Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are gaining more and more attention to reintegrate communal but also industrial wastewater. Some of the high-performing MBR membranes are based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), belonging to the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, the use of these substances has been heavily discussed due to their persistent nature. This is why several EU countries (including Germany, amongst others) have submitted a restriction proposal for PFAS-containing materials in 2023 .Therefore, there is a strong need to develop MBR membranes that are based on non-PFAS materials, without compromising their performance and functionality.

Besides the recent changes for PFAS-based materials, solvents used to manufacture said membranes are usually substances of very high concern, as defined in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. The industry has proposed alternative solvents (sometimes referred to as “green solvents”) to support this change. Nevertheless, classic membrane manufacturing by phase inversion seems to struggle in adapting their processes without compromising their membrane performance and functionality. This challenge underscores the critical need for further research and development in membrane fabrication techniques that can fully integrate these green solvents. Such advancements are essential to aligning industry practices with environmental regulations and achieving long-term sustainability in wastewater treatment technologies.

For the first time, Novamem demonstrates the production and use of a reinforced membrane based on polyether sulfone (PES), using a green, biodegradable solvent. These proprietary membranes are produced by the patented slash/ process of random hard template removal, allowing the manufacturing of membranes based on green solvents. Available Novamem MBR membranes offer superior flow rates and chlorine stability. The membrane has been tested for an extended period of time in a real-life environment...