Toray Launches Three Advanced Nanofiltration Membranes For Lithium Recovery, Wastewater Reuse, And Offshore Oil Production Applications

Tokyo, Japan – Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it began a phased rollout of three advanced industrial nanofiltration (NF) membrane products in September this year. These are the LXM model for lithium extraction, the HP3 model for high-pressure applications, and the SRM2 model for sulfate removal.

The three products use Toray's proprietary membrane design technology to deliver high separation performance and durability tailored to their respective industrial applications. These include lithium recovery, for which demand is surging, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) and minimal liquid discharge (MLD) processes, advanced sulfate ion removal, and floating production, storage, and offloading systems in the oil and gas industry. The wholly owned Toray Advanced Materials Korea Inc. manufactures these offerings. It developed LXM model technology jointly with Toray.

Global decarbonization efforts and a growing interest in environmental protection and resource security are driving demand to recover valuable metals from lithium-ion batteries. The LXM model combines enhanced acid resistance with an optimized membrane element design to treat highly acidic leach solutions from battery recycling. The membranes allow lithium ions to pass through while efficiently separating divalent metal ions, including nickel, cobalt, manganese, and magnesium, potentially improving the efficiency and purity of lithium recovery.

The HP3 model uses redesigned composite membranes and membrane elements to significantly reduce permeate flow rate declines at pressures of around 80 bar, enabling high-concentration processing. High-pressure operation can compact membranes and restrict flow, posing challenges for ZLD and MLD processes that maximize wastewater reuse. The new membranes could improve treatment efficiency and reduce energy consumption in these processes and in resource recovery.

The SRM2 model features highly selective NF membranes designed for seawater injection systems in offshore oil fields. Sulfate ions in seawater can react with calcium and barium in formation water, forming scale that clogs equipment and reduces production efficiency. A densified separation layer and proprietary secondary coating technology enable the membranes to remove at least 99.8% of sulfate ions. The membranes also maintain more stable performance despite temperature fluctuations and offer improved resistance to fouling and chemicals, supporting reliable long-term operation.

As a leader in water treatment membranes, Toray has developed technologies to meet diverse customer needs. Its new NF membrane products will help improve membrane process efficiency and reduce energy consumption in their respective target applications. Toray will continue to refine its membrane technologies and develop offerings that address customer challenges.

About Toray

Toray Industries, Inc., is a global leader in advanced materials innovation, comprising more than 300 affiliated companies and approximately 46,300 employees worldwide. Since 1926, we have continuously expanded our business portfolio—from Fibers & Textiles, to Resins & Chemicals, Films, Electronics & Information Materials, Carbon Fiber Composite Materials, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Products, as well as Water Treatment & Environment. April 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Toray’s founding. In line with our Corporate Philosophy, “Contributing to society through the creation of new value with innovative ideas, technologies and products,” we will commit to delivering fundamental solutions to global-scale challenges. For more information, please visit our website at www.toray.com.