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CATALYSTS INDUSTRY BOOMS AS ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES DRIVE DEMAND

LONDON, May 5, 2004 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- Evolving technologies that enable more environmentally-friendly processes, higher selectivity, and cost efficiencies are helping to further expand the $12.09 billion global market for catalysts.

Emission regulations are the biggest driver for most application sectors and the catalysts for environmental and chemical applications are expected to witness the highest market growth.

Countries throughout the world are introducing regulations to reduce sulphur content in gasoline and diesel. In the United States, the proposed Clear Skies legislation aims to cut power plant emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and mercury by 70 percent in the next 15 years.

NOx emission is the primary cause of acid rains. As a result, catalysts used in selective catalytic reduction technology that control these emissions are expected to experience greater demand in power, petrochemical, steel plants, metal production, paper and pulp, acid manufacturing plants, and glass industries.

"Stringent environmental legislations, while being a bane for industries such as refineries, can be a boon for catalyst manufacturers -- provided they introduce efficient catalysts at the right time," states Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Anil Naidu. "For instance, 'drop-in' catalysts that can be used with the existing refinery setup could be a preferred industry choice."

Intensive R&D activities are being undertaken to keep pace with rapidly expanding applications and customer demands. Wider acceptance by the semiconductor and automotive industries is spurring catalyst development in the global fuel cells market. Moreover, governments in several countries are encouraging companies to exploit likely opportunities for commercialisation of these technologies.

The UK Government recently set out a long-term strategy for sizeable investments toward a truly sustainable energy policy. The establishment of 'Fuel Cells UK,' for better coordination with prior fuel cell activities of the government is a significant development in this aspect.

In the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector, the increasing use of chemical asymmetric catalysis for synthesising enantiomers from chiral compounds is increasing investment in chiral catalysts. Some catalysts likely to benefit from this move are those used for hydrogenation, Sharpless and Jacobsen epoxidation, and asymmetric hydroformylation.

"Pharmaceutical drugs that were earlier marketed in racemic or mixed form are now being separated and marketed as single-enantiomer versions since they offer a cost-effective way to extend patent lifetimes, nurture development pipelines, and increase the potency of drugs," notes Naidu.

Additionally, due to the growing complexity of potential drugs and demand for optical purity, the industry is likely to increasingly adopt biocatalysts or enzymes.

Nanoparticles of clay and other materials are expected to play a significant role as catalysts in the polymerisation industry. Currently, Zeigler-Natta catalysts -- used to create unbranched polyolefin polymer chains -- dominate the industry but on-going research is focusing on highly active metallocenes and single site polyolefins. Nanoparticles of certain clays such as vermiculite and montmorillonite are capable of eliminating the need for catalyst activators, significantly reducing the cost of the polymer manufacturing process.

"Newer single-site catalysts are gaining acceptance due to their ability to control molecular architecture while delivering polymers with higher melting points," remarks Technical Insights Research Analyst Kasturi Nadkarny. "However, Zeigler-Natta catalysts are expected to sustain their market share, due to their proven reliability at low costs."

Advanced Catalysts: Global Overview of Technological Developments is part of the Materials and Chemicals Vertical Subscription Service, and comprehensively presents and assesses the latest technological R&D taking place across the global catalysts market. The research covers developments in universities, R&D centers at leading companies, and other research institutions in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, segment-wise discussions are provided on various drivers and restraints that govern the use of catalysts in chemicals, polymers, petroleum refining, and environmental applications. Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.

If you are interested in an analysis overview which provides manufacturers, end-users and other industry participants an overview, summary, challenges and latest coverage of Advanced Catalysts: Global Overview of Technology Developments, then send an e-mail to Kristina Menzefricke, European Corporate Communications at kristina.menzefricke@frost.com with your contact details and an overview will be e-mailed to you.

Technical Insights (http://www.ti.frost.com) is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services.

Frost & Sullivan, an international growth consultancy, has been supporting clients' expansion for more than four decades. Our market expertise covers a broad spectrum of industries, while our portfolio of advisory competencies includes custom strategic consulting, market intelligence, and management training. Our mission is to forge partnerships with our clients' management teams to deliver market insights and to create value and drive growth through innovative approaches. Frost & Sullivan's network of consultants, industry experts, corporate trainers, and support staff spans the globe with offices in every major country.

Advanced Catalysts: Global Overview of Technological Developments (D282)

For further information, please contact: Kristina Menzefricke, Corporate Communications, Frost & Sullivan +44 (0)20 7343 8376 Mobile: +44 (0)7711 958 915 kristina.menzefricke@frost.com

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