This paper focuses on enzymatic esterifications in non-conventional media (organic solvents, ionic liquids, and solvent-free systems) with reference to the water removal. Different types of water removal techniques are reviewed with a special emphasis on pervaporation. Pervaporation is a separation process in which liquid is transported through a selective membrane with simultaneous evaporation of permeates. In an integrated process where pervaporation is coupled with a bioreactor where esterification is performed, selective removal of water or other esterification products can be achieved. In this manner benefit can be doubled, due to the equilibrium shift and possible pure product recovery. Available literature on esterifications coupled with pervaporation is presented in detail. Reviewed examples are divided according to the type of reaction media. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.