The industry is anticipated to increase steadily, with an estimated value of USD 2.69 billion in 2025, and is further projected to reach around USD 5.45 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of about 7.3%. The need for energy-efficient and space-saving gas processing technologies in different industries fuels the growth.
Gas separation membranes are used globally to separate and clean gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen. Their uses cover various industries such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, food & beverages, biogas upgrading, and medical gas treatment, where purity, accuracy, and compact solutions are critical.
Among the main drivers is the growing momentum towards low-energy, sustainable separation technology. In contrast with conventional cryogenic or chemically based separations, membrane separation of gases involves less energy, less emissions, and fewer physical footprints-making them very attractive for mobile and decentralized processing facilities.
Performance disadvantages at high pressure or composite gas composition can render the membrane ineffective. Also, fouling of the membrane compromised cold resistance, and high replacement cost in some systems may be disincentives for use in highly demanding industrial processes.
However, with the development of polymeric, inorganic, and hybrid membrane materials, selectivity, durability, and life are improving. Such growth is increasing the application base, and gas separation membranes are now more competitive compared to traditional systems for small-scale and large-scale operations.
Asia Pacific, Middle Eastern, and Latin American emerging industries are projected to contribute significantly to forthcoming demand. Regional demand is being driven by the accelerating rate of industrialization, increased energy demands, and regulation to emphasize cleaner modes of production, supported by government investment in energy infrastructure.
Market Metrics
| Market Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 2.69 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 5.45 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.3% |
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The global market for gas separation membranes is growing substantially due to the growth in demand for energy-saving and eco-friendly technologies for gas separation. Petrochemicals, oil & gas, and power generation industries are implementing membrane technologies to improve operating efficiency and meet stringent environmental regulations.
Membrane manufacturers aim to create materials that are highly permeable and selective for the effective separation of particular gases. They also target durability and chemical resistance to maximize membrane longevity and performance in challenging industrial conditions.
Industrial Gas Users, such as industries like natural gas processing and hydrogen production, are concerned with cost-effectiveness and energy savings. They want membranes that achieve cost savings during operations without impairing performance. Even the facilitation of fitting membranes into systems with little modification ranks as a priority concern.
Ease of integration and compatibility with various systems is a hallmark of what Technology Integrators look for to make membrane systems compatible with varied industrial processes with seamless integration. They want membranes with flexibility and scalability to serve various operational needs.
During the period between 2020 and 2024, the industry grew steadily with increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient gas separation processes. The oil and gas, chemical processing, and environmental sectors all utilized membrane systems for applications such as nitrogen generation, hydrogen recovery, and carbon dioxide removal. The benefits of membrane technology, such as reduced energy utilization and operational expenditures in comparison with conventional methods, led to a rising popularity among them.
From 2025 up to 2035, the industry is predicted to develop as membrane materials advance and integrate with renewable energy systems.Novel materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and high-performance polymers are expected to improve separation efficiency and selectivity.
In addition, increasing focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and development of industrial processes towards sustainability in the long term is expected to fuel additional application of gas separation membranes. Emerging economies are expected to be major drivers of growth, driven by industrialization and green policy.
| 2020 to 2024 | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen generation, hydrogen recovery, CO₂ removal | Carbon capture and storage, integration of renewable energy |
| Advanced gas purification | Polymeric membrane and hollow fiber configurations adoption |
| MOFs, advanced polymers, and hybrid membrane systems development | Energy efficiency, reduction of operational costs, environmental regulation |
| Sustainability programs, technological advancement, and industrialization in emerging markets | North America and Europe with strong growth |
| Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East with substantial growth | Polyimide, polysulfone, and cellulose acetate membranes |
| Emergence of MOFs, high-performance polymers, and composite materials | First steps towards sustainable practices |
The industry is highly sensitive to changes in raw material costs. Instability in the prices of basic inputs such as polymers and metals can affect production costs dramatically. Abrupt spikes in price can reduce margins, making it difficult for manufacturers to keep price structures competitive.
Technological progress brings both opportunities and challenges. While technologies can drive more efficient and cost-saving membrane solutions, increased rates of technological changes can make existing systems obsolete. Firms need to constantly spend on research and development to remain competitive, a process that may deplete funds.
There is strong competition from other gas separation technologies. Technologies like cryogenic distillation and pressure swing adsorption can be superior in some applications, but they can restrict the use of membrane-based systems. This competition requires ongoing improvement in membrane performance and cost.
Dependence on specific end-user industries, say oil and gas or petrochemicals, is dangerous. Economic downturns or fluctuations in these sectors can lead to diminished demand for gas separation membranes. Diversification of usage into various industries can minimize the risk.
Trade policies and geopolitics could influence the gas separation membrane industry. Tariffs, barriers to trade, and global relations may affect the supply chain, resulting in higher costs and delays. Businesses that operate in different regions have to cope with these factors in order to have continuous operations and industry presence.
The gas separation membrane industry is subject to raw material price volatility, technological shifts in high speed, threats posed by substitute technologies, industry dependence, and geopolitical uncertainty. The stakeholders must adopt proactive strategies to neutralize these risks and achieve long-term growth in a globalized world.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 7.2% |
| UK | 6.5% |
| France | 6.1% |
| Germany | 6.4% |
| Italy | 5.9% |
| South Korea | 7.0% |
| Japan | 6.3% |
| China | 8.1% |
| Australia | 5.6% |
| New Zealand | 5.2% |
United States is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period of 2025 to 2035. Demand is mainly increased by increasing demand in natural gas processing, hydrogen recovery, and carbon dioxide removal. Advances in membrane materials like polymeric and mixed matrix membranes are further driving adoption into industrial gas treatment and petrochemical processes. Technological advancement.
Leading USA players, including Air Products and Chemicals Inc., UOP LLC (a subsidiary of Honeywell), and Membrane Technology and Research Inc., are investing in R&D to enhance selectivity and permeability. Increased environmental regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and the transition towards cleaner energy forms are spurring demand for gas separation technologies.
Additionally, favorable government policies promoting carbon capture and storage (CCS) are fostering large-scale deployment of advanced membrane systems.
The UK is slated to grow during the period between 2025 and 2035 at a CAGR of 6.5%. There is an increasing demand to remove carbon dioxide from industrial operations, particularly in the energy and chemicals sector. A rising focus on achieving net-zero emissions has increased interest in gas-purifying technologies.
Pioneer UK-based companies and regionally based multinationals such as Parker Hannifin and Schlumberger are investing in membrane integration technologies suitable for compact, scalable deployment. Furthermore, developments in membrane bioreactor systems and hybrid separation modules are being led by innovation programs supported through government-backed clean energy policies. This trend will continue to solidify the membrane's function in high-end gas processing equipment.
The French gas separation membrane industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during 2025 to 2035. Growth is being driven by the increasing adoption of gas separation systems in refinery processes and the trend toward energy sustainability strategies. Demand for bespoke membrane modules is being fueled by interest in the growth of the hydrogen economy and carbon capture utilization.
Major players are Air Liquide and Arkema, who are introducing state-of-the-art membrane products for hydrogen recovery and CO₂ separation. The alignment of industrial innovation with national climate action plans is expected to create favorable conditions for broader adoption. Furthermore, government-funded research into membrane-enhanced process efficiency is expected to propel growth over the forecast period.
Germany is expected to register a CAGR of 6.4% during the period 2025 to 2035. The country's strong industrial base and proactive environmental policies are fueling the use of gas membrane technologies across industries like biogas upgrading and flue gas treatment.
Companies such as Evonik Industries and Linde Group are designing membrane systems to facilitate efficient gas purification, particularly in the manufacture of hydrogen and natural gas processing. Stable demand for decentralized energy solutions and advancements in membrane materials such as inorganic and hybrid composites are also pushing industry penetration. Industrial decarbonization policies also increase demand for cost-effective separation technologies.
Italy is expected to record a CAGR of 5.9% for the gas separation membrane market during the forecast period 2025 to 2035. Growth is driven by increased usage in industries of industrial gas treatment and power generation, supported by the national goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Italian industry players and foreign corporations' subsidiaries, including Saes Getters and Tecnimont, are developing expertise in gas processing using membranes. Growing focus on energy efficiency and circular economy approaches fuels innovation in membrane application in waste gas recovery and air separation. Technology integration with existing infrastructure will be a primary force behind the growth.
South Korean gas separation membrane industry is expected to grow at 7.0% CAGR over the forecast period 2025 to 2035. Favorable government policies on hydrogen as a clean source of energy and emission guidelines are promoting the adoption of gas separation technology.
Local players such as LG Chem and Hanwha Solutions are creating high-performance membranes for hydrogen recovery, nitrogen generation, and carbon capture. Advances in nanocomposite membranes and growing needs for energy-efficient industrial processes are creating favorable outlooks for growth. R&D and pilot programs and clean energy conversion will be expected to drive long-term demand.
Japan is expected to achieve a CAGR of 6.3% during 2025 to 2035. Strategic initiatives for the promotion of hydrogen energy and the transition towards carbon neutrality are propelling the use of membranes in gas processing. Mega action is seen in the petrochemical, power generation, and electronic manufacturing sectors.
Industry giants such as Mitsubishi Chemical Group and Toray Industries are pioneering membrane material science developments with a focus on increased selectivity and robustness. Hydrogen roadmaps in sync with governments and carbon neutrality targets are promoting the uptake of separation technologies for the domestic and export industries. Additionally, integration into smart energy systems is likely to promote operating efficiencies in various industries.
China is expected to lead the sales of gas separation membranes with a CAGR of 8.1% from the forecast period. This growth is driven by significant investment in the upgradation of energy infrastructure and ecologism. Rising demand for gas purification in refining, chemical, and energy industries is driving demand for efficient membrane solutions.
Key players such as Beijing Peking University Pioneer Technology Co., Ltd. and Sinopec are expanding their gas separation systems portfolio. Governmental incentives towards the reduction of carbon and energy saving are compelling extensive adoption. Also, urbanization and industrialization are increasing in applications, particularly in natural gas processing and treating flue gases.
Australia is expected to post a CAGR of 5.6% over 2025 to 2035. Sales expansion is propelled by the country's focus on decarbonization of the energy sector and enhancing the efficacy of natural gas and biogas treatment facilities. Solutions for decentralized and remote energy generation are being prioritized.
Australian companies, as well as global technology suppliers, are providing membrane systems that are optimized for the regional environment and operating conditions. Growing research institution-industry collaboration is underpinning innovation in membrane designs. Policy support for low-emission technologies is expected to drive adoption over the next decade.
New Zealand's gas separation membrane industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% over 2025 to 2035. The industry is driven by national commitments towards reducing carbon footprints and increasing sustainability in energy and industrial processes. Gas separation membranes are being used increasingly for biogas upgrading and emission control in the agricultural and waste management industry.
Limited domestic production capacity has resulted in reliance on foreign suppliers such as Air Products and Membrane Technology and Research Inc. for advanced membrane systems. However, policy support and technological innovation in renewable energy technologies are expected to propel consistent growth. Integration with current infrastructure and conversion to local energy requirements will be the key drivers of growth.
By materials, the industry is expected to be dominated largely by polymeric membranes, which are projected to acquire approximately 65% of the total industry share, followed by inorganic membranes with an average estimated share of 25%. It is understood that these are more specific applications, but they are quite high-performing compared to the price.
Among the most widely utilized separation membranes in the world, polymeric membranes are favored for their cost-effective affordability compared to inorganic membranes; they permit easy fabrication and are scalable and compatible with a range of industry applications. Commonly, these are made from polysulfone, polyimide, cellulose acetate, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
These membranes are widely believed to be used for nitrogen enrichment and oxygen enrichment, the removal of carbon dioxide from natural gas and biogas, and the recovery of hydrogen. The oil & gas, chemical processing, and food & beverage industries are presented with options for polymeric membranes that relate to modular design and low-energy consumption. Illustrative examples are the development of next-generation polymeric materials by Air Liquide, Parker Hannifin, and UOP Honeywell for enhanced selectivity, permeability, and resistance.
However, although inorganic membranes cost more, they occupy the lion's share of being the most outstanding in terms of strength with thermal stability, chemical resistance, and, most especially, the best performance under extreme operating conditions. These membranes are most often manufactured from materials such as ceramic, zeolite, silica, or carbon.
High-temperature gas separations are mostly hydrogen purification, syngas separation, and flue gas treatment in the petrochemical and power generation industries. High-performance inorganic membrane systems for niche applications requiring tough performance under harsh industrial conditions have been developed by Evonik, Air Products, and DICP (Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics).
The increasing use of polymeric membranes reflects the tendency for wide commercial availability and flexibility. In contrast, the adoption of inorganic membrane technology has become increasingly popular because of its application to high-value, high-temperature, or chemically aggressive environments.
In 2025, the hollow fiber module segment is predicted to be the industry leader, capturing approximately 60% of the revenue share, followed by the spiral wound module with about 25%, indicating a growing but niche application.
The hollow fiber modules have an edge due to their compactness, very high surface area-to-volume ratio, and ease of integration into current systems. These modules consist of thousands of polymeric fibers bundled in cylindrical shells for low-pressure gas separation.
With lightweight and modularity, they can be successfully scaled for applications like nitrogen generation, oxygen enrichment, and CO₂ removal from natural gas or biogas. Almost all industries, like oil & gas, power generation, and food & beverage processing, are working with hollow fiber membranes. Leading companies Air Liquide, Generon, and Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. (MTR) are in the commercialization of hollow fiber membrane systems.
Spiral wound modules account for a share of around 25% and are suited for medium-pressure gas separation. These modules are characterized by using flat-sheet membranes wound around a perforated central tube, allowing for high packing density and good separation performance.
They are especially applicable in hydrogen recovery, hydrocarbon separations, and carbon capture within the chemicals and petrochemical sectors. Spiral wound configurations typically achieve a sound balance between performance and space utilization. Companies such as UOP Honeywell and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. are also investing in and advancing spiral-wound membrane technology with new composite layers to improve gas selectivity and membrane durability.
The spiral wound module, while still an important alternative for those operations where space and performance are of utmost importance, is overshadowed by hollow fiber modules and their versatility and ease of deployment.
The gas separation membrane industryis mainly governed by large multinational companies that use their innovative, advanced polymeric and inorganic membrane technologies to provide suitable solutions to the increasing demand for effective gas separation technology. Some key players include global industries such as Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Air Liquide Advanced Separations LLC, UBE Industries Ltd., Schlumberger Ltd, and Honeywell International.
Their strong market position results from their extensive research and development capabilities, a vast distribution network, and intensive partnerships within the oil and gas, petrochemicals, and industrial gas processing industries. In addition, these players have improved their membranes by developing selective, durable, and cost-effective solutions for various applications such as nitrogen generation, hydrogen recovery, and carbon capture.
Another blend of smaller built-in entities includes Membrane Technology and Research Inc., Parker-Hannifin Corporation, and Evonik Industries; their major thrust is specialty applications, especially in the environmental and energy efficiency areas.
Many niche applications that these companies have leveraged include biogas upgrading, CO₂ removal and helium recovery, in which high-performance membranes are needed. Innovations in the thin-film composite membrane, hollow fiber configuration, and hybrid membrane systems have given these players a competitive edge in emerging and sustainability-driven applications.
Regional and niche players like DIC Corporation, Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V., and UBE Industries Ltd., more reliant on proprietary polymer membrane materials, are visited by clients demanding customized solutions for gas purification, dehydration, and chemical processing. Those who use membrane technology seamlessly with adsorption and catalytic conversion tend to enter specialized industries like semiconductors, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
Currently, the membranes market is increasingly being invested in developing advanced membrane materials, including graphene and mixed-matrix membranes, which have better permeability, selectivity, and lifetime. Companies leading next-generation membrane technology to improve efficiency for carbon capture and industrial gas separations include Schlumberger Ltd. and Evonik Industries.
Further shifting the competitive landscape are sustainability efforts, regulatory compliance, and the gradual change from fossil fuels toward hydrogen as the predominant energy carrier, making membrane technology particularly relevant in future industrial gas infrastructure.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Air Products and Chemicals Inc. | 14-18% |
| Air Liquide Advanced Separations LLC | 12-16% |
| UBE Industries Ltd. | 10-14% |
| Schlumberger Ltd | 8-12% |
| Honeywell International | 6-10% |
| Others (combined) | 40-50% |
| Company Name | Key Offering and Activities |
|---|---|
| Air Products and Chemicals Inc. | High-efficiency membranes for hydrogen recovery, nitrogen generation, as well as CO₂ capture in industrial gas processing. |
| Air Liquide Advanced Separations LLC | Advanced polymeric membranes for air separation, biogas upgrading, and hydrocarbon purification. |
| UBE Industries Ltd. | Specialty polyimide and cellulose membranes are designed for selective gas permeation and energy-efficient separations. |
| Schlumberger Ltd | Innovative gas separation membranes for oil & gas, carbon capture, and petrochemical processing. |
| Honeywell International | High-performance membrane solutions integrating hybrid separation technologies for industrial and environmental applications. |
Key Company Insights
Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (14-18%)
A pioneer in industrial gas separation, with a particular emphasis on next-generation membranes for hydrogen recovery as well as eco-friendly carbon capture technologies.
Air Liquide Advanced Separations LLC (12-16%)
A dominant presence in biogas, air separation, and petrochemical processing, utilizing proprietary polymer membrane technology.
UBE Industries Ltd. (10-14%)
It specializes in high-performance polymer membranes for gas separation, dehydration, and energy-saving chemical processes.
Schlumberger Ltd (8-12%)
Combines membrane technology with oil and gas applications on the basis of CO₂ separation and improved efficiency in gas processing.
Honeywell International (6-10%)
Develops hybrid separation systems by integrating membranes with adsorptive and catalytic processes to purify industrial gases.
Other Key Players
The global market is estimated to be worth USD 2.69 billion in 2025.
Sales are projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 5.45 billion by 2035, driven by the increasing demand for efficient gas separation technologies across industries like oil & gas, chemicals, and energy.
China is expected to experience a CAGR of 8.1%, fueled by expanding industrialization and investments in environmental sustainability technologies.
Polymeric membranes are leading due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility in a wide range of gas separation applications.
Prominent companies include 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.
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.
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Gas Separation Membrane Market
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