(Yicai Global) Oct. 31 -- China's membrane industry has entered a fast growth period, with the scope of its engineering application exploding in such fields as energy, metallurgy, seawater desalination, sewage treatment, medicine and food, said Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Gao Congjie at an environmental protection forum. 

Demand for membrane in China has run high in recent years as the country becomes more conscious of urban sewage treatment and drinking water quality issues. Prospects for membrane technology are favorable and an industry chain comprising raw materials, components, equipment and other key elements has basically been established, Gao said, as state-run Xinhua news agency reported yesterday.

China now has more than 100 scientific research institutes and universities researching membrane technology, and more than 300 membrane manufacturers. The market volume of the entire Chinese membrane industry exceeded USD21.07 billion (CNY140 billion) last year and is set to reach CNY361 billion by the end of 2022.

The industrial output value of China's membrane industry is still relatively low at less than 15 percent of the global total. Chinese membrane enterprises are relatively small, and membrane concerns with annual output value above CNY100 million make up only 4 percent of the national total. China's membrane materials have long relied on imports, and innovation capabilities remain weak.

China needs to up the innovation capabilities of its membrane industry and use the research and development of new materials and new technologies to enhance its industrial competitiveness. Universities, scientific research institutes, and enterprises should bring in and cultivate well-structured talent teams based on their own advantages, Gao suggested.