ION EXCHANGE MEMBRANE MARKET ANALYSIS

The high cost of ion exchange membranes can hamper the global ion exchange membrane market growth. Ion exchange membranes are made from specialized polymers and undergo extensive processing to develop the required ion selectivity properties. This makes them an expensive proposition as compared to other membrane separation technologies. The capital cost of setting up an ion exchange membrane plant is also high due to the need for specialized fabrication lines and adherence to strict quality protocols. Provided the costs associated with ion exchange membranes, their usage is mostly limited to niche industrial applications that require high purity separations and where the value of the end product justifies the high investment and operating costs. As a result, many potential low value applications that could benefit from ion exchange membrane technology are not commercially viable. This represents a big loss in potential revenue and market outreach for ion exchange membrane manufacturers. Membrane costs also impact the operating expenses in end user industries negatively by increasing production costs. Higher costs are eventually passed on to the customers in the form of increased product prices.

Market Opportunity: Emerging applications in electrodialysis

Emerging applications of these membranes in electrodialysis can offer opportunity for growth of ion exchange membrane market. Electrodialysis utilizes ion exchange membranes to transfer ions from one solution to another under the influence of an electric potential. This technology is increasingly being used for water desalination and purification applications. According to the data from the United Nations, almost 60% of the world's population will face water stress by 2025, as demand increases and supply decreases due to factors like population growth and climate change. Electrodialysis is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional desalination methods that can help address growing demand for fresh water. As water shortages grow more severe in the near future, there will be increase ein adoption of electrodialysis technology.