South America Reverse Osmosis Membrane Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Membrane Type (Thin-Filmed, Cellulose-Based), By Application (Desalination Systems, Medical Devices and Diagnostics, RO Purification Systems, and Others), and South America Reverse Osmosis Membrane Market Insights, Industry Trends, Forecast to 2035.

South America Reverse Osmosis Membrane Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South America Reverse Osmosis Membrane Market Size Was Estimated at USD 70.43 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of Around 5.42% from 2025 to 2035
• The South America Reverse Osmosis Membrane Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 116.7 Million by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South America Reverse Osmosis Membrane Market size is anticipated to reach USD 116.7 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.42% from 2025 to 2035. The market is driven by the rising advancement in RO membrane technology, and economically attractive options are being introduced in the market for a variety of applications, which is adding to the market.

Market Overview

The reverse osmosis membrane functions as a semi-permeable membrane because it allows water molecules to pass through while blocking dissolved salts, bacteria, pyrogens and organic compounds. The system operates by using hydraulic pressure that exceeds natural osmotic pressure to drive water through tiny openings in the system, increasing water shortages and industrial growth in sectors such as mining and pharmaceuticals, and advanced environmental laws that apply to the entire area. The process creates demand for RO systems to operate in both desalination and wastewater treatment systems.

The Chilean Ministry of Public Works has declared a $480 million funding plan for their desalination plant and tsunami alert system development initiatives. The Chilean Ministry of Public Works MOP has unveiled tenders for two critical infrastructure projects totalling  the Coquimbo Region Desalination Plant and a National Tsunami Warning System. The market experienced growth because major industry companies invested in developing advanced yet affordable reverse osmosis membrane technology.

Report Coverage

This research report categorises the South America reverse osmosis membrane market based on various segments and regions, and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South America reverse osmosis membrane market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies, such as expansion, product launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub segment of the South America reverse osmosis membrane market.

Driving Factors

The reverse osmosis membrane market in South America is driven by the growth of mining, pharmaceutical, food and beverage and power generation industries requires pure water, leading to an increase in RO membrane usage. The rising population in urban areas of Brazil leads to higher requirements for clean drinking water, which results in increased funding for water system development. The use of energy-saving low-pressure membranes together with IoT monitoring systems decreases operational expenses over time, which enables more industries to utilize RO technology.

Restraining Factors

The reverse osmosis membrane market in South America is restrained by the economic fluctuations that occur in Argentina and Brazil, which have the ability to stop major water projects from continuing their work. The progress of advanced membrane technologies experiences delays because certain rural regions lack the necessary technical know-how.

Market Segmentation

The South America reverse osmosis membrane market share is categorised into membrane type and application.

• The cellulose-based segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. 

The South America reverse osmosis membrane market is segmented by membrane type into thin filmed, cellulose based. Among these, the cellulose-based segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is driven by the rising need for clean water and physical water treatment methods. Cellulose acetate and cellulose triacetate are the most frequently used cellulose based membranes. They provide outstanding water permeability together with reliable mechanical strength and dependable chemical resistance. The products deliver both affordable pricing and effective performance, which leads to their widespread use across various fields such as water treatment and desalination and food and beverage production.

• The desalination systems segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.  

Based on application, the South America reverse osmosis membrane market is segmented into desalination systems, medical devices and diagnostics, RO purification systems, and others. Among these, the desalination systems segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is driven by the rising water shortages, which particularly impact arid and semi arid regions. Drinking water and irrigation purposes become achievable through RO systems, which effectively remove salts and other impurities from seawater. Applied Membranes explains that the desalination process operates by applying pressure to seawater that moves through semi-permeable membranes in an uninterrupted flow.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South America reverse osmosis membrane market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers  acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies                                                                                            

• Merinsa
• Laxwaterbrasil
• Purifi Care
• Sanitron
• Remote Waters
• Ipabras
• Hydro Quality
• Kawsay Peru Group
• Aquanor S.R.L.
• Ecosystem S.A.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Development

In August 2025, Veolia partners with Brazil to launched groundbreaking water reuse system in Vitoria. The new Aguas de Reuso de Vitoria Water Reclamation Station represents a step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat water scarcity and meet sustainability goals.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the South America, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South America reverse osmosis membrane market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South America Reverse Osmosis Membrane Market, By Membrane Type

• Thin-Filmed
• Cellulose-Based

South America Reverse Osmosis Membrane Market, By Application

• Desalination Systems
• Medical Devices and Diagnostics
• RO Purification Systems
• Others