By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA
Advanced technologies, conflicts, and pandemics drive the advanced textiles sector such as filtration.
Emergence of Artificial Intelligence necessitates the need for efficient data centers, which will fuel the growth of clean indoor air systems. Filtration systems that can provide efficient filtration at optimum cost will be in demand in both developed and developing economies.
Future of filtration and its global market outlook was the theme of a virtual event organized by World Filtration Institute [WFI] on March 10, 2026. Industry experts in air and liquid filtration participated in presentations which also featured an educational Q & A.
The filtration industry is expected to have a growth rate of about 6.3% between 2023 to 2034 stated Dr. Christine Sun, President of WFI. According to estimates presented by Dr. Sun, the industry is expected to reach US$ 189 billion in 2034 from its current level of US$116 billion.
Presenting statistics on the North American nonwoven filter market Dr. Matt O’Sickey, Director of Education & Technical Affairs, INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry stated, this sector will grow above the GDP and population growth rates. According to estimates from INDA and EDANA, filtration is about 11% of nonwoven capacity in North America and 8% globally. Growth of nonwovens in filtration is expected to be about 3% in North America while some regions such as Middle East and North Africa are expected to be as high as 21 percent.
Presenters representing different segments of the industry were upbeat on the growth of the industry. Fuel cells, water desalination, pharmaceuticals, AI, semiconductors, health care, and emergency response are some of the areas that will enable the demand for filters and filter media. Tyler Smith, Vice President, Global Lifecycle Solutions, Johnson Controls, USA stated good indoor filtration contributes to healthy work environments. Such favorable workspaces can improve productivity and result in 35% reduction in absences due to sickness.
Pinpointing the growth sectors in the filtration industry, Dr Sun highlighted that mandatory regulations, digital transformation, and environmental and social responsibility will push circularity in the filtration industry. Agreeing with these points, Dr. Matt O’Sickey stated the nonwoven industry is working towards carbon reduction by looking into alternative raw materials such as PLA and other biobased materials.
Given the growth in the global population and the scarcity of resources like water, presentations focused on efficient water filtration. Liquid filtration is an area where opportunities exist for research and development and for the development of non-fossil-based new products.
Deliberations indicated that revolutions in information technology, biotechnology, and emergency preparedness will create demand for filters and filter media. The industry should focus on multidisciplinary approaches to develop cost-effective solutions and develop human talent to support the growth of the filtration industry.
