Top List of Catalyst Manufacturers Set to Expand
The global catalyst manufacturing market, in particular for heterogeneous (solid) catalysts is fairly consolidated with the largest few “Tier 1” players, (BASF, Clariant, Heraeus, Johnson Matthey, Sinopec and Topsoe) plus various small-to-medium-sized players sharing most of the market between them. It has been clear for some time that this market, which is currently worth some $34.5 billion and will surpass $50 bn by the end of this decade, has room for more players. (The Catalyst Group Resources (TCGR), 2022)
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) recently announced a strategic project to manufacture catalysts aimed at enabling the manufacture of specialised materials for production of petrochemicals in Saudi Arabia in line with the national industrial strategy and the Shareek investment program. SABIC fully acquired its JV company with Shell (Scientific Design) in 2022 which manufactures ethylene oxide (EO) catalysts. EO is a key intermediate in the production of monoethylene glycol (MEG) which is one of the two key chemical building blocks for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is used to make both beverage bottles and clothes/textiles. SABIC intends to build three new catalyst plants for chemical and polymer catalysts and is liaising with the Shareek program to ensure it is aligned on goals for expansion of chemical and polymer manufacturing in the Kingdom. (Bailey, 2023)
Other companies expanding their catalyst manufacturing include Metalor which was founded in the canton of Neuchâtel (Switzerland) in 1852. It provides precious metals refining, advanced coatings, electrotechnics and a portfolio of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, for the chemicals and pharmaceuticals fine chemical sector. It purchased a new site in Lyss, Switzerland for production of chemical catalysts in 2020. Its heterogeneous catalyst range is marketed under the brand name Lyscat and mainly consists of platinum and palladium supported catalysts. Metalor also has five LBMA-certified refineries on three continents. Meanwhile its parent company – Tanaka Precious Metals, HQ’d in Tokyo manufacturers and sells a range of precious metals compounds which can be used for homogeneous catalysts. It is very strong in the markets for Ir, Rh and Ru catalysts and has a significant market share especially in Japan. Tanaka also sells heterogenous catalysts for reforming. (Lynch, 2023)
The catalyst market is set to grow in line with the increased need to meet petrochemical and polymer demand as well as new applications sustainability. Many catalyst customers are conscious of the high level of consolidation in the industry and welcome the news that more providers are entering the market or expanding on their existing positions.
Bailey, M. (2023, March 3). Chemeng Online. Retrieved from Trade.gov: https://www.chemengonline.com/sabic-announces-strategic-catalyst-manufacturing-initiative/
Lynch, M. K. (2023). Homogeneous PGM Catalysts – Markets and Technologies. Solihull: Enabled Future Limited.
The Catalyst Group Resources (TCGR). (2022, June 17). The Intelligence Report: Business Shifts in the Global Catalytic Process Industries, 2021-2027. Retrieved from The Catalyst Group: https://www.catalystgrp.com/multiclient_studies/the-intelligence-report-business-shifts-in-the-global-catalytic-process-industries-2021-2027/