The rapid expansion of the global automobile industry has significantly increased the demand for tail gas purification technologies. In addition, stricter emission regulations across various sectors, including the chemical industry, have created new opportunities in the environmental catalyst market. Recognizing this potential, forward-thinking catalyst manufacturers have entered the field, seeing it as a promising growth area. Developed regions such as the EU, Japan, and the US, along with emerging markets in Latin America and Asia, are expected to drive the demand for environmental protection catalysts.
As a result, major players in the environmental catalyst industry are intensifying their competition. Leading companies have already made their mark in China and are continuing to expand their presence. According to SRI Consulting, the global environmental catalyst market is valued at approximately $5 billion this year and is growing at an annual rate of 4.5% to 5%. Currently, about 90% of sales come from automotive exhaust gas purification catalysts, with the remaining 10% coming from industrial gas catalytic solutions.
Engelhard and Johnson Matthey (JM) together hold around 35% of the market share, while Umicore captures about 20%. Other key players include Catalytics Solutions (CSI), Delphi Catalysts, and Southern Chemicals. These companies are actively investing in R&D and production to meet the rising demand.
Engelhard, the largest supplier of automotive catalysts, is expanding its production capacity globally. Last year, it upgraded its facility in Shanghai and added an engine lab in Germany and an R&D center in China. The company is focusing on developing diesel oxidation catalysts that meet strict emissions standards and reduce the use of palladium.
Meanwhile, JM has seen a significant increase in diesel catalyst sales in Europe during the first half of the year. It recently expanded its production facilities in Shanghai and established a plant in Japan, expecting strong growth in the region. The company also plans to boost sales of heavy-duty diesel catalysts in the future. Additionally, JM is involved in emission control systems for chemical plants, particularly in countries like China, India, Iran, and Pakistan, where there's a pressing need for catalyst technology to manage halogenated hydrocarbon emissions.
Umicore, another leading player, believes that the strong growth in the Chinese auto market will fuel demand for automotive catalysts across Asia. To capitalize on this, the company invested 20 million euros in a new production plant in Suzhou, which became operational in June.
Catalytics Solutions (CSI) has emerged as one of the top three environmental catalyst manufacturers. Its low-cost MPC technology significantly reduces the use of platinum group metals through nanotechnology, offering high durability and economic efficiency. CSI has already supplied its system to major automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Honda.
Southern German Chemical Company is also advancing its green catalyst technologies. In February 2004, it acquired coating technology for diesel exhaust catalytic purification from Wacker Chemie and integrated it into its energy and environmental business unit. Collaborating with automotive manufacturers, the company aims to bring this innovative coating technology to mass production quickly.
King Whale Machinery Group J.S , https://www.baitextile.com