PERMIONICS

In the food and beverage industry, hygiene isn’t just a regulatory requirement — it’s the foundation of brand trust and product safety. Every drop of water used, every ingredient processed, and every surface cleaned plays a role in ensuring that consumers receive pure, uncontaminated products. As industries face increasing scrutiny from global safety standards such as HACCP, ISO 22000, and WHO guidelines, many manufacturers are turning to advanced membrane solutions as the backbone of their hygiene management systems. Why Water Quality Matters in Food & Beverage Production Water is the most widely used ingredient in food and beverage processing — from brewing and bottling to cleaning and sanitation. However, untreated or poorly filtered water can contain bacteria, suspended solids, and organic matter that compromise product quality. Contaminated water doesn’t just affect taste and shelf life; it can lead to serious health risks and reputational damage. Traditional filtration o...

Membrane technology has become the backbone of industries ranging from water treatment and pharmaceuticals to energy and food processing. With demand for advanced filtration rising globally, membrane producers are under pressure to scale their operations efficiently. However, scaling is not without hurdles. From material constraints to supply chain fragility, producers face a unique set of challenges that impact their ability to meet market needs. 1. Raw Material Supply and Costs One of the first bottlenecks in scaling membrane production lies in raw materials. High-performance polymers, ceramics, and nanomaterials often come from limited suppliers and require stringent quality control. Price volatility of solvents and specialty chemicals further complicates cost planning. A disruption in supply—whether due to geopolitical issues or environmental regulations—can slow down production lines and reduce competitiveness. 2. Precision and Quality Control Unlike conventional manufactur...

 Membrane systems are widely used in water purification, wastewater treatment, and industrial separation processes. They’re known for their high efficiency, low chemical use, and consistent output. But like any technology, membranes face operational challenges—one of the most common being concentration polarization . This phenomenon, while often overlooked, can significantly affect the performance and lifespan of a membrane system. To operate membranes effectively, it's important to understand what concentration polarization is, why it matters, and how to manage it with the right membrane and solution design. What Is Concentration Polarization? In simple terms, concentration polarization occurs when solutes (like salts or organic molecules) accumulate near the surface of a membrane during filtration. As water passes through the membrane, it leaves behind these solutes, creating a concentrated layer at the membrane surface. This layer can create a steep concentration gradient be...

 Industrial membrane technology has long been a backbone of separation and filtration processes across sectors like water treatment, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and petrochemicals. However, with mounting environmental pressures and global shifts toward sustainability, a new narrative is emerging: the role of industrial membranes as enablers of the circular economy. 1. Designing for Longevity and Reuse A key pillar of circularity is extending the life of materials and products. Modern membrane manufacturers are embracing eco-design principles, utilizing biopolymers, recycled materials, and green solvents to create membranes that are not only effective but also sustainable. Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, for instance, are increasingly being engineered for durability and end-of-life adaptability. Instead of disposal, these membranes can be refurbished and repurposed for less demanding filtration tasks, reducing waste and lowering lifecycle emissions. 2. Recycling End-of-Life ...

 Bioprocessing has grown far beyond its early roots in fermentation and vaccine production. In recent years, it has evolved into one of the most innovative areas in biotechnology and sustainable manufacturing. From advanced biologics to green agriculture and biofuels, the field is seeing rapid progress. But what’s been done so far, and what are scientists focusing on now? Let’s take a look at the journey of bioprocessing research—what has been accomplished, what’s emerging, and how these developments are proving valuable to industry and the environment. What’s Been Achieved So Far Early bioprocessing research focused on microbial fermentation, enzyme production, and traditional vaccine manufacturing. These processes relied heavily on simple organisms like E. coli or yeast. Through decades of work, scientists improved yields, stabilised cultures, and optimised large-scale production. This laid the foundation for the modern biotech industry. Over time, mammalian cell lines like CHO c...

  Choosing the right RO membrane in pharma isn’t just about filtration—it’s about safeguarding product quality, meeting compliance standards, and ensuring long-term reliability. Whether you're designing a new water system or upgrading an existing one, membrane selection can make or break system performance. Here are 7 critical factors to help you make the right choice for your pharmaceutical application. 1. Match the Membrane Type to Water Quality Needs Pharmaceutical applications typically require thin-film composite (TFC) membranes , known for high salt rejection and chemical resistance. But not all membranes are created equal. If you’re treating water with higher levels of organics or specific ions, choose membranes optimized for those profiles. Always align membrane specs with USP, EP, and WHO water quality standards . 2. Look for High TOC and Microbial Rejection TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and microbial load are critical parameters in pharmaceutical water systems. Choos...