The global gas separation membrane market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.9% from 2025 to 2032 to reach USD 2.96 billion by 2032.
Gas separation membranes are thin, selective barriers designed to separate specific gases from a mixture based on differences in permeability or solubility. Made from materials such as polymers, ceramics, or composites, these membranes allow certain gases like oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, or carbon dioxide to pass through more easily than others. They are widely used for natural gas purification, biogas upgrading, hydrogen recovery, and carbon capture due to their energy efficiency, compact design, and lower operating costs compared to conventional separation methods.
The global gas separation membrane market is experiencing strong growth trends driven by rising demand for clean energy, decarbonization, and efficiency in industrial processes. Increasing adoption of membranes for carbon capture, natural gas purification, and hydrogen recovery is shaping the market, as they offer lower energy consumption and compact designs compared to conventional technologies. Rapid advancements in polymer and composite membrane materials are improving durability and selectivity, boosting adoption. Additionally, supportive government policies, investment in renewable energy, and expanding applications in biogas upgrading and oxygen enrichment are further reinforcing the market’s positive trajectory.
Segmentation:
The global gas separation membrane market can be segmented by Product (Polymeric Membranes, Inorganic Membranes and Metallic Membranes), Application (Nitrogen Separation, Oxygen Separation, Acid gas Separation, Hydrogen Separation and Other), and End-use (Chemicals, Petrochemicals and Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Power Generation, Pharmaceuticals, Pollution Control and Other End Users) and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa). The report provides the value (in USD million) for the above segments.
Market Drivers
The major drivers of the gas separation membrane market is the growing demand for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies to combat climate change. Gas separation membranes provide an energy-efficient and scalable method for separating CO₂ from industrial flue gases, power plants, and refineries. Governments and industries worldwide are implementing stricter emission reduction policies, which is pushing companies to adopt advanced membrane systems for carbon capture.
Additionally, the global shift toward clean energy sources, including hydrogen, further boosts demand, as membranes play a crucial role in purifying hydrogen and enabling its large-scale use. This trend positions gas separation membranes as a key enabler of the transition to a low-carbon economy. Moreover, the launch of new products by the key players in the market is also fuelling the growth of studied market. For instance, in December 2024, Toray Industries launched pilot production line for its all-carbon CO₂ separation membrane at the Shiga Plant, representing a key step toward scaling up manufacturing of this technology. This milestone highlighted a significant advancement for the gas separation membrane market, offering the potential for more efficient and durable carbon capture solutions.
Another strong growth driver is the rising demand for efficient natural gas processing and renewable biogas upgrading. Gas separation membranes are widely used to remove impurities such as CO₂, hydrogen sulfide, and water vapor from natural gas, ensuring higher energy content and pipeline quality. Their compact design, low energy consumption, and cost-effectiveness make them an attractive alternative to traditional methods like cryogenic distillation and absorption.
Similarly, in biogas plants, membranes are increasingly adopted to separate methane from CO₂, producing renewable natural gas (RNG) that can be used as a clean fuel. For instance, in January 2023, UBE Corporation expanded its gas separation membrane hollow fiber and module production facilities, with operations scheduled to begin by mid-2025. The upgrade has boosted production capacity by approximately 1.8 times, enabling the company to meet rising demand from the environmental and power sectors. By increasing supply, this strategic move is expected to improve the availability of gas separation membranes, reduce costs, and accelerate their adoption in critical applications, thereby supporting overall market growth.
With the global focus on energy security, sustainability, and reducing reliance on coal, the adoption of membranes in gas processing applications continues to expand significantly.
Market Restraints
The major restraint for the gas separation market is the high cost of technology and operations. Advanced methods like membranes, adsorption, or cryogenic distillation are effective but often require expensive equipment, complex infrastructure, and high energy use. For example, cryogenic systems need very low temperatures and large machinery, while membranes can degrade or clog, leading to frequent replacements. These costs make it difficult for smaller companies or industries in developing regions to adopt such solutions. Even though demand for gas separation is rising in areas like oil & gas, chemicals, and environmental management, the heavy investment required slows down wider adoption and limits faster market growth.
The gas separation market plays a vital role in ensuring cleaner energy, supporting industries like oil & gas, chemicals, healthcare, and food processing, which directly impacts jobs, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability. Before COVID-19, demand was steadily rising with industrial expansion and the push for cleaner fuels. However, the pandemic caused a temporary slowdown due to supply chain disruptions, reduced industrial operations, and lower energy demand. Post-COVID-19, the market rebounded strongly, driven by renewed investments in clean energy, stricter environmental regulations, and the growing need for medical-grade oxygen and other purified gases. This recovery not only boosted industrial productivity but also created economic opportunities while addressing social needs like healthcare resilience and sustainability.
Segmental Analysis:
The polymeric membrane segment is expected to grow significantly owing to its cost-effectiveness, ease of fabrication, and versatility across multiple applications such as nitrogen generation, carbon dioxide removal, and hydrogen recovery. Polymeric membranes offer advantages like high selectivity, low energy consumption, and compact installation, making them an attractive alternative to conventional separation techniques like cryogenic distillation and pressure swing adsorption.
The continuous advancements in material science are enhancing polymeric membranes’ durability, chemical resistance, and operational efficiency, further driving adoption. For instance, in November 2023, Air Products announced that its membrane-based nitrogen generation systems were being used on more than 2,000 seagoing vessels worldwide. This milestone reinforced the company’s strong market presence and competitive edge in the maritime sector. The widespread adoption highlighted the reliability and efficiency of membrane technology for critical onboard operations, demonstrating its proven value in enhancing safety and performance. This achievement further validated the growth potential of gas separation membranes in the global market.
Their increasing use in biogas upgrading, natural gas processing, and industrial gas separation reflects the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions, positioning this segment as a key growth driver for the gas separation market over the forecasted period.
The oxygen separation segment is projected to witness significant growth due to its expanding applications in healthcare, metallurgy, wastewater treatment, and chemical processing industries. Rising demand for medical-grade oxygen, particularly highlighted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, has accelerated the adoption of advanced gas separation technologies. In industries such as steelmaking and chemical manufacturing, oxygen plays a crucial role in combustion and oxidation processes, while in water treatment, it aids in aerobic digestion. Oxygen separation using membranes and PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) systems is gaining popularity as these methods are more energy-efficient and scalable. With industries increasingly focusing on cost reduction, energy efficiency, and reliable supply, the oxygen separation segment will continue to expand significantly in the coming years.
The petrochemicals and oil & gas segment is anticipated to record significant growth, driven by the rising global demand for cleaner fuels, hydrogen recovery, and natural gas processing. Gas separation technologies are critical for removing impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water vapor from natural gas, ensuring compliance with quality and environmental standards. Additionally, the growing emphasis on hydrogen as a clean energy carrier is fueling investments in separation systems for hydrogen production and recovery. With the petrochemical industry’s expansion into polymers, plastics, and specialty chemicals, efficient separation processes are becoming indispensable. Furthermore, the oil & gas sector’s shift toward efficiency and sustainability will enhance adoption of membranes and advanced separation technologies in the forecasted period.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing market for gas separation due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and rising energy demand in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. Strong growth in end-use industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, healthcare, and electronics is driving the adoption of gas separation technologies. Additionally, government initiatives promoting renewable energy, cleaner fuel adoption, and carbon emission reduction are boosting demand for efficient separation solutions. Expanding healthcare infrastructure in the region, particularly the increased need for medical oxygen, further adds momentum. With ongoing investments in LNG projects, hydrogen economy development, and advanced manufacturing, Asia Pacific is set to dominate the market growth trajectory during the forecasted period.
The competitive landscape of the gas separation membrane market is characterized by the presence of global leaders such as Air Products, Air Liquide, Honeywell UOP, Parker Hannifin, and Membrane Technology and Research (MTR), alongside emerging regional players. Companies are heavily investing in R&D to enhance membrane efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, while also focusing on expanding their application scope across industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, healthcare, and environmental solutions. Strategic moves, including mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, are common as firms aim to strengthen their portfolios and global reach. Recent milestones, like Air Products’ adoption of its nitrogen generation systems on over 2,000 vessels, further demonstrate the competitiveness and technological advancement driving market growth.
Below are the 10 major players for the above market:
Recent Developments:
Q1. What the main growth driving factors for this market?
The global gas separation membrane market is primarily driven by rising demand for high-purity gases in industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, healthcare, and power generation. Increasing focus on energy efficiency, carbon capture, and environmental regulations is boosting adoption of advanced membrane and adsorption technologies. Growth in natural gas processing, hydrogen recovery, and biogas upgrading also fuels demand. Additionally, the shift toward cleaner fuels and renewable energy integration is creating strong opportunities for gas separation technologies worldwide.
Q2. What are the main restraining factors for this market?
Despite strong demand, the market faces restraints such as high capital investment and operational costs associated with gas separation technologies. Many processes require advanced materials and complex infrastructure, which limit adoption in smaller industries. Technical challenges like membrane fouling, limited selectivity, and efficiency loss over time also hinder widespread deployment. Moreover, dependency on fluctuating oil and gas markets and competition from alternative separation methods add further pressure, slowing down the pace of growth in certain regions.
Q3. Which segment is expected to witness high growth?
The carbon dioxide separation segment is expected to witness the highest growth, driven by the rising need for carbon capture and storage (CCS) to meet global climate targets. Gas separation membranes are increasingly used in power plants, refineries, and biogas upgrading to remove CO₂ efficiently. Their low energy consumption, compact design, and scalability make them a preferred alternative to traditional methods. The accelerating shift toward decarbonization and stricter emission regulations will further boost demand for CO₂ separation membranes.
Q4. Who are the top major players for this market?
Key players in the global gas separation membrane market include Air Products and Chemicals, Air Liquide, UBE Industries, Honeywell UOP, Evonik Industries, Parker Hannifin, and Membrane Technology and Research (MTR). These companies dominate through strong R&D capabilities, diversified product portfolios, and global presence. Their strategies focus on developing advanced polymer and composite membranes, expanding carbon capture projects, and forming partnerships to meet growing demand for efficient gas separation in energy, industrial, and environmental applications worldwide.
Q5. Which country is the largest player?
The United States is the largest player in the global gas separation membrane market, supported by strong demand in natural gas processing, hydrogen recovery, and carbon capture initiatives. The presence of major companies such as Air Products, Honeywell UOP, and MTR enhances its leadership. In addition, government funding for clean energy projects, rapid adoption of CCS technologies, and growing interest in hydrogen fuel strengthen the U.S. position as a global hub for innovation and large-scale deployment of gas separation membranes.
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In this particular report from the supply side Data Library Research has conducted primary surveys (interviews) with the key level executives (VP, CEO’s, Marketing Director, Business Development Manager and SOFT) of the companies that active & prominent as well as the midsized organization
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Extensive primary research was conducted to gain a deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The analysis is based on both primary and secondary research as well as years of professional expertise in the respective industries.
In addition to analysing current and historical trends, our analysts predict where the market is headed over the next five years.
It varies by segment for these categories geographically presented in the list of market tables. Speaking about this particular report we have conducted primary surveys (interviews) with the key level executives (VP, CEO’s, Marketing Director, Business Development Manager and many more) of the major players active in the market.
Secondary ResearchSecondary research was mainly used to collect and identify information useful for the extensive, technical, market-oriented, and Friend’s study of the Global Extra Neutral Alcohol. It was also used to obtain key information about major players, market classification and segmentation according to the industry trends, geographical markets, and developments related to the market and technology perspectives. For this study, analysts have gathered information from various credible sources, such as annual reports, sec filings, journals, white papers, SOFT presentations, and company web sites.
Market Size EstimationBoth, top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the Global market and to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets in the overall Extra Neutral Alcohol. The key players in the market were identified through secondary research and their market contributions in the respective geographies were determined through primary and secondary research.
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