Each year, Dairy Foods and the American Dairy Products Institute co-host the Membrane Technology Forum, bringing together leaders within the membrane technology category to network, share their latest research findings and innovations, and much more. At the 19th annual edition of the forum, attendees gather in Bloomington, Minn., to not only explore the newest innovations in membrane technology applications but learn about new pathways for innovation and product development for dairy and non-dairy markets, as well as solutions for membrane cleaning and food processing wastewater treatment.

Driven by research and connection, this four-day event begins with an engaging keynote from Manisha Dhawan, vice president of Applied Membranes. During her presentation, Dhawan emphasizes the importance of developing the next generation of leaders in membrane technology. When membrane technology first began to be utilized in dairy and non-dairy applications 40 years ago, the industry was in a very different place. To secure the future of membrane innovation and development, the industry must prepare, train and, most significantly, share the excitement of membrane technology with the younger generation as a way to bring them into the field.

Manisha Dhawan, vice president of Applied Membranes, presenting the Membrane Technology Forum 2025 keynote.

The popular “Fundamentals of Membrane Technology” session returns this year, helping attendees explore the basics of membrane technology while learning some fun new slang. During this information-packed session, Steve Beckman, manager for Davis Dairy Plant and professor for South Dakota State University, covers the fundamental concepts related to membrane filtration. Beckman emphasizes the importance of establishing a shared vocabulary before exploring technical topics, which can lead to more successful results.

Attendees then explore the expo hall and connect with suppliers offering new and innovative membrane solutions for dairy and non-dairy markets. Exhibitors include Hydrite, Tetra Pak, Kovalus Separation Solutions, DuPont Water Solutions, Ecolab, Alfa Laval, Anderson Chemical Co., Complete Filtration Resources, Membrane Process & Controls, Synder Filtration, GEA Group, Mann and Hummel, Pentair Water-Global, Solecta, Tami Industries, ADPI, Ametek Mocon, atech innovations GmbH, Bentley Instruments, PCI Membranes, Comprex North America, Hydranautics, New Era Converting Machinery, Pure Bioscience, Realzyme, Reflectronics and ZwitterCo.

Membrane Technology Forum expo hall, part 1

Throughout the forum, BNP Media Group Publisher Doug Peckenpaugh presents multiple market spotlight sessions for multiple verticals, including dairy products, non-dairy beverages, plant-based protein and non-dairy ingredients. Despite general sales declines in the plant-based category, the health and wellness movement presents an opportunity for growth, innovation and exploration for membrane technology applications.

This year, the forum offers specialized breakouts for two specific markets: dairy products, and cleaning and sanitation. Over two days, dairy products breakout sessions offer technical insights into best practices for membrane filtration applications, as well as new and innovative membrane developments. The dairy breakout sessions kick off with a presentation on Water Conservation and Efficiency Opportunities in Specific Areas of Dairy Membrane Operations by Dr. Saagar Vijayaragavan, director of process engineering for Kovalus Separation Solutions. During his presentation, Vijayaragavan explores the potential and future of water conservation efforts, reinforcing the importance of water recovery during CIP rinse, as well as seal water reuse.

Additional dairy products breakout sessions feature discussions on Zwitterionic membranes, data-driven approaches for ultrafiltration system yield and membrane replacement economics, next-generation ultrafiltration and much more. Attendees leave the breakout sessions with a deepened understanding of membrane optimization at the dairy plant, as well as an excitement for the future of potential membrane applications within the dairy category. Ultrafiltration is a key discussion highlight for this year's dairy breakout sessions, since this filtration method offers a pathway to selectively separate milk components based on molecular size. Ultrafiltration enables protein concentration, lactose removal, enhanced sustainability measures and many more benefits to dairy processors.

In the cleaning and sanitation breakout sessions, expert speakers address an essential aspect of membrane maintenance: cleaning and fouling. One standout session features Ronni Rasmussen, application specialist membranes and CIP for Navadan ApS. In his presentation, Rasmussen shows attendees how to properly identify the fouling material. Next, he discusses how to optimize the production process to minimize fouling, as well as how to investigate and test known cleaning agents. He also shares how to create new cleaning detergents, if needed, to suit specialized sanitary conditions.

On the third day of the forum, an engaging panel brings together thought leaders from across the membrane filtration industry, including Veronique Lagrange, director for the California Dairy Innovation Center, USA, Mike Molitor, researcher for the UW-Madison Center for Dairy Research, and Prafulla Salunke, assistant professor of dairy manufacturing for the Dairy and Food Science Department at South Dakota State University. In their panel discussion, Lagrange reinforces the relevance of lactose-free products, which would not be possible without filtration. She also notes that, aside from high protein content, fiber is the second most desired nutrient consumers want in their food and beverage products. Membrane filtration solutions offer a solution for this consumer need and allow producers to target growing trends while cutting down on production costs and energy requirements.

Panelist Salunke notes that the membrane filtration industry is not yet harnessing the full power of membranes. "We are still focusing on the main components," Prafulla says. An established industry focus on components presents a new opportunity for membrane development, as well as application innovation. Prafulla recommends non-food applications as a potential market for membrane suppliers to explore.

Membrane Technology Forum expo hall, part 2

Leaving the forum, attendees explore the vast Eagan, Minn., Ecolab Shuman Campus Technology Center, an exclusive opportunity offered to Membrane Technology Forum attendees each year. Attendees see firsthand the science behind Ecolab products and services, receiving insights from Ecolab membrane experts and a behind-the-scenes look at some of Ecolab's membrane technologies and analytical capabilities.

Dairy Foods and the American Dairy Products Institute would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Membrane Technology Forum Platinum Sponsors Hydrite, Kovalus Separation Solutions and Tetra Pak, Gold Sponsors DuPont and Ecolab, Silver Sponsors Alfa Laval, Anderson Chemical Co., Complete Filtration Resources, Membrane Process & Controls and Synder Filtration, and Bronze Sponsors GEA, Mann and Hummel, Pentair, Solecta and Tami Industries.