The global gas separation membrane market is projected to grow from USD 2.69 billion in 2025 to USD 5.45 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.3%. This growth is underpinned by rising demand for energy-efficient, compact gas processing technologies across hydrogen recovery, nitrogen generation, and carbon dioxide removal applications.
USA Department of Energy has prioritized membrane-based CO₂ capture in decarbonization pilots due to their modular design and low operational overhead. Additionally, increasing regulatory pressure in Europe and Asia is pushing industries to shift from traditional cryogenic and pressure swing adsorption systems toward membrane-based platforms.
Product innovation is reshaping technology performance benchmarks. Evonik Industries launched a high-performance hollow-fiber membrane in March 2025 to enhance hydrogen purity in petrochemical plants. Air Liquide has made membrane technologies central to its clean hydrogen strategy, while Membrane Technology and Research Inc. is expanding its Texas-based production to serve growing biogas upgrading demand. Parker-Hannifin is increasing R&D investment to improve fouling resistance in hydrocarbon-heavy streams.
These innovations are being tracked by international bodies such as the European Membrane Society and North American Membrane Society, reflecting growing global focus on membrane separation science.
Government regulations are playing a defining role in this transformation. The European Commission’s 2025 Energy Transition Directive mandates the adoption of membrane-based CO₂ separation in targeted industries by 2030.
While technical challenges like membrane degradation in complex feed streams remain, reinforced polyimide and polysulfone variants are projected to dominate by 2035 due to their superior thermal stability and selectivity. Industrial gas processing will lead demand, contributing over 50% of total volume, followed by biogas purification and refinery hydrogen recovery. As environmental compliance tightens and innovation accelerates, membrane separation is set to become foundational to the global clean gas infrastructure
The gas separation membrane market has been analyzed across several key segments to provide a comprehensive view of growth opportunities. By material type, the industry is segmented into polymeric membrane, inorganic membrane, and metallic membrane. By construction type, the study covers hollow fiber module, spiral wound module, and plate & frame module.
Application-based segmentation includes nitrogen separation, oxygen separation, acid gas separation, hydrogen separation, methane separation, carbon dioxide separation, and olefin-paraffin separation. By end use industry, the industry is categorized into chemical, oil & gas, food and beverages, power generation, pharmaceutical, and pollution control sectors. Regional analysis spans North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.
The polymeric membrane segment is projected to remain the dominant and most lucrative category through 2035. It is expected to grow from USD 1.94 billion in 2025 to USD 4.21 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 8.0%.
This growth is underpinned by its widespread use across hydrogen recovery, nitrogen generation, and CO₂ separation due to its low cost, ease of processing, and scalability. Polyimide and polysulfone membranes, in particular, have shown high chemical and thermal resistance, making them ideal for oil & gas and chemical industry applications.
The inorganic membrane segment, while smaller in size, is anticipated to scale from USD 510 million in 2025 to USD 910 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6%. These membranes are preferred in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, particularly in power generation and refinery hydrogen purification. However, high capital costs and complex fabrication have restrained wider adoption.
Metallic membranes, primarily palladium-based, are expected to witness moderate uptake, driven by niche applications in ultra-high-purity hydrogen recovery. The segment is projected to expand from USD 240 million in 2025 to USD 420 million in 2035, registering a CAGR of 5.6%. Constraints include sensitivity to poisoning and high operational costs, which have limited their deployment in commercial-scale facilities.
Overall, while inorganic and metallic membranes will continue to play critical roles in specialized operations, polymeric membranes will capture the lion’s share of incremental demand due to their superior cost-performance ratio and compatibility with compact, modular processing units.
The hollow fiber module segment is anticipated to lead the industry by construction type, accounting for the largest share of installations due to its high surface-area-to-volume ratio, compact configuration, and ease of scalability. The segment is projected to grow from USD 1.62 billion in 2025 to USD 3.47 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 7.8%.
Strong uptake has been observed in CO₂ removal, hydrogen purification, and nitrogen generation across refinery, chemical, and biogas facilities. Hollow fiber designs have enabled lower footprint and maintenance needs, driving demand in mobile and modular units.
The spiral wound module segment is expected to maintain steady growth, expanding from USD 710 million in 2025 to USD 1.39 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 7%. These modules are commonly employed in mid-pressure gas separations and have gained favor in applications requiring high packing density and cost efficiency, particularly in industrial-scale nitrogen and oxygen separation. While performance in fouling-prone environments remains a constraint, cost advantages continue to drive adoption in mature applications.
The plate & frame module segment will retain a smaller share, growing from USD 360 million in 2025 to USD 590 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 5.1%. Usage is concentrated in R\&D, pilot plants, and low-volume separation tasks where membrane access, replacement, and customization are key.
However, lower membrane packing density and higher space requirements limit large-scale utility. Overall, hollow fiber modules will drive over 60% of absolute growth in this category, while spiral wound systems will remain attractive in semi-intensive operations. Plate & frame modules are expected to be strategically relevant but operationally niche.
Carbon dioxide separation is projected to be the most lucrative application within the industry, driven by escalating demand for industrial decarbonization, biogas upgrading, and natural gas sweetening. This segment is expected to grow from USD 740 million in 2025 to USD 1.64 billion by 2035, delivering a CAGR of 8.3%.
Regulatory mandates targeting emissions from chemical plants, cement production, and power generation are accelerating adoption. Modular deployment and low energy consumption have positioned membranes as preferred over amine-based absorption in mid-scale CO₂ removal units.
Hydrogen separation is also set for strong growth, expanding from USD 620 million in 2025 to USD 1.27 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 7.4%. Surging hydrogen demand from refining, steel, and green ammonia industries, coupled with the shift to blue and green hydrogen pathways, is reinforcing membrane utilization. Compact and energy-efficient hollow fiber modules are being deployed in gas recovery units and reformers.
Nitrogen separation will remain a high-volume segment, expected to rise from USD 560 million in 2025 to USD 1.06 billion by 2035, achieving a CAGR of 6.6%. The segment benefits from continued adoption in inerting systems, electronics, and packaging applications. However, commoditization and pricing pressure have marginally impacted profitability.
Oxygen separation, though smaller, is forecasted to expand from USD 280 million to USD 510 million, with a CAGR of 6%, due to steady demand in medical and wastewater aeration. Acid gas separation will increase from USD 210 million to USD 390 million by 2035, registering a CAGR of 6.3%, supported by sulfur removal requirements in natural gas and petrochemical plants.
Methane separation, largely tied to biogas upgrading, will grow from USD 170 million to USD 350 million, posting a CAGR of 7.5%. Olefin-paraffin separation, the most niche and R&D-intensive segment, is projected to rise from USD 110 million to USD 200 million, with a CAGR of 6%, constrained by technical challenges in selectivity and fouling.
The oil & gas sector is projected to remain the most lucrative end-use industry in the industry, driven by ongoing demand for CO₂ removal, hydrogen recovery, and nitrogen rejection in upstream and midstream operations.
This segment is expected to grow from USD 1.01 billion in 2025 to USD 2.08 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 7.5%. Membrane systems offer compact, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional separation methods in offshore platforms and remote processing units, where space and energy efficiency are critical.
The chemical industry is set to be the second-largest consumer, expanding from USD 640 million in 2025 to USD 1.28 billion by 2035, delivering a CAGR of 7.2%. Applications span hydrogen recovery from purge streams, VOC separation, and inert gas generation. As plants shift toward integrated, energy-efficient designs, membranes are increasingly favored over cryogenic and adsorption-based technologies.
Power generation, primarily driven by carbon capture initiatives, will rise from USD 330 million to USD 660 million, registering a CAGR of 7.1%. The transition to cleaner thermal generation and pilot-scale deployment of membrane CO₂ capture are key contributors.
The pharmaceutical industry, while smaller, is projected to grow from USD 210 million in 2025 to USD 400 million by 2035, achieving a CAGR of 6.5%. Use cases include oxygen enrichment, nitrogen blanketing, and solvent vapor recovery.
Food and beverage applications-mainly for nitrogen and CO₂ separation-will expand from USD 280 million to USD 530 million, recording a CAGR of 6.6%. Adoption in modified atmosphere packaging and carbonation processes continues to rise. Pollution control will register stable growth from USD 220 million to USD 390 million, with a CAGR of 5.8%, aided by regulatory compliance needs in waste gas treatment and air purification systems.
The United States is projected to grow from USD 0.45 billion in 2025 to USD 0.92 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 7.5%. The USA remains the global leader in membrane adoption across carbon capture, natural gas sweetening, and hydrogen recovery.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased compliance pressure on industrial CO₂ emitters through proposed rules under the Clean Air Act, fostering widespread interest in membrane-based separation as a modular and energy-efficient solution.
The shale gas sector continues to prioritize membrane-based nitrogen rejection and CO₂ removal units, particularly in decentralized wellhead operations. Additionally, the Department of Energy’s push toward a hydrogen economy has created favorable conditions for hydrogen purification systems based on polyimide hollow fiber modules.
Major oil & gas companies and midstream service providers are investing in low-maintenance, compact gas separation systems to comply with both emission standards and operational cost mandates. The presence of leading R&D hubs and domestic membrane manufacturing capacities will further support the country’s role in global innovation and commercialization.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 7.5% |
China is projected to grow from USD 0.40 billion in 2025 to USD 0.88 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 8.2%. The country’s dual-carbon goals and air quality mandates have accelerated investment in gas purification and industrial decarbonization. Membrane-based CO₂ and VOC separation technologies are being increasingly adopted across petrochemicals and coal-to-gas sectors.
Local governments in Jiangsu and Guangdong have mandated emission intensity caps that promote cost-efficient, space-saving membrane installations over traditional cryogenic methods. Hydrogen purification is emerging as a priority within the national hydrogen roadmap, with polymeric membranes being adopted in refineries and ammonia plants.
Domestic producers are expanding polyimide membrane manufacturing capacity to replace imports and meet surge demand. Several pilot projects funded under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) are enabling field validation of gas separation performance in power generation and waste-to-energy settings. Integration with carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chains is also emerging, driven by industrial clusters. China's scale, cost advantage, and policy momentum will underpin sustained growth.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| China | 8.2% |
Germany is projected to grow from USD 0.32 billion in 2025 to USD 0.61 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.5%. The country’s ongoing energy transition and stringent decarbonization mandates under EU Fit-for-55 are elevating the use of membrane-based separation technologies. These systems are increasingly deployed in biogas upgrading and hydrogen recovery from reformers.
The Federal Environment Agency supports modular carbon capture technologies in cement, ammonia, and chemical plants, creating early-stage demand for CO₂ separation solutions. Adoption is reinforced by robust R\&D infrastructure, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria, where pilot projects are validating separation efficiency and durability. Germany’s push for green hydrogen production, via its National Hydrogen Strategy, favors membranes in both purification and post-electrolysis gas clean-up.
Though cost sensitivity limits adoption in smaller enterprises, regulatory alignment and EU funding grants are counterbalancing barriers. German OEMs and engineering firms are incorporating membrane systems into broader industrial decarbonization frameworks. The emphasis on circular economy compliance and emissions reporting will sustain long-term relevance.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 6.5% |
Japan is projected to grow from USD 0.28 billion in 2025 to USD 0.50 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 5.8%. The country’s deployment of membrane-based separation technologies is shaped by energy security concerns and a national strategy to promote hydrogen. Separation technologies are being prioritized in refining, steel, and chemical sectors for CO₂ and hydrogen purification.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has launched funding programs under its Green Growth Strategy to accelerate deployment of low-carbon solutions, including membranes. Japan’s technical maturity enables high-performance installations in compact industrial settings, where reliability and continuous uptime are critical.
Leading domestic players are innovating ceramic-inorganic membrane hybrids to enhance gas selectivity and temperature resistance. However, slower rollout of CCS projects compared to global peer’s limits CO₂-related scaling. Adoption is further supported by Japanese utilities integrating membrane modules into waste gas treatment and gas-to-power plants. Collaboration between academia and industry remains strong, especially in pilot deployment for hydrogen value chains.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 5.8% |
India is projected to grow from USD 0.26 billion in 2025 to USD 0.56 billion by 2035, posting a CAGR of 7.8%. Growth is supported by rapid industrialization, rising clean energy demand, and policy-driven decarbonization.
The Ministry of Power and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency have launched emission-reduction initiatives that are pushing refineries and fertilizer units to adopt modular separation technologies. Biogas upgrading and natural gas processing have emerged as key areas of application, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Cost-effective polymeric membranes are gaining preference due to their low maintenance, compact design, and favorable capex profile for decentralized facilities. National Green Hydrogen Mission pilots are also creating new opportunities in hydrogen purification.
The startup ecosystem is playing a key role in localizing membrane supply chains to reduce import dependence. Although regulatory enforcement is still evolving, demand-side momentum from EPC contractors and public sector undertakings (PSUs) is accelerating adoption and commercialization.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| India | 7.8% |
South Korea is projected to grow from USD 0.24 billion in 2025 to USD 0.44 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 6.2%. The country's industrial focus on clean hydrogen and air quality improvement has driven steady uptake of membrane technologies across petrochemical, electronics, and steel sectors. Under the Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is prioritizing purification and recovery solutions, favoring hollow fiber and spiral wound membrane systems.
Korean conglomerates are collaborating with research institutes to commercialize high-selectivity membranes for CCS and blue hydrogen applications. Adoption in biogas and waste-to-energy facilities is rising, especially in urban centers like Ulsan and Incheon.
Challenges include relatively high deployment costs and limited domestic manufacturing, but government subsidies and net-zero incentives are bridging gaps. Local EPC firms are integrating membrane-based gas purification into turnkey project designs, creating predictable demand pipelines. Over the next decade, Korea is expected to move from pilot-stage deployment to early-scale commercialization.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 6.2% |
The United Kingdom is projected to grow from USD 0.22 billion in 2025 to USD 0.38 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.5%. The UK government’s Net Zero Strategy and funding support for carbon capture clusters are encouraging the use of membrane-based separation technologies in CO₂-intensive industries.
Scotland’s Acorn Project and the Humber Industrial Cluster are testing membrane modules alongside amine scrubbing systems. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has also earmarked budget lines for membrane applications in low-carbon hydrogen production.
Adoption is supported by local pilot projects in cement and fertilizer sectors. However, commercial rollouts are still limited due to scale-up barriers and conservative procurement patterns. Research institutions such as Imperial College London are partnering with technology developers to enhance material performance, especially in olefin-paraffin and hydrogen separations. Demand will be largely driven by regulatory mandates, pilot validations, and integration within public-private decarbonization pathways.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 5.5% |
Brazil is projected to grow from USD 0.20 billion in 2025 to USD 0.39 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8%. With growing investments in biogas production and industrial sustainability, Brazil has become an attractive destination for membrane-based gas purification systems.
The National Energy Plan (PNE 2050) emphasizes diversified gas sources and emission control, creating use cases for CO₂ removal and methane enrichment. Sugarcane-based ethanol producers are adopting membranes to purify fermentation gases, while landfill gas and wastewater treatment facilities are using membranes for biomethane recovery.
Regulatory guidance from ANEEL and ANP supports renewable gas grid integration, requiring gas quality consistency-an advantage for membrane modules. Although import dependency remains high, several Brazilian firms are entering local assembly and module fabrication. Public-private pilots in São Paulo and Paraná are demonstrating economic feasibility in decentralized energy clusters. Over the forecast period, growth will be driven by rural energy development, renewable mandates, and cost-focused technology selection.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 6.8% |
Saudi Arabia is projected to grow from USD 0.18 billion in 2025 to USD 0.36 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 7%. Membrane-based separation technologies are becoming strategically important under the country’s Vision 2030 roadmap, particularly in its transition toward clean hydrogen, ammonia, and gas decarbonization.
State-backed energy firms such as Aramco and SABIC are piloting hydrogen purification and CO₂ capture systems using membrane modules in petrochemical clusters. Additionally, investments under the Circular Carbon Economy framework are creating viable use cases for these systems as alternatives to energy-intensive separation processes.
Government contracts are often awarded to international firms offering integrated solutions with proven track records. Localization policies under the IKTVA program are encouraging partnerships for in-kingdom assembly and engineering.
Industrial hubs such as Jubail and Yanbu are expected to lead early-stage commercial adoption. As part of broader energy diversification, membrane technologies will play a key role in both emissions mitigation and value-added gas processing.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 7% |
Canada is projected to grow from USD 0.17 billion in 2025 to USD 0.30 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 6%. Canada's federal carbon pricing framework and its Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act are driving the adoption of membrane-based carbon capture in oil sands, natural gas processing, and cement sectors.
Pilot projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan are testing the performance of these systems under high-pressure CO₂ conditions. Additionally, membrane modules are being incorporated into hydrogen production and fuel-cell supply chains under the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. The country’s remote industrial sites, especially in Northern regions, benefit from modular, low-footprint configurations ideal for off-grid and constrained environments.
Government funding for clean tech innovation through SDTC (Sustainable Development Technology Canada) is accelerating commercialization. Collaborations with USA-based OEMs and European providers are facilitating technology transfer and system integration. Long-term demand will be sustained by Canada’s twin focus on emission reductions and energy reliability in decentralized operations.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Canada | 6% |
Several leading companies are shaping the industry through modular membrane platforms, industrial gas integration, and expansion into hydrogen and carbon capture applications. Dominant names in this space include Air Products, Air Liquide, Honeywell, Membrane Technology and Research Inc. (MTR), and UBE Industries.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc. is the global leader in the systems, holding an estimated 15-17% share. It is known for its PRISM® membrane technology, widely adopted for nitrogen generation, hydrogen recovery, and CO₂ removal.
The company offers turnkey membrane skids and modules for both offshore and onshore applications. Its global presence and expertise in cryogenic and non-cryogenic gas processing enable seamless integration across sectors, from petrochemicals to industrial gas distribution.
Air Liquide Advanced Separations LLC secures a 13-15% share through its proprietary MEDAL™ membrane platform. The company offers solutions for natural gas treatment, helium recovery, and CO₂ removal, with strong operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its deep involvement in clean energy transitions, including blue hydrogen and biogas applications, continues to reinforce its growth. Air Liquide also leverages its industrial gas client base to expand membrane adoption globally.
Honeywell International holds a 10-12% share and is best known for its UOP Separex™ membrane systems. These are extensively used in natural gas upgrading, acid gas removal, and CO₂ conditioning. Honeywell’s strength lies in integrating membrane modules within broader gas processing systems, particularly for high-throughput operations. Its global service network and deep engineering capabilities drive adoption across the Middle East, North America, and Southeast Asia.
Membrane Technology and Research Inc. (MTR) captures a 9-11% share, focusing on advanced membrane solutions for carbon capture and refinery applications. MTR’s Polaris™ membrane line is widely deployed in CO₂ removal and hydrogen purification.
It is a leader in innovation, with strong pilot collaborations under USA DOE grants. Its focus on emission-intensive sectors and modular membrane units tailored for brownfield retrofits has positioned it as a go-to partner for scalable CCS projects.
UBE Industries Ltd. maintains a 7-9% share and is recognized for its polyimide hollow fiber membrane systems. UBE specializes in nitrogen and hydrogen separation, targeting applications in refineries, petrochemical plants, and electronics manufacturing.
With a strong presence in Japan and Southeast Asia, UBE integrates upstream membrane fabrication with system deployment, offering durable and high-pressure-compatible solutions. The company continues to invest in R&D for chemical-resistant membranes to support advanced separations.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 2.69 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 5.45 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.3% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Report Parameter | Revenue in USD billion |
| By Material Type | Polymeric Membrane, Inorganic Membrane, and Metallic Membrane |
| By Construction Type | Hollow Fiber Module, Spiral Wound Module, and Plate & Frame Module |
| By Application | Nitrogen, oxygen, acid gas, hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and olefin-paraffin separations |
| Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and MEA |
| Countries Covered | United States, China, Germany, Japan, India, South Korea, United Kingdom, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Canada |
| Key Players | Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Air Liquide Advanced Separations LLC, UBE Industries Ltd., Schlumberger Ltd, Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V., Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Membrane Technology and Research Inc., DIC Corporation, Honeywell International, and Evonik Industries |
| Additional Attributes | Dollar sales by value, market share analysis by region, and country-wise analysis |
The segmentation is into Polymeric Membrane, Inorganic Membrane, and Metallic Membrane.
The segmentation is into Hollow Fiber Module, Spiral Wound Module, and Plate Frame Module.
The segmentation is into applications including Nitrogen Separation, Oxygen Separation, Acid Gas Separation, Hydrogen Separation, Methane Separation, Carbon Dioxide Separation, and Olefin - Paraffin Separation.
The segmentation is into Chemical, Oil Gas, Food and Beverages, Power Generation, Pharmaceutical, and Pollution Control.
The market is analyzed across key regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East Africa (MEA), with each region having its demand dynamics and growth drivers.
The industry is projected to reach USD 5.45 billion by 2035 from USD 2.69 billion in 2025.
Polymeric membranes will lead the industry with an estimated CAGR of 8.0%.
Hollow fiber modules are the most widely used due to their high efficiency and compact design.
Carbon dioxide separation is the largest and fastest-growing application segment.
Major players include Air Products, Air Liquide, Honeywell, MTR Inc., and UBE Industries.
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Gas Separation Membrane Market
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