focus of manufacturers to introduce novel and advanced chemical membranes is expected to augment the market growth. For instance, in January 2019, LANXESS has to expand its range of membrane elements for reverse osmosis (RO). The new Lewabrane HP (high performance) series comprises elements that consist of an enhanced brackish water membrane to serve applications in which high rejection and energy efficiency are important.
Market Restraints
Issues associated with membrane chemicals such as patents and acceptance of quality accreditation is expected to hinder the market growth of membrane chemicals. The chemical industry clears the safety assessment tests set by government organizations and the different government has its own law. This creates hurdles for membrane chemical companies to operate and enter the market. Hence, patents and acceptance of quality accreditation are hampering the market growth of membrane chemicals.
Key Takeaways:
On the basis of end-use sector, waste water treatment segment dominated the global membrane chemicals market in 2018 with a 30% of market share in terms of value, followed by pharmaceuticals & others and chemicals.
Market Trends
Growth in the food & beverage industry is expected to foster the market growth of the membrane chemical. An increase in demand for food & beverage with a high-quality product is raising demand for filtration and separation process which is further propelling demand for chemical membranes. These membranes are useful in separating and filtering impurities. Hence, the growing food & beverage industry is propelling the market growth of membrane chemicals.
Booming pulp and paper industry around the globe is projected to foster the market growth of membrane chemicals. Membrane technology reduces the consumption of water, increases the recovering and recycling of the value of products. This reduces the negative impact on the environment. Therefore, the rising demand for membrane chemicals from the pulp and paper industry will favor market growth.
Competitive Section:
Key players operating in global membrane chemicals market are Veolia Water, Nalco Holding Company, Kemira Oyj, GE Power & Water, BWA Water Additives U.S., LLC, Genesys International Corporation Limited, H2O Innovation Inc., Reverse Osmosis Chemicals International, King Lee Technologies, and Lenntech BV.
Few Recent Developments
GE Power & Water
- In July 2017, GE introduced BEVPAK, new ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) solution for water treatment in the production of beverages. GE Water & Process Technologies’ new, integrated UF and RO technology is designed to process poor quality and challenging source water with optimal removal of particulates, microorganisms and total dissolved solids (TDS) while reducing the footprint and lowering costs.
Market Taxonomy
By End Use Sector
- Waste Water Treatment
- Power
- Food & Beverages
- Desalination
- Chemicals
- Paper & Pulp
- Pharmaceuticals & Others
By Products
- Scale Inhibitors
- Coagulants and Flocculants
- Biocides
- pH Adjusters
- Dechlorinants
- Other Product Types
By Regions
- North America
- Middle East & Africa
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Western Europe
- Eastern Europe