The Belgian technology group Agfa officially inaugurated its new production site for Zirfon membranes in Mortsel, Belgium, on September 29, 2025. The opening took place as part of the European Hydrogen Week.
The Zirfon membrane is a proprietary technology developed by Agfa. According to the company, its special pore structure enables more efficient ion transport, thereby reducing the energy demand for electrolysis. It is also said to be particularly stable and durable. The new facility is modular in design and is intended to allow Agfa to flexibly scale production in response to growing global demand. Target markets include the steel and chemical industries, heavy-duty transport, and large-scale renewable energy storage.
EU Innovation Fund supports project with €11 million
The project is part of the EU-funded GIGA-SCALES initiative and was co-financed with €11 million from the European Commission’s Innovation Fund. The funding is intended to help strengthen Europe’s industrial leadership in the energy transition.
Wopke Hoekstra, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Net-Zero, and Sustainable Growth, said at the opening: “The GIGA-SCALES project is a beacon of innovation and climate action. By advancing state-of-the-art membrane technology, it paves the way for sustainable hydrogen production in Europe.”
Agfa CEO Pascal Juéry described the new facility as “a milestone for Agfa and the entire hydrogen ecosystem.” The production of Zirfon membranes is a central part of the company’s strategy. “We are committed to making green hydrogen an industrial reality,” said Juéry.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever also emphasized the importance of the project for decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors such as logistics and industry. The investment not only secures the company’s future, but also contributes to Europe’s sustainable energy supply.
Zirfon membranes for industrial applications
According to Agfa, Zirfon membranes are characterized by high productivity, reliability, and safety. They are intended to increase the efficiency of electrolysers and reduce the cost of green hydrogen production. The industrial-scale manufacturing of these membranes is considered a prerequisite for the widespread development of the necessary infrastructure.
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is headquartered in Belgium and has around 160 years of experience in imaging technology. In addition to applications in healthcare and the printing industry, Agfa also develops solutions for the green hydrogen economy. In 2024, the company generated revenues of €1.138 billion.
