Toray ultrafiltration membrane technology is advancing wastewater reuse, with Toray Industries announcing the launch of a new module designed to significantly reduce biofouling and improve long-term system performance.
The company’s new F-HFUG Series ultrafiltration (UF) membrane module features a nominal pore size of just 0.005 micrometres, one of the smallest in the industry, supporting more effective removal of biopolymers that contribute to membrane fouling.
Toray Industries confirmed the product will be launched for wastewater reuse applications, following successful pilot testing and the completion of mass production technology.
Toray ultrafiltration membrane reduces biofouling in wastewater reuse
Wastewater reuse is becoming increasingly important as global water demand rises and regulations tighten. However, the presence of biopolymers in wastewater has continued to pose a major challenge for treatment systems, particularly through biofouling of downstream reverse osmosis membranes.
Toray’s new ultrafiltration membrane addresses this issue through proprietary micropore control technology, which significantly reduces the passage of biopolymers. According to the company, permeate volume of these substances can be reduced to around one-third compared to conventional UF membranes.
This reduction helps suppress biofouling in reverse osmosis systems, stabilising long-term operations while maintaining consistent permeate flow.
Improving efficiency and lowering operating costs
By reducing fouling in downstream systems, the new module is expected to decrease the frequency of chemical cleaning and minimise operational disruptions.
These improvements can lower overall operating costs for wastewater reuse plants while supporting more efficient and reliable water production.
Pilot testing at a wastewater treatment facility demonstrated stable UF performance alongside improved reverse osmosis operation, highlighting the module’s potential for large-scale deployment.
Supporting global demand for advanced water treatment
Toray is expanding its ultrafiltration membrane business globally, with a particular focus on North America, where adoption of wastewater reuse technologies is accelerating.
The company will showcase the new membrane module at IFAT Munich 2026, reflecting growing industry demand for advanced solutions that improve resilience and efficiency in water treatment systems.
Toray continues to develop membrane technologies across desalination and wastewater reuse as part of its wider strategy to address global resource challenges through advanced materials and engineering.
For more innovations in water treatment technologies, visit our Water Treatment section.
