Gas Separation Membrane Market - By Module, By Application (Nitrogen Generation & Oxygen Enrichment, Hydrogen Recovery, Carbon Dioxide Removal, Vapor/Gas Separation, Air Dehydration, H2S Removal), By Material Type & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Gas Separation Membrane Market Size

Gas Separation Membrane Market was valued at around USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and expected to register a CAGR of over 6.5% between 2024 and 2032.
 

Polyimide and polyaramide materials are widely used in the gas separation membrane industry due to their exceptional thermal and chemical stability, high permeability, and selectivity. These polymers are ideal for withstanding harsh conditions, including high temperatures and aggressive chemicals, making them suitable for applications like hydrogen recovery, carbon dioxide removal, and nitrogen generation. Their ability to offer consistent performance and durability under extreme environments makes them the preferred choice for industrial gas separation processes.
 

The global nitrogen generators market was valued at USD 11.2 billion in 2021, is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 17.8 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by increasing demand for nitrogen gas across various industries, which has a direct impact on the market. As nitrogen generators become more prevalent, gas separation membranes play a critical role in the efficient and cost-effective production of high-purity nitrogen. The rising adoption of these membranes, due to their energy-saving capabilities and low environmental impact, is expected to further drive both markets in tandem.
 

The gas separation membrane market faces significant restraint due to high initial investment and maintenance costs. Implementing membrane technology requires substantial capital expenditure, particularly for the setup of advanced filtration systems. Additionally, ongoing maintenance, including replacement of membranes and system upkeep, adds to the operational expenses, making it a costly solution for smaller businesses or industries with tight budgets. These high costs can slow down the adoption of gas separation membranes, especially when alternative technologies like Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) offer competitive pricing. As a result, industries may hesitate to invest in membrane technology, impacting overall market growth.
 

Gas Separation Membrane Market Trends

The rising demand for nitrogen and oxygen separation is a key driver in the gas separation membrane industry. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, and electronics increasingly require high-purity nitrogen and oxygen for various applications, from inert gas blanketing to medical oxygen supply. Gas separation membranes provide a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution to meet these needs, allowing industries to produce gases on-site without relying on traditional bulk gas delivery. As industrial processes become more specialized and sustainability takes precedence, the demand for membrane-based gas separation systems continues to grow, propelling market expansion.
 

Expanding applications in the food and beverage sector are emerging as a significant driver for the gas separation membrane market. In this industry, the need for high-purity gases like nitrogen is essential for processes such as food packaging, beverage carbonation, and preservation. Nitrogen helps in extending the shelf life of products by creating an inert atmosphere, preventing oxidation, and ensuring freshness. Additionally, the use of oxygen membranes in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has become increasingly popular, enhancing product quality and safety.
 

Gas separation membranes offer a cost-effective, on-demand solution for food manufacturers, allowing them to produce nitrogen and oxygen in-house, reducing dependency on external gas supplies. With the rising trend of clean-label products and sustainable packaging, the demand for membrane-based gas separation systems has surged, as they align with industry goals of reducing waste and energy consumption. This widespread adoption across the food and beverage sector is driving substantial growth in the market.
 

Gas Separation Membrane Market Analysis

Based on material type, the market is divided into polyimide & polyaramide, cellulose acetate, polysulfone and others. Polyimide & polyaramide held the dominant market value of USD 550 million in 2023 and expected to reach USD 980 million by 2032. Polyimide and polyaramide dominate the market due to their excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and high selectivity for gas separation. These materials offer superior performance in separating gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, making them ideal for industrial applications. Their durability and resistance to harsh chemical environments further enhance their appeal, ensuring long operational life and reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, their ability to operate efficiently under high-pressure conditions makes them the preferred choice in industries like oil and gas, chemicals, and petrochemicals.
 

Based on module, the market is categorized into hollow fiber, spiral wound, plate & frame and others. Hollow fiber accounted for 52% market share in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly up to 2032. Hollow fiber membranes dominate the gas separation market due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, which allows for efficient gas separation in compact systems. These membranes offer cost-effective scalability, enabling large volumes of gas to be processed in a smaller footprint compared to other membrane types. Their flexibility in design, lightweight structure, and ability to handle high pressures make them ideal for applications in industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, and air separation. Additionally, hollow fiber membranes are known for their durability and ease of maintenance, further solidifying their market dominance.
 

Based on application, the market is categorized into nitrogen generation & oxygen enrichment, hydrogen recovery, carbon dioxide removal, vapor/gas separation, air dehydration, H2S removal and others. nitrogen generation & oxygen enrichment accounted for 35% market share in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly till 2032. Nitrogen generation and oxygen enrichment dominate the market due to their wide industrial applications, including food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and medical oxygen supply. Membrane technology provides an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for producing high-purity gases on-site, making it ideal for industries seeking to optimize processes while reducing reliance on bulk gas supply. Their growing demand across diverse sectors drives significant growth in the market.
 

Asia Pacific dominated the global gas separation membrane market in 2023. It generated a revenue of USD 410 million in 2023. The Asia-Pacific region dominates the gas separation membrane industry due to its rapid industrialization, growing manufacturing sector, and increasing energy demands. Countries in this region are major consumers of gas separation technologies, driven by expansions in industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. The region's focus on enhancing industrial efficiency, coupled with investments in infrastructure and technological advancements, further boosts the adoption of gas separation membranes.
 

In China, the extensive industrial base and significant investments in petrochemicals and energy drive demand for gas separation membranes. India’s rapid industrial growth and increasing focus on clean energy solutions also contribute to the market’s expansion. Japan's advanced technological infrastructure and high demand for precision applications in pharmaceuticals and electronics make it a key market player. South Korea’s robust industrial sector, particularly in semiconductor and chemical manufacturing, further supports the region's dominance in the market.
 

Gas Separation Membrane Market Share

Air Liquide, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., DIC Corporation, FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V., Generon collectively dominate the gas separation membrane industry with their extensive industry experience, innovative product offerings, and widespread global presence.
 

Air Liquide, a global leader in industrial gases, plays a significant role in the market by providing advanced membrane technologies for gas separation and purification. The company’s innovative solutions are widely used in various applications, including nitrogen generation and oxygen enrichment, enhancing industrial efficiency and sustainability. Air Liquide's strong R&D focus ensures continuous advancements in membrane technology. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is a major player in the gas separation membrane industry, known for its high-performance membranes used in separating gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The company’s extensive experience and technological expertise support a broad range of industries, including petrochemicals and energy, by offering efficient and cost-effective gas separation solutions.
 

DIC Corporation, primarily recognized for its chemical products, also contributes to the gas separation membrane market through its advanced membrane technologies. The company focuses on developing high-quality membranes for gas separation applications, providing solutions that improve process efficiency and support various industrial sectors, including energy and chemicals. FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V. leverages its expertise in advanced materials to offer cutting-edge gas separation membranes. The company’s membranes are utilized in a variety of applications, including air separation and industrial gas processing. FUJIFILM’s commitment to innovation enhances its position in the market, catering to diverse industrial needs. Generon specializes in membrane separation technology and is a key player in the gas separation membrane industry. The company provides customized membrane solutions for gas separation, including nitrogen generation and oxygen enrichment, across industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Generon’s focus on high-performance, reliable membranes supports its strong market presence.
 

These market leaders collectively shape the competitive landscape of the gas separation membrane industry, driving innovation, setting industry standards, and meeting the evolving demands of customers worldwide. With their focus on research and development, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships, these companies continue to expand their market share and strengthen their foothold in key regions. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with their customer-centric approach, positions them as preferred suppliers of gas separation membrane, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the global construction industry.
 

Gas Separation Membrane Market Companies

Major players operating in the gas separation membrane industry include:

• Air Liquide
• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
• DIC Corporation
• FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V.
• Generon
• Honeywell UOP
• Membrane Technology and Research Inc.
• PARKER HANNIFIN CORPORATION
• SLB
• UBE Corporation
   

Gas Separation Membrane Industry News

• In November 2023, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., announced the milestone that more than 2,000 seagoing vessels worldwide utilize membrane-based nitrogen generation systems. These systems were procured from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. which resulted in capturing a high market share and competitive edge in the global market.
   
• In January 2023, UBE Corp. declared the expansion of its gas separation membrane hollow fiber production facility and the production facility for membrane modules. The production line of both facilities is expected to be operational by the first half of 2025, which will increase the production capacity by approximately 1.8x. The objective of the strategy is to capture the demand from environmental and power fields.
   

The gas separation membrane market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue and volume (USD Billion) (Meter Square) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Material Type

• Polyimide & Polyaramide
• Cellulose Acetate
• Polysulfone
• Others

Market, By Module

• Hollow Fiber
• Spiral Wound
• Plate & Frame
• Others

Market, By Application

• Nitrogen Generation & Oxygen Enrichment
• Hydrogen Recovery
• Carbon Dioxide Removal
• Vapor/Gas Separation
• Air Dehydration
• H2S Removal
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA