Antimony-Based and Antimony-Free Catalyst for Polyester Market Research Report by Type (Antimony Trioxide, Antimony Triacetate, Antimony Glycolate, Others), by Application [Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) (Fibers, Bottles and Containers, Films and Sheets

The antimony-based polyester market achieved USD 493,284.8 thousand in revenue in 2023 and is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast year. Recording USD 177,285.4 thousand in revenue in 2023, the Antimony-Free Catalyst for Polyester Market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% during 2024–2032. Antimony-based and antimony-free catalysts refer to two categories of chemical compounds used to produce polyester. Antimony-based catalysts have been the main actors in the markets because of their ability to offer good performances at a lower cost, their thermal stability, and their reproducible results in mass production. In contrast, antimony-free catalysts are coming into play as the next generation of eco-friendly alternatives that could involve less environmental burden without losing the advantage of being high-quality products.

The market for catalysts in polyester production is globally largely influenced by the prevailing use of antimony-based systems that are characterized by their reliability, low cost, and the capability of giving high-quality output regardless of the scale. A complex and accurate polymerization, as needed for polyester (application in textiles and PET packaging), can be perfectly fulfilled by catalysts such as antimony trioxide and antimony acetate. These catalysts not only facilitate the reaction but also help to tailor the polymer's physical and mechanical properties, such as the strength of the chemical product, and also make it more transparent if it was previously opaque. They possess all the qualities that make them absolutely necessary for manufacturing on a large scale. Nevertheless, the industry is increasingly grappling with regulatory as well as public health concerns with the issue of residual antimony in PET products, particularly those that are in contact with food and beverages.

Safety standards, such as the 20 ppb limit set by WHO and the 6 ppb limit by EPA, are becoming stricter, requiring producers to seek solutions in the likes of titanium and germanium catalysts. Furthermore, there is a supply chain issue as it is highly dependent on China, which, despite having to cut production due to strict environmental regulations and resource depletion, is still leading in the world's antimony output by almost 50%. This has impacted the manufacturers in terms of the stability of the prices and availability of the supply. The great increase in the demand for PET packaging, which is giving rise to the food, beverage, and personal care industry, is the silver lining for the industry.

Market Segmentation Insights
Antimony Trioxide, Antimony Triacetate, Antimony Glycolate, and Others are part of the types of global antimony-based catalysts. The antimony-free catalyst for polyester market is segmented into titanium-based catalysts, germanium-based catalysts, aluminum-based catalysts, zirconium-based catalysts, phosphorus-based catalysts, organic catalysts, and others.
The global antimony-based and antimony-free catalyst for the polyester market is segmented based on the application, comprising Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), and others. PET is further segmented into fibres, bottles and containers, and others, while PBT is also divided into automotive parts, electrical and electronics, industrial & mechanical equipment.
In terms of end-use industry, the global market is classified into textile, packaging, automotive, electrical & electronics, industrial machinery, consumer goods, medical & healthcare, building & construction, and others.

Regional Perspectives
North America is a solid market for catalysts that are used to make polyester, and this is largely due to demand from packaging, automotive, textiles, and construction. The U.S. as well as Canada are big consumers of PET in the form of bottles, containers, and films, and the use of recycled PET (rPET) is growing. This is mainly because companies are setting more ambitious sustainability targets. Car producers in the area are also using polyester composites in the production of light vehicle parts for the purpose of meeting the efficiency of fuel and EV design-related goals. Also, the consumption of energy-efficient building projects has risen, especially with the use of polyester-based insulation and coatings.
Europe has a market for polyester catalysts that depends on very strict laws that protect the environment and also on the importance given to recycling. The countries like Germany, France, Italy, and the U.K. are the leading ones that consume polyester in the areas of packaging, textiles, and automotive. The clean recycling systems in the region contribute to the demand for catalysts that can help keep the resin pure in those rPET products. Besides that, environmental textile projects and the development of lightweight composites for electric vehicles are pushing both antimony-based and alternative catalyst sectors.
APAC is still the biggest user and producer of polyester, and China, India, Japan, and South Korea are the main contributors. Firstly, China has the largest PET resin and fiber production due to its manufacturing scale and well-organized supply chain. Secondly, the rapidly developing Indian textiles industry and the packaging sector that is about to take off are making the demand for high-efficiency catalysts soar. Thirdly, the consumption habits of the newly prosperous middle class in terms of packaged goods and electronics have also contributed to the steady demand for polyester-based materials.
South America continues to broaden its reliance on polyester, with Brazil, Argentina, and Chile leading the way. The packaging industry, particularly for the region's beverages and food, is the main driver of the demand for PET resin. The textile industry in Brazil uses polyester fibers as the main source of clothing and sportswear. Besides this, the expansion of car manufacturing and the development of public works have increased the use of polyester composites to a greater extent.
MEA is developing its polyester catalyst market, driven by packaging, textiles, and construction. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and Egypt are key consumers, with PET bottles and flexible packaging seeing rising demand. North African textile hubs like Egypt and Morocco rely on polyester for both apparel and home fabrics. Polyester composites are increasingly used in automotive and building applications due to their durability and cost advantages.

Major Competitors
Key competitors in the global antimony-based and antimony-free catalyst for polyester market are Dorf Ketal, Zhejiang Lixing Technology Co., Ltd., FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, SAKAI CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO. LTD., Borica Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Group, Yiyang City Huachang Antimony Industry Co., Ltd., AMG Antimony SICA, Suzuhiro Chemical Co., Ltd., Matrix (Guangzhou) Metamaterials Co., Ltd., Toyobo, Alfa Chemistry, Campine, Nihon Seiko Co., Ltd., Catalynt, W.R. Grace & Co., American Elements, and Tosoh Corporation. Show more