Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth Outlook

Global Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Size is valued at $4.6 Billion in 2024 and is forecast to register a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% to reach $5.9 Billion by 2032.

The global Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Study analyzes and forecasts the market size across 6 regions and 24 countries for diverse segments -By Material (Metals and Organometallic Catalysts, Aluminosilicates, Chemical Compounds, Others), By Petroleum Refining Application (Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC), Hydrocracking, Hydrotreating, Alkylation, Reforming, Isomerization), By Chemical Synthesis Application (Organic Synthesis, Oxidation, Hydrogenation, Dehydrogenation, Synthesis Gas Processes), By Polymerization Application (Polyolefins, Condensation Polymers, Thermosetting Polymers, Additional Polymers).

An Introduction to Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market in 2024

Catalysts play a crucial role in petroleum refining, chemical synthesis, and polymer production processes by accelerating chemical reactions, increasing reaction rates, and controlling selectivity and yield in 2024. These catalysts are used in various stages of petroleum refining, including catalytic cracking, hydroprocessing, and reforming, to convert crude oil into valuable products such as gasoline, diesel, and petrochemical feedstocks. In chemical synthesis, catalysts enable the production of important intermediates and fine chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. Additionally, catalysts are essential in polymer synthesis processes such as polymerization, polycondensation, and polymer modification, where they facilitate the formation of polymer chains and control molecular weight, structure, and properties. Catalyst technologies to evolve, driven by the need for more efficient and sustainable processes, as well as the development of novel catalyst materials and formulations. With advancements in catalysis research and engineering, catalysts play a vital role in enabling the production of fuels, chemicals, and polymers that are essential for modern society while minimizing environmental impact and resource consumption.

Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Competitive Landscape

The market report analyses the leading companies in the industry including BASF SE, Bayer Technology Services, Catalytic Distillation Technologies, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, Clariant AG, Dow Inc, Eastman Chemical Company, Eka Chemicals AB, Evonik Industries AG, Exxon Mobil Corp, Honeywell International Inc, INEOS Technologies, Johnson Matthey Plc, KBR Inc, Nova Chemicals Corp, W.R. Grace & Co., Wako Chemicals USA Inc, Zeochem LLC, Zeolyst International, and others.

Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Dynamics

Market Trend: Increasing Demand for Sustainable and High-Performance Catalysts

A prominent trend in the catalysts market for petroleum refining, chemicals, and polymer synthesis is the increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance catalysts, driven by regulatory requirements, environmental concerns, and industry shifts towards cleaner and more efficient processes. Catalysts play a crucial role in facilitating chemical reactions in various processes such as petroleum refining, petrochemical production, and polymer synthesis, enabling the efficient conversion of raw materials into valuable products. With a growing focus on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing process economics, there is a rising need for catalysts that offer enhanced selectivity, activity, and stability while minimizing environmental impact and resource consumption. This trend is reshaping the catalysts market, with manufacturers investing in research and development efforts to innovate new catalyst formulations and manufacturing processes that meet evolving industry requirements and sustainability goals.

Market Driver: Growth in Petrochemical and Polymer Industries

The primary driver fueling the demand for catalysts in petroleum refining, chemicals, and polymer synthesis is the growth in petrochemical and polymer industries worldwide, driven by urbanization, industrialization, and rising consumer demand for plastics, polymers, and specialty chemicals. As global populations and economies continue to expand, there is an increasing need for raw materials such as petroleum feedstocks and chemical intermediates to support manufacturing activities across various sectors. Catalysts play a critical role in converting crude oil fractions into valuable chemicals and polymers, enabling the production of a wide range of products used in everyday applications such as packaging, automotive parts, electronics, and construction materials. With ongoing investments in petrochemical and polymer production capacity, the demand for catalysts is expected to remain robust, driving market growth and investment in catalyst manufacturing technologies and solutions.

Market Opportunity: Development of Tailored Catalysts for Renewable Feedstocks

An emerging opportunity within the catalysts market for petroleum refining, chemicals, and polymer synthesis lies in the development of tailored catalysts for renewable feedstocks and sustainable processes. With increasing emphasis on transitioning towards a circular economy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, there is a growing interest in utilizing renewable feedstocks such as biomass, bio-based oils, and waste materials as alternative sources of raw materials for chemical and polymer production. However, the utilization of renewable feedstocks poses unique challenges due to differences in composition, impurities, and reaction pathways compared to traditional fossil-based feedstocks. By developing catalysts tailored to the specific properties and requirements of renewable feedstocks, manufacturers can unlock opportunities to enable new process routes, improve product yields, and enhance the sustainability profile of chemical and polymer synthesis processes. Collaborations between catalyst developers, feedstock suppliers, and end-users can accelerate innovation and adoption of sustainable catalytic solutions, driving market growth and differentiation in the evolving landscape of petroleum refining, chemicals, and polymer synthesis industries.

Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Share Analysis: Metals and Organometallic Catalysts segment generated the highest revenue in 2024

Within the Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis market, the Metals and Organometallic Catalysts segment is the largest, primarily due to its versatility and established applications across various industries. Metals and organometallic catalysts, such as platinum, palladium, and nickel complexes, play pivotal roles in catalyzing numerous chemical reactions involved in petroleum refining, chemical synthesis, and polymer production processes. These catalysts exhibit high catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability, making them indispensable in key industrial processes like hydrocarbon cracking, hydrogenation, and polymerization. Additionally, the continuous advancements in catalyst design and synthesis methodologies have further expanded the applicability of metals and organometallic catalysts in niche and emerging areas such as renewable energy production and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The extensive utilization and proven performance of metals and organometallic catalysts in a wide range of industrial processes solidify their position as the largest segment in the Catalysts market.

Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Share Analysis: Hydrocracking is poised to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period

Within the Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis market, the Hydrocracking application is the fastest-growing segment, propelled by the growing global demand for clean fuels and stricter environmental regulations. Hydrocracking is a vital refining process used to convert heavy hydrocarbon fractions into lighter, more valuable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, while simultaneously reducing the sulfur and nitrogen content to meet stringent emissions standards. Catalysts play a crucial role in facilitating the hydrocracking reactions by promoting the cleavage of carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds under high pressure and temperature conditions. With the increasing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, the demand for hydrocracking catalysts is surging as refineries seek to upgrade their processing capabilities to produce cleaner, higher-quality fuels. Moreover, the growing consumption of transportation fuels, particularly in emerging economies, further drives the adoption of hydrocracking catalysts to meet the rising demand for refined petroleum products. As refineries continue to invest in upgrading their hydrocracking units to enhance efficiency and produce cleaner fuels, the Hydrocracking application is expected to sustain its rapid growth momentum in the Catalysts market.

Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Share Analysis: Organic Synthesis segment generated the highest revenue in 2024

Within the Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis market, the Organic Synthesis application is the largest segment, primarily due to its extensive utilization across a diverse range of industrial processes. Organic synthesis involves the construction of complex organic molecules from simpler precursors through chemical reactions catalyzed by catalysts. These reactions are fundamental to the production of a wide array of organic compounds used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, and fine chemicals industries. Catalysts play a pivotal role in facilitating these synthesis processes by increasing reaction rates, improving selectivity, and enabling the formation of desired products under mild conditions. Moreover, the continuous advancements in catalyst design and synthesis methodologies have further expanded the applicability of organic synthesis in niche and emerging areas such as sustainable chemistry and green manufacturing practices. The extensive utilization and proven performance of catalysts in organic synthesis processes across various industries solidify the Organic Synthesis application as the largest segment in the Catalysts market.

Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market Share Analysis: Polyolefins Application is poised to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period

Within the Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis market, the Polyolefins application is the fastest-growing segment, propelled by the increasing global demand for plastics and polymer-based materials. Polyolefins, including polyethylene and polypropylene, are among the most widely produced and utilized polymers worldwide, finding applications in packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries. Catalysts play a critical role in the polymerization process by initiating and controlling the chain growth reactions, leading to the formation of polyolefin molecules with desired properties such as molecular weight, crystallinity, and thermal stability. With the rising population, urbanization, and disposable income levels, the demand for polyolefin-based products continues to escalate, particularly in emerging economies. Moreover, the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness is driving the development of advanced catalyst technologies to enable more efficient and eco-friendly polymerization processes. As industries continue to innovate and expand their production capacities to meet the evolving demands for plastics and polymer materials, the Polyolefins application is expected to maintain its rapid growth trajectory in the Catalysts market.

Catalysts in Petroleum Refining, Chemicals, and Polymer Synthesis Market

By Material
Metals and Organometallic Catalysts
-Inexpensive Metals
-Precious Metals
-Metallic Compounds
Aluminosilicates
-Zeolites
-Molecular Sieves
Chemical Compounds
-Peroxides
-Acids
-Amines
-Others
Others
By Petroleum Refining Application
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
Hydrocracking
Hydrotreating
Alkylation
Reforming
Isomerization
By Chemical Synthesis Application
Organic Synthesis
Oxidation
Hydrogenation
Dehydrogenation
Synthesis Gas Processes
By Polymerization Application
Polyolefins
Condensation Polymers
Thermosetting Polymers
Additional PolymersCountries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)

Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Companies Profiled in the Study

BASF SE
Bayer Technology Services
Catalytic Distillation Technologies
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
Clariant AG
Dow Inc
Eastman Chemical Company
Eka Chemicals AB
Evonik Industries AG
Exxon Mobil Corp
Honeywell International Inc
INEOS Technologies
Johnson Matthey Plc
KBR Inc
Nova Chemicals Corp
W.R. Grace & Co.
Wako Chemicals USA Inc
Zeochem LLC
Zeolyst International
*- List Not Exhaustive

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction to 2024 Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market
1.1 Market Overview
1.2 Quick Facts
1.3 Scope/Objective of the Study
1.4 Market Definition
1.5 Countries and Regions Covered
1.6 Units, Currency, and Conversions
1.7 Industry Value Chain

2 Research Methodology
2.1 Market Size Estimation
2.2 Sources and Research Methodology
2.3 Data Triangulation
2.4 Assumptions and Limitations

3 Executive Summary
3.1 Global Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Size Outlook, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.2 Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Outlook by Type, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.3 Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Outlook by Product, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.4 Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Outlook by Application, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.5 Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Outlook by Key Countries, $ Million, 2021 to 2032

4 Market Dynamics
4.1 Key Driving Forces of Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Industry
4.2 Key Market Trends in Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Industry
4.3 Potential Opportunities in Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Industry
4.4 Key Challenges in Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Industry

5 Market Factor Analysis
5.1 Value Chain Analysis
5.2 Competitive Landscape
5.2.1 Global Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Share by Company (%), 2023
5.2.2 Product Offerings by Company
5.3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4 Pricing Analysis and Outlook

6 Growth Outlook Across Scenarios
6.1 Growth Analysis-Case Scenario Definitions
6.2 Low Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.3 Reference Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.4 High Growth Scenario Forecasts

7 Global Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Outlook by Segments
7.1 Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Outlook by Segments, $ Million, 2021- 2032
By Material
Metals and Organometallic Catalysts
-Inexpensive Metals
-Precious Metals
-Metallic Compounds
Aluminosilicates
-Zeolites
-Molecular Sieves
Chemical Compounds
-Peroxides
-Acids
-Amines
-Others
Others
By Petroleum Refining Application
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
Hydrocracking
Hydrotreating
Alkylation
Reforming
Isomerization
By Chemical Synthesis Application
Organic Synthesis
Oxidation
Hydrogenation
Dehydrogenation
Synthesis Gas Processes
By Polymerization Application
Polyolefins
Condensation Polymers
Thermosetting Polymers
Additional Polymers

8 North America Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
8.1 Introduction to North America Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Markets in 2024
8.2 North America Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
8.2.1 United States
8.2.2 Canada
8.2.3 Mexico
8.3 North America Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Material
Metals and Organometallic Catalysts
-Inexpensive Metals
-Precious Metals
-Metallic Compounds
Aluminosilicates
-Zeolites
-Molecular Sieves
Chemical Compounds
-Peroxides
-Acids
-Amines
-Others
Others
By Petroleum Refining Application
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
Hydrocracking
Hydrotreating
Alkylation
Reforming
Isomerization
By Chemical Synthesis Application
Organic Synthesis
Oxidation
Hydrogenation
Dehydrogenation
Synthesis Gas Processes
By Polymerization Application
Polyolefins
Condensation Polymers
Thermosetting Polymers
Additional Polymers

9 Europe Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
9.1 Introduction to Europe Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Markets in 2024
9.2 Europe Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
9.2.1 Germany
9.2.2 France
9.2.3 Spain
9.2.4 United Kingdom
9.2.4 Italy
9.2.5 Russia
9.2.6 Norway
9.2.7 Rest of Europe
9.3 Europe Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Material
Metals and Organometallic Catalysts
-Inexpensive Metals
-Precious Metals
-Metallic Compounds
Aluminosilicates
-Zeolites
-Molecular Sieves
Chemical Compounds
-Peroxides
-Acids
-Amines
-Others
Others
By Petroleum Refining Application
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
Hydrocracking
Hydrotreating
Alkylation
Reforming
Isomerization
By Chemical Synthesis Application
Organic Synthesis
Oxidation
Hydrogenation
Dehydrogenation
Synthesis Gas Processes
By Polymerization Application
Polyolefins
Condensation Polymers
Thermosetting Polymers
Additional Polymers

10 Asia Pacific Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
10.1 Introduction to Asia Pacific Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Markets in 2024
10.2 Asia Pacific Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
10.2.1 China
10.2.2 India
10.2.3 Japan
10.2.4 South Korea
10.2.5 Indonesia
10.2.6 Malaysia
10.2.7 Australia
10.2.8 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.3 Asia Pacific Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Material
Metals and Organometallic Catalysts
-Inexpensive Metals
-Precious Metals
-Metallic Compounds
Aluminosilicates
-Zeolites
-Molecular Sieves
Chemical Compounds
-Peroxides
-Acids
-Amines
-Others
Others
By Petroleum Refining Application
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
Hydrocracking
Hydrotreating
Alkylation
Reforming
Isomerization
By Chemical Synthesis Application
Organic Synthesis
Oxidation
Hydrogenation
Dehydrogenation
Synthesis Gas Processes
By Polymerization Application
Polyolefins
Condensation Polymers
Thermosetting Polymers
Additional Polymers

11 South America Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
11.1 Introduction to South America Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Markets in 2024
11.2 South America Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
11.2.1 Brazil
11.2.2 Argentina
11.2.3 Rest of South America
11.3 South America Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Material
Metals and Organometallic Catalysts
-Inexpensive Metals
-Precious Metals
-Metallic Compounds
Aluminosilicates
-Zeolites
-Molecular Sieves
Chemical Compounds
-Peroxides
-Acids
-Amines
-Others
Others
By Petroleum Refining Application
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
Hydrocracking
Hydrotreating
Alkylation
Reforming
Isomerization
By Chemical Synthesis Application
Organic Synthesis
Oxidation
Hydrogenation
Dehydrogenation
Synthesis Gas Processes
By Polymerization Application
Polyolefins
Condensation Polymers
Thermosetting Polymers
Additional Polymers

12 Middle East and Africa Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
12.1 Introduction to Middle East and Africa Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Markets in 2024
12.2 Middle East and Africa Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
12.2.1 Saudi Arabia
12.2.2 UAE
12.2.3 Oman
12.2.4 Rest of Middle East
12.2.5 Egypt
12.2.6 Nigeria
12.2.7 South Africa
12.2.8 Rest of Africa
12.3 Middle East and Africa Catalysts in Petroleum Refining Chemicals and Polymer Synthesis Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Material
Metals and Organometallic Catalysts
-Inexpensive Metals
-Precious Metals
-Metallic Compounds
Aluminosilicates
-Zeolites
-Molecular Sieves
Chemical Compounds
-Peroxides
-Acids
-Amines
-Others
Others
By Petroleum Refining Application
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
Hydrocracking
Hydrotreating
Alkylation
Reforming
Isomerization
By Chemical Synthesis Application
Organic Synthesis
Oxidation
Hydrogenation
Dehydrogenation
Synthesis Gas Processes
By Polymerization Application
Polyolefins
Condensation Polymers
Thermosetting Polymers
Additional Polymers

13 Company Profiles
13.1 Company Snapshot
13.2 SWOT Profiles
13.3 Products and Services
13.4 Recent Developments
13.5 Financial Profile
BASF SE
Bayer Technology Services
Catalytic Distillation Technologies
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
Clariant AG
Dow Inc
Eastman Chemical Company
Eka Chemicals AB
Evonik Industries AG
Exxon Mobil Corp
Honeywell International Inc
INEOS Technologies
Johnson Matthey Plc
KBR Inc
Nova Chemicals Corp
W.R. Grace & Co.
Wako Chemicals USA Inc
Zeochem LLC
Zeolyst International

14 Appendix
14.1 Customization Offerings
14.2 Subscription Services
14.3 Related Reports
14.4 Publisher Expertise

By Material
Metals and Organometallic Catalysts
-Inexpensive Metals
-Precious Metals
-Metallic Compounds
Aluminosilicates
-Zeolites
-Molecular Sieves
Chemical Compounds
-Peroxides
-Acids
-Amines
-Others
Others
By Petroleum Refining Application
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
Hydrocracking
Hydrotreating
Alkylation
Reforming
Isomerization
By Chemical Synthesis Application
Organic Synthesis
Oxidation
Hydrogenation
Dehydrogenation
Synthesis Gas Processes
By Polymerization Application
Polyolefins
Condensation Polymers
Thermosetting Polymers
Additional Polymers
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)