We have extended its exclusive trading agreement with FT Leisure until 2030 for the supply of advanced ceramic membranes used in the FTMicron4 microfiltration system. This renewed agreement reinforces a collaboration that began in 2019 and reflects a shared commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainable water treatment solutions. 

We spoke with Simon Whittingham, Managing Director at FT Leisure to discuss the partnership, the role of ceramic membrane technology, and the value delivered to end users.

Can you introduce FT Leisure and its core expertise?

FT Leisure specializes in advanced water filtration and treatment technologies, with a strong focus on microfiltration systems for commercial and swimming pool applications. Our solutions are designed to deliver reliable performance, operational efficiency, and long service life, supporting our customers’ technical and sustainability objectives.

How would you describe your collaboration with Saint Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories?

Our collaboration with Saint Gobain PCR began in 2019 during the development of our FTMicron4 system. From the outset, Saint Gobain has been more than a membrane supplier—they have been a true technology partner.

Their technical expertise, product consistency, and application support played a key role in optimizing the system design and ensuring that the final solution meets demanding operational requirements.

What makes Saint Gobain PCR’s ceramic membranes essential to the FTMicron4 system?

The ceramic membranes supplied by Saint Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories, are a core component of our system’s performance. They provide:

• High and stable filtration efficiency
• Excellent mechanical and chemical resistance
• Long operational lifetime under challenging conditions
• Consistent water quality with reduced maintenance needs

These characteristics allow the FTMicron4 system to operate reliably while minimizing lifecycle costs for our customers.

The performance of the FTMicron4 system is supported by Crystar® FT Dead-End Membrane a high-performance filtration solution based on recrystallized silicon carbide (R-SiC) technology.

Its compact honeycomb design enables high permeate flux, low energy consumption, and efficient backwashing, making it particularly well suited for high-flow, demanding filtration

→Discover Crystar® FT Dead-End Membrane

Why is the extension of the exclusive agreement until 2030 significant?

The extension reflects the proven success of our collaboration and our confidence in Saint Gobain PCR as a long term technology partner. It ensures continuity, security of supply, and a stable platform for further innovation.

For our customers, it means confidence in product availability, consistent quality, and continued performance improvements over the coming years.

How does this partnership support sustainability objectives?

Sustainability is a central element of our product strategy. Ceramic membrane technology contributes directly by enabling:

• Reduced chemical usage
• Lower energy consumption
• Enhanced water reuse and recycling
• Extended system lifetime with reduced waste

Working with Saint Gobain PCR allows us to continuously improve the environmental footprint of our solutions while maintaining high performance standards.

What are your expectations for the future of this partnership?

Looking ahead, we see strong potential to further develop innovative microfiltration solutions together. Our joint focus remains on performance enhancement, supporting new applications, and addressing increasingly demanding sustainability and regulatory requirements.

This long term agreement provides the framework for continued cooperation and shared growth.

The strengthened partnership with FT Leisure highlights how close collaboration and advanced materials expertise enable the development of high performance, sustainable water treatment solutions.

Together, we remain committed to supporting customers with sustainable, safe and reliable microfiltration technologies. Together we shape the future of pool water filtration. NOW.