FDA scrutiny of viral clearance is expanding the pharmaceutical part of the market. Regulations dealing with bottled beverages and other food products are also a positive force. The biggest driver is the greater purity demanded by industry. Cuno supplies filters for paint systems which allow the paint particles to pass through but capture the unwanted agglomerates. Cartridges are an integral step in purification processes in critical biotechnology operations.
Reliability is another market driver.
Purchasers need reliable cartridges in the critical applications. Another driver is lower life cycle costs through better performing cartridges. More money is being spent on cartridges because total costs are reduced. Maintenance labor for changeout is saved if a cartridge lasts longer. If less energy is consumed because of a superior filter media, the purchaser is willing to spend more on the cartridge.