Emission Control Catalysts Market 2025 – Market Size & Segments Analysis, Industry Trends, Manufacturers Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast 2034

The global market value of the emission control catalyst market was estimated to be USD 46.3 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period. Governments worldwide are enforcing strict emission norms. Rising adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, which rely on catalytic converters to comply with emission standards. Advanced catalysts are being developed for fuel-cell vehicles and low-emission combustion engines.

Industrial sectors, including chemical, manufacturing, power plants, and refineries, use catalysts to minimize pollutant emissions. Growth in industrial activities, especially in developing nations, is increasing the need for effective emission control solutions.

Growth Drivers

The increasing number of vehicles in urban areas is escalating air pollution, necessitating advanced catalytic converters. Growth in the automotive aftermarket for replacement of catalytic converters is also a key factor. Research into a non-PGM-based catalyst is driving innovation in the sector. The increasing number of vehicles in urban areas is escalating the air pollution. Development of nanotechnology-based catalysts enhances performance and reduces reliance on expensive metals.

Innovations in platinum group metals like palladium, platinum, and rhodium are improving catalyst efficiency. Advanced catalysts are being developed for fuel-cell vehicles and low-emission combustion engines. Governments worldwide are enforcing strict emission norms. Stringent environment regulations and rising consumer awareness is driving the demand in the market significantly.

Segmentation

Emission Control Catalyst on the basis of Product

·         Palladium

·         Platinum

·         Rhodium

·         Others

Emission Control Catalyst on the basis of Application

·         Mobile Sources (Off Road and On Road)

·         Stationary Sources

Emission Control Catalyst Catalytic Converter Outlook

·         Diesel Oxidation Catalyst

·         Selective Catalytic Reduction

·         Lean NOx Trap

·         Three-way Catalytic Converter

·         Four-way Catalytic Converter

By Region

·         Asia-Pacific

·         North America

·         Latin America

·         Middle East and Africa

·         Europe

Emission Control Catalyst Market on the basis of Product

On the basis of the product, the Emission control catalyst market is segmented into Palladium, Platinum, Rhodium, and others. Palladium is the leading segment in the market, and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Palladium is the primary metal used in catalytic converters for gasoline-powered vehicles, which constitute the majority of the global-light duty vehicle fleet.

Its efficiency in oxidizing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful emissions makes it indispensable. The global shift towards gasoline and hybrid vehicles specially in the Middle East, and Africa has further boosted the demand for palladium over platinum which is more suited to diesel engine. Stringent environment regulations, and rising consumer awareness is driving growth in the market significantly.

Platinum excels in diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles and industrial applications. However, diesel vehicles represent a smaller and declining share of the global market compared to gasoline. Rhodium is critical for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) in three-way catalysts, making it essential in gasoline vehicle applications alongside palladium. However, it is used in much smaller quantities due to its rarity and high cost.

Regional Outlook

On the basis of the regions, the emission control catalyst market is segmented into 5 regions: Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Europe. The Asia-Pacific region leads the global emission control catalyst market, accounting for 35% of the market share. Due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increased vehicle production in countries like China and India, the market is witnessing significant growth.

Stricter environment regulations and rising consumer awareness about air quality have further propelled the demand for emission control catalysts in this region. North America also holds a significant portion of the market. The region’s growth is attributed to the stringent environment regulations, a robust automotive industry, and continuous advancements in emission control technologies.

Europe maintains a sustainable market share as well, driven by the European Union’s stringent emission standards and a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK contribute significantly due to their extensive automotive manufacturing bases and commitment to reducing carbon footprints.

 The Middle East, particularly countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, is a global leader in oil production and refining. Emission control catalysts, such as those used in hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes, are critical for meeting international fuel quality standards and reducing sulfur emissions. The automotive industry in the Middle East and Africa region is relatively smaller but with rising vehicles sale, and push towards cleaner technologies, ECCs such as catalytic converters using platinum, palladium, and rhodium- are increasingly adopted to meet the emission norms.

The middle east region is the hub for oil and gas production. Refineries, and power-plants are under pressure to reduce emissions, driving demand for stationary emission control catalysts. Rapid urbanization in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt has increased vehicle usage and industrial activity, necessitating emission control technologies to address air quality concerns. Palladium-based catalysts dominate globally and in MEA due to their efficiency in gasoline-powered vehicles, while diesel oxidation catalysts and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems are gaining traction in industrial and heavy-duty applications.

Latin America’s emission control catalyst market is influenced by the region’s efforts to address air pollution and reduce harmful emissions from both mobile (e.g., vehicles) and stationary (e.g., industrial facilities) sources. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, which have significant automotive and industrial sectors, are key players in this market. Presence of key players in the region is significantly driving the growth in the market.

The primary growth driver in the market is the automotive sector, where catalytic converters are used to reduce the emission of pollutants like CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons from internal combustion engines. Brazil a major automotive hub is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Industrial applications, such as power plants and oil & gas facilities, also contribute to demand, particularly in countries like Brazil and Venezuela, where offshore petroleum activities are prominent. However, the push for renewable energy and sustainable practices poses a challenge to long-term growth in this segment.

Key Players

·         Johnson Matthey

·         Solvay

·         Umicore SA

·         Corning Incorporated

·         Aerinox Inc.

·         Cormetech Inc.

·         BASF

·         DCL International Inc.

·         Shell Global

·         CLARIANT

·         CATALER CORPORATION

·         Other Players