PPG Unveils Advanced Ultrafiltration Antifouling Membrane to Enhance Industrial Water Treatment and Sustainability
PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced the launch of its latest innovation in water purification technology — an ultrafiltration (UF) antifouling membrane designed for industrial water treatment and purification. The new product expands PPG’s growing portfolio of spiral-wound filter elements, supporting the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through advanced materials science.
Engineered to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable ultrafiltration (UF) solutions, PPG’s new membrane is specifically developed for hard-to-treat industrial water containing a broad range of oily waste, greases, and complex contaminants. The membrane enables efficient separation and treatment of industrial effluents, facilitating safe disposal or reuse of purified water — a crucial step toward resource conservation and operational efficiency across multiple sectors.
Innovative Design for Superior Fouling Resistance
At the core of the new UF membrane’s performance is a super-hydrophobic (water-repelling) surface that effectively resists fouling from trace amounts of oil, grease, and other stubborn contaminants. This unique surface chemistry allows the membrane to maintain high filtration performance for longer periods compared to conventional UF and microfiltration (MF) products.
By minimizing fouling, the new membrane offers significant operational advantages: extended service life, reduced maintenance costs, and minimized downtime — all key factors in improving total cost of ownership for industrial users. These features make the new UF membrane particularly valuable for sectors where oily or high-fouling wastewater presents major treatment challenges.
In addition to performance benefits, PPG’s new UF membrane stands out for its sustainable material composition. Unlike many membranes currently available in the market, PPG’s entire range of UF and MF membranes is manufactured using a proprietary composite material that does not contain intentionally added polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This PFAS-free formulation aligns with growing regulatory pressures and customer demand for safer, more environmentally responsible filtration products.
Meeting Industry Needs for Cost Savings and Sustainability
According to Lisa Walters, PPG’s Strategic Market Manager for Filtration within the Specialty Products division, the new membrane delivers measurable value by tackling two of the most pressing challenges faced by industrial operators today: cost reduction and sustainability.
Our customers face increasing pressure to reduce costs and operate more sustainably,” said Walters. “This new membrane delivers on both fronts, providing exceptional performance in oily, high-fouling environments such as bilge water treatment, while reducing maintenance requirements and extending membrane life.
Walters added that the membrane not only supports cost-effective water reuse but also contributes to global sustainability goals. “It helps customers reduce their reliance on external water supplies and supports efforts to address global water scarcity challenges,” she said. “That’s a meaningful step forward for industries seeking to balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.
Broad Applications Across Industrial Sectors
The new PPG UF antifouling membrane has been designed for versatility and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and environmental applications. These include:
- Offshore and onshore oil-water separation, where oily residues and emulsified contaminants are common.
- Marine ship and dry dock water treatment, supporting environmental compliance in ship maintenance and repair operations.
- Industrial process water and wastewater treatment, enabling efficient filtration in manufacturing environments.
- Automotive and industrial paint line treatment, where the removal of paint solids and oils is critical for operational consistency.
- Graywater treatment systems, allowing facilities to recycle water for non-potable uses and reduce freshwater consumption.
These applications demonstrate the membrane’s flexibility and its capacity to perform in some of the world’s most challenging environments for water treatment.
Advanced Manufacturing and Investment in U.S. Production
To meet rising market demand, PPG has invested in advanced manufacturing equipment and production technology at its Barberton, Ohio, facility, where the new membrane will be produced. This investment underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its domestic production capacity and ensuring the availability of high-performance filtration solutions to customers worldwide.
PPG’s UF and MF membranes are engineered for higher throughput and longer service life compared to conventional filtration products. They efficiently separate oil, grease, and emulsified contaminants from industrial process water while maintaining consistent flow rates and permeability. As a result, customers can achieve reduced filter counts, smaller equipment footprints, and improved cleanability — critical advantages for industrial facilities looking to optimize space and efficiency.
The company emphasized that its membrane design allows for easier maintenance and enhanced durability, ensuring reliable performance in continuous operations and under demanding environmental conditions.
Supporting Cleaner, More Sustainable Water Solutions
PPG’s filtration technologies are part of the company’s broader mission to develop materials and systems that enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and protect the environment. With industries worldwide facing tightening water regulations and increasing resource constraints, the new antifouling membrane is positioned as a game-changing solution for modern water management challenges.
By improving the efficiency and longevity of ultrafiltration systems, PPG’s membrane technology supports industries in achieving higher water recovery rates, lowering energy consumption, and reducing overall environmental impact. This contributes to a circular water economy, where treated water can be safely reused, conserving natural resources and minimizing industrial discharge.
About PPG: Innovating Through Chemistry and Materials Science
At PPG (NYSE: PPG), innovation and sustainability are central to the company’s identity. For more than 140 years, PPG has developed and delivered paints, coatings, and specialty materials trusted by customers around the world. The company’s expertise in surface science and materials engineering continues to drive breakthroughs not only in coatings but also in advanced filtration, mobility, and industrial process solutions.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates and innovates in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. Its technologies serve a wide range of markets, including construction, consumer products, industrial manufacturing, automotive, transportation, and now, industrial water treatment.
Through its enduring purpose — “We Protect and Beautify the World®” — PPG is committed to solving its customers’ most complex challenges through creativity, collaboration, and science.
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