Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module, comprising a perforated core having an axially extending internal bore; at least one membrane packet comprising a folded membrane sheet defining a first outer face, a first inner face, a second outer face and a second inner face, the fold of the folded membrane sheet being a leading end of the membrane packet; a feed sheet positioned between the first and second inner faces so as to be sandwiched by the folded membrane sheet; a first permeate screen adjacent the first outer face of the membrane sheet defining a first permeate channel; a second permeate screen adjacent the second outer face of the membrane sheet defining a second permeate channel; and a fluid impermeable support coupled to the leading edge of the membrane packet. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the spiral wound membrane module.