Abstract
World demand to rise 8.6% annually through 2012
Demand for membranes worldwide is projected to increase 8.6 percent annually
to $15.1 billion in 2012. China, India, Russia and other countries with large,
developing industrial bases and stressed local water resources are expected to
post the strongest gains through the forecast period. Increased attention paid
to water quality, the disposal of industrial and other waste streams, and food
and beverage safety regulations will further propel membrane sales.
North America to remain dominant developed region
North America, the largest regional market, accounted for one-third of global
membrane sales in 2007. Advances in the US market will be aided by the need to
accommodate newer water quality regulations and enable the use of brackish
water, seawater and other low quality water resources in water-stressed
regions. Canada' s membrane market is similar to that of the US. The Mexican
market is much less advanced due to its lower level of investment in high
level water and waste water treatment, and the relative lack of industries
that require ultrapure water.
Western Europe and Japan are fairly comparable to the US in terms of the level
of maturity of their respective water infrastructures, the type of regulatory
environment and the level of technological sophistication in manufacturing.
The relative affluence of these countries enables them to use these advanced
technologies despite their larger upfront costs.
Developing countries hold greatest growth prospects
In developing countries, such as Russia, China, India and Brazil, gains are
based on continued growth of water-intensive industries, greater need to tap
poor quality water resources, and rising investment in modernizing water and
waste infrastructure. Much of the Middle East has invested heavily in seawater
and brackish water treatment to ensure a sufficient supply of water. Despite
competition from thermal distillation plants, even oilrich nations are
shifting to more efficient reverse osmosis desalination systems.
Pharmaceutical, medical markets to grow fastest
In 2007, the water treatment market accounted for the largest share of
membrane sales, benefitting from factors such as expansions or upgrades of
water treatment infrastructures, including the increasing use of
membrane-based desalination systems in water-stressed countries. The best
growth prospects, however, will emerge in pharmaceutical and medical
applications, and other smaller markets, as these industries continue to
develop globally and create new uses for membranes.
Study coverage
World Membranes is a new Freedonia industry study which presents historical
demand data plus forecasts for 2012 and 2017 by type and market for six
regions and major countries worldwide. The study also considers market
environment factors, evaluates company market shares and profiles 35 global
competitors.
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