Chemical Catalyst Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2034

Chemical Catalyst Industry Prospective:

The global chemical catalyst market size was worth around USD 42.85 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 67.19 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 4.60% between 2025 and 2034.

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Chemical Catalyst Market: Overview

A chemical catalyst is a special type of substance used to change the rate of a chemical reaction. It does so by altering the reaction path. In most chemical reactions, a catalyst either increases or speeds up the reaction rate. They assist in creating new substances without themselves undergoing any changes during the process.

During a chemical reaction, a catalyst does not initiate the process. It simply reacts with reactants, forming specific intermediaries and also resulting in the production of the final product.

A catalyst regenerates once the process is completed and can be used across multiple ranges of such reactions. There are four main types of chemical catalysts in the market. They are positive catalysts, negative catalysts, accelerators or promoters, and catalyst inhibitors or poisons. Each variant has a specific function to perform.

Chemical catalysts are used in a wide range of industries, including petrochemical production, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, environmental catalysis processes, and others.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global chemical catalyst market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 4.60% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global chemical catalyst market size was valued at around USD 42.85 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 67.19 billion by 2034.
• The chemical catalyst market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing demand for efficient catalysts for jet fuel production.
• Based on the type, the heterogeneous segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the form, the bead segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, North America is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Chemical Catalyst Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing demand for efficient catalysts for jet fuel production will drive market revenue

The global chemical catalyst market is expected to be driven by the rising demand for efficient reaction-changing ingredients for the production of aviation fuel. At present, jet-powering sources are available in several grades such as Jet A & Jet A-1, Jet B, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Each of these kerosene-based fuel variants has specific applications. The consumption of jet fuel across the globe has increased due to a rise in the number of flights undertaken by commercial and military aircraft. Increasing globalization, international tourism, freight transport through air mediums, and other factors are some of the reasons for the increased use of jet fuel worldwide. The sustainable aviation fuel segment is gaining more popularity worldwide. It is more environmentally friendly than other jet fuel variants.

In December 2024, Yilkins and Shell Catalysts & Technologies announced a new strategic partnership. The companies are expected to commercialize an integrated version of the Shell XTL1 Process using torrefaction technology by Yilkins. Upon successful completion of the project, the companies can offer scalable and flexible solutions for producing SAF.

The ongoing research & development by jet fuel-producing companies to innovate new catalysts that enhance the aviation fuel production process will promote the market expansion rate in the future.

Increasing focus on the production of carbon-neutral catalysts to pave the way for heightened growth

Carbon-neutral or green catalysts are specially crafted substances designed to reduce the environmental impact of chemical reactions across industries. They also focus on improving the overall efficiency of a chemical process, resulting in decreased production of hazardous substances.

A major attribute of green catalysts includes decarbonizing chemical reactions or transforming carbon emissions into more usable substances. In a recent event, the chemistry department of Oxford University announced the launch of OX•EFUEL.

The technology is being employed at the Oxford University spin-out OXCCU, where the chemical is used to convert carbon dioxide into hydrogen and subsequently produce jet fuel range hydrocarbons in a simple procedure. The global chemical catalysts market players must focus on developing sustainable and eco-friendly catalysts to survive in the long run.

Chemical Catalyst Market: Restraints

Growing concerns over environmental damage caused by certain chemicals will limit the market expansion rate

The global chemical catalyst industry is expected to be restricted by the rising concerns over environmental damage caused by certain substances.

For instance, chemical catalysts containing heavy metals such as rhodium and palladium can damage the environment if not stored or disposed of following standard guidelines. In addition, catalysts that are used are known to contain hazardous substances, causing significant threats to the ecological environment.

Chemical Catalyst Market: Opportunities

Increased focus on catalysts for novel drug and biologics development will generate growth opportunities

The global chemical catalyst market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising focus on the development of novel biocatalysts. The increasing investments in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop new treatment therapies and medicines have created a demand for powerful and effective catalysts.

In November 2024, chemical researchers at Ohio State University developed a new nickel-based catalyst that can improve drug discovery processes. The revolutionary catalyst consists of an additional layer of aminopyridine and thionitril. It is inexpensive to develop and has a unique architecture.

Biologics, drug therapies developed from living cells, are gaining momentum in the drug development sector. It is expected to open new avenues for next-generation catalysts aiding the drug development processes. The surging rate of regulatory approvals for new medicines and catalysts will also emerge as a crucial point of growth for the market players.

Chemical Catalyst Market: Challenges

High cost of certain raw materials and regulatory concerns to challenge market expansion

The global chemical catalyst industry is expected to be challenged by the high cost of raw materials used for catalyst production. Changing geopolitical partnerships can impact the supply chain of critical raw materials such as rhodium and palladium. These are widely used ingredients for developing essential catalysts.

In addition, the dynamic regulatory environment surrounding the use of catalysts in chemical processes may further create complexities against the market growth rate in the future.     

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Chemical Catalyst Market: Report Scope

Chemical Catalyst Market: Segmentation

The global chemical catalyst market is segmented based on type, material, form, application, and region.

Based on the type, the global market segments are homogeneous and heterogeneous. In 2024, the highest growth was listed in the heterogeneous segment. They offer higher reusability compared to their homogeneous counterparts.

Furthermore, they have higher applications across end-user verticals. Some of the common uses of heterogeneous catalysts include petrochemical production and refinement. Homogeneous catalysts are generally applied at 0.1% to 5% of the reactant's molar amount.

Based on material, the global chemical catalyst industry is divided into chemical compounds, zeolites, and metal & metal oxides.

Based on the form, the global market segments are extrudate, bead, powder, and others. In 2024, the highest revenue was generated by the bead segment. They have wide applications in the catalytic conversion procedures and the adsorption process. Beads tend to provide a high surface area-to-volume ratio and durability.

On the other hand, extrudate is expected to generate the highest revenue during the projection period. Increasing use in the petrochemical sector will fuel segmental revenue. The petrochemical sector used around 35% of the global catalyst supply volume.

Based on application, the global market divisions are refining, environmental catalysis, chemical synthesis, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and others.

Chemical Catalyst Market: Regional Analysis

North America to generate the highest revenue during the forecast period

The global chemical catalyst market will be led by North America during the forecast period. The US will lead the regional market growth rate by increasing investments in the development of new catalysts.

In December 2024, chemical engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced the launch of a new catalyst that can turn methane into more useful substances. The innovation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as more efficient polymers are made from methane, which is more harmful than carbon dioxide.

Europe is another growing region in the chemical catalyst industry, with exceptional growth performance in the last few years. The presence of some of the major catalyst-producing companies in the regional market will fuel Europe’s growth rate in the coming years.

In April 2024, Clariant, a leading specialty chemical company focusing on sustainability, announced the launch of CATOFIN 312. The catalyst is the latest in the existing range of solutions used for propane dehydrogenation. CATOFIN 312 has a 20% longer shelf life and delivers greater selectivity.

In November 2024, BASF announced that it was going to expand the production capacity of X3D® technology. The new additive manufacturing technology is used for catalysts based on 3-dimensional printing.

Chemical Catalyst Market: Competitive Analysis

The global chemical catalyst market is led by players like:

• INEOS Group Holdings S.A.
• BASF SE
• W. R. Grace & Co.
• Arkema Group
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
• Albemarle Corporation
• Honeywell UOP
• SABIC
• Johnson Matthey Plc
• Nouryon
• Clariant AG
• Haldor Topsoe A/S
• Evonik Industries AG
• Solvay S.A.
• Umicore N.V.

The global chemical catalyst market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Homogeneous
• Heterogeneous

By Material

• Chemical Compounds
• Zeolites
• Metal & Metal Oxides

By Form

• Extrudate
• Bead
• Powder
• Others

By Application

• Refining
• Environmental Catalysis
• Chemical Synthesis
• Petrochemicals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa