Membrane filtration pioneer reinforces commitment to sustainability, regulatory readiness, and long-term installed base protection through retrofittable PES tubular membranes
ENSCHEDE, The Netherlands, May 2026 — Pentair X-Flow, a global pioneer in membrane filtration since 1984, today announced it is preparing to transition its tubular membrane product line from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to polyethersulfone (PES) membrane material, delivering a membrane polymer that is free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The new PES-based tubular membranes will incorporate Pentair's patented Helix flux-enhancing technology and are being designed with industry-standard dimensions to maximize compatibility with existing tubular membrane installations.
The announcement reflects Pentair X-Flow's proactive approach to sustainability and regulatory preparedness. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is advancing a proposal to restrict the manufacture and use of PFAS under the REACH regulation, a development that, according to the current proposal, could affect the majority of water treatment membranes currently manufactured from PVDF.
A Demonstrated Commitment to Installed Base Protection
Pentair X-Flow has a strong track record of protecting existing customer installations. In its hollow fiber membrane portfolio, the company already manufactures PES-based ultrafiltration membranes, including the XF40, XF53, XF64, and the latest XF75, offering 75 m² of active surface area per element. Each successive generation, from 35 m² through to today's XF75, maintains the same outer dimensions and connection specifications, enabling direct retrofit into existing Aquaflex and X-line solutions without hardware modifications.
"Our track record demonstrates our commitment to protecting customers' investments through every product generation," said Jaap Rosink, Product Line Leader - Pentair X-Flow. "That same principle now guides our approach to the tubular membrane portfolio. We are preparing a transition path that enables existing installations to benefit from new PES membrane material and Helix technology without system redesign."
Extending PES Membrane Material to Tubular Membranes with Helix
Pentair X-Flow's tubular membrane range, including the Compact 27, Compact 33, Compact 33V, Compact 55G, and Compact 75G, has served demanding applications for over four decades, from membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and leachate treatment to produced water and industrial wastewater recovery. These tubular membranes currently use PVDF as the separating membrane material.
The company is now preparing the transition of this product line to PES, a hydrophilic polymer already proven in Pentair X-Flow's hollow fiber products. PES offers excellent anti-fouling properties, high chemical resistance, and a well-established performance record in both municipal and industrial water treatment.
The new PES tubular membranes will incorporate Pentair's patented Helix technology, which generates continuous turbulence at the membrane surface to reduce fouling and particle buildup. In field applications with current tubular membrane installations, Helix technology has demonstrated significant improvements in both productivity and energy efficiency compared to standard smooth tubular membranes.
Designed for Maximum Compatibility
Pentair X-Flow is designing its new PES tubular membranes to be dimensionally compatible with existing PVDF tubular modules, enabling direct replacement in current installations. Pentair X-Flow’s goal is to provide customers with a transition path to PFAS-free membrane material, while preserving the value of their existing infrastructure.
This approach is consistent with Pentair X-Flow's long-standing design philosophy: every new membrane generation should enhance performance, without requiring system-level modifications, protecting the investments customers have made in their water treatment infrastructure.
A Proactive Step Toward Sustainability
Pentair X-Flow is taking a measured, sustainability-driven approach to this transition, ensuring that the new PES tubular membranes meet the same rigorous performance, durability, and chemical resistance standards. Pentair X-Flow is not announcing a specific transition timeline, but is communicating its strategic direction to provide customers and partners with confidence and clarity as the industry navigates the evolving regulatory landscape.
"The direction of environmental regulation in Europe is becoming clearer, and the water treatment industry is preparing accordingly," said Rosink. "Pentair X-Flow is choosing to lead the way here, rather than react to it. Our customers can expect the same commitment to quality and performance that has defined our company for more than 40 years."
Showcased at IFAT Munich 2026
Pentair X-Flow is presenting its vision for sustainable membrane filtration at IFAT Munich 2026, the world's leading trade fair for environmental technologies, running May 4 to 8 in Munich, Germany. Visitors are invited to learn more about Pentair's membrane strategy, Helix technology, and the full range of X-Flow hollow fiber and tubular membrane solutions at the Pentair booth.
ABOUT PENTAIR PLC
At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is a core large cap value S&P 500 equity stock focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.
Pentair had revenue in 2025 of approximately $4.2 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 9,000 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.
Media contact:
Marianne Clifford
Marketing
Direct: +31 630 728 093
Email: marianne.clifford@pentair.com