5. Conclusion

The transition to the use of renewable resources and better management of the end-of-life of materials is a major societal challenge. Membrane manufacturing, which is used in many applications, is no exception. This article highlights the fact that many biobased or biodegradable polymers can be used to manufacture synthetic membranes.

However, with the exception of PVA and cellulose derivatives, none will be used on an industrial scale by 2023. Indeed, while there is little doubt about the potential for industrial applications in the medium to long term, a number of technical hurdles need to be overcome first. In order to be implemented in industrial processes, membranes made from biosourced or biodegradable polymers will have to :

• have separation performance at least equivalent to that of current membranes made of...