United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Trends, Share & Forecast 2025-2034
The United Kingdom’s carbon dioxide (CO2) market plays a crucial role in various industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, oil and gas, and chemicals. CO2 is used extensively for applications including carbonation in beverages, medical purposes (such as respiratory treatments), and enhanced oil recovery. Additionally, the gas is essential in numerous industrial processes, making it an integral part of the UK’s industrial landscape.
In 2024, the carbon dioxide market in the UK reached a volume of approximately 725.80 KMT (Kilotonnes). This market is expected to grow at a steady pace with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50% from 2025 to 2034, reaching a projected volume of 842.32 KMT by 2034. The market growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for CO2 in various industries, along with advancements in CO2 capture and utilization technologies.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Size
The UK carbon dioxide market in 2024 stood at a volume of 725.80 KMT, reflecting the significant demand for CO2 across multiple sectors. The largest applications of CO2 in the UK include the food and beverage industry, where it is used for carbonation and preservation, and in healthcare, where it is employed for respiratory treatments and anesthesia. Additionally, CO2 is vital in the oil and gas industry for enhanced oil recovery and in various manufacturing processes.
Looking ahead, the market is expected to grow gradually at a CAGR of 1.50%, reaching a volume of 842.32 KMT by 2034. The relatively slow but steady growth of the market can be attributed to the consistent need for CO2 across these critical industries, as well as growing investments in carbon capture technologies and CO2 utilization.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Trends
Several trends are influencing the United Kingdom carbon dioxide market:
Sustainability and Environmental Focus: The UK government and businesses are placing greater emphasis on reducing carbon emissions. As a result, there is increasing interest in carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies that transform CO2 into valuable products, such as biofuels, chemicals, and materials. This trend is driving new investment in CO2-related technologies.
Increased Demand in the Food & Beverage Industry: The food and beverage industry remains the largest consumer of CO2 in the UK, primarily for the carbonation of soft drinks, beer, and other carbonated beverages. The rising demand for sparkling water and fizzy drinks is contributing to steady demand for CO2 in the beverage industry.
Technological Advancements in CO2 Capture: As part of the UK’s broader climate goals, significant advancements are being made in CO2 capture and storage (CCS) technologies. This includes capturing CO2 from industrial processes and utilizing it for commercial purposes. Such innovations help reduce the overall carbon footprint and contribute to a circular economy.
Health and Medical Applications: The healthcare sector’s demand for CO2, especially for applications such as anesthesia and respiratory treatments, is expected to remain stable. As the medical industry continues to evolve with new treatments, CO2’s role in medical applications is likely to grow.
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United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Segmentation
Source:
Ammonia
Ethyl Alcohol
Substitute Natural Gas and CCU
Production:
Biological
Combustion
End Use:
Food and Beverages
Oil and Gas
Medical
Metal Fabrication
Others
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Growth
The United Kingdom carbon dioxide market is projected to witness steady growth in the coming years, driven by several factors:
Industrial Applications: As industrial sectors like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals continue to expand, the need for CO2 will persist. The food and beverage sector, in particular, will continue to be a major driver, with carbonation processes used in producing soft drinks, beer, and other carbonated beverages.
Technological Advancements in Carbon Capture: Advancements in CO2 capture and storage technologies are expected to increase the availability of CO2 for industrial use, supporting long-term market growth. These technologies are being developed with a focus on reducing emissions and using captured CO2 as a raw material in various applications.
Growing Focus on Carbon Neutrality: The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has spurred interest in innovative CO2 utilization methods. This includes turning CO2 into useful products, such as chemicals, fuels, and construction materials, which can provide a sustainable way of addressing emissions.
Healthcare Sector Demand: The continued need for CO2 in medical procedures, including respiratory therapy, medical imaging, and anesthesia, will contribute to market growth. Additionally, as the population ages and healthcare demands increase, the healthcare sector is expected to maintain a steady demand for CO2.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Analysis
The carbon dioxide market in the UK is analyzed across various sectors, with food and beverage and healthcare leading the way in demand. The market is primarily driven by industrial usage, where CO2 serves as an essential raw material in manufacturing, cooling, and refrigeration processes. The steady demand from these industries provides a strong foundation for the UK’s CO2 market.
Key players in the industry are increasingly focused on providing high-quality CO2 and exploring opportunities for CO2 capture, storage, and utilization. Market competition is centered around technological advancements, sustainability efforts, and the ability to cater to a diverse range of industries with high-quality and cost-effective CO2 solutions.
In addition to these traditional sectors, the market is also being shaped by innovations in the oil and gas industry, where CO2 is used for enhanced oil recovery. As global oil demand fluctuates, the consistent use of CO2 in these applications provides a steady market for this gas.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Forecast
Looking ahead, the United Kingdom carbon dioxide market is expected to reach a volume of 842.32 KMT by 2034. The projected growth of 1.50% CAGR between 2025 and 2034 is driven by several key factors:
Sustained Industrial Demand: As industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, and chemicals continue to expand, CO2 consumption is projected to remain stable, providing a solid foundation for market growth.
Technological Innovations: The rise of carbon capture and utilization technologies will help drive sustainable use of CO2, reducing emissions while providing new opportunities for CO2 in various industries, including renewable energy, chemicals, and manufacturing.
Government Regulations: The UK’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is expected to play a significant role in shaping the carbon dioxide market. The market will benefit from increased focus on sustainable practices, and new regulatory frameworks may encourage the use of CO2 for beneficial purposes.
Competitor Analysis in the United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market
The UK carbon dioxide market is highly competitive, with several key players that dominate the landscape. These companies focus on offering high-quality CO2, innovative capture technologies, and sustainable solutions to meet the growing demand.
BOC Limited (Linde) – As one of the largest suppliers of industrial gases in the UK, BOC Limited (a part of the Linde Group) plays a significant role in the carbon dioxide market. The company provides CO2 for a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, and chemicals.
Air Liquide UK Ltd – Air Liquide is another major player in the UK carbon dioxide market. The company is committed to developing innovative CO2 solutions, including carbon capture and utilization technologies, to meet the growing demand for sustainable practices.
Nippon Gases – A leading supplier of industrial gases, Nippon Gases provides CO2 to multiple industries, including the food and beverage sector, and focuses on offering high-quality and cost-effective solutions.
Progases (UK) Ltd – Progases is a prominent supplier of industrial gases, including CO2, in the UK. The company focuses on customer service and the reliable supply of gases to various industries, such as food and beverage and healthcare.
Others – Other notable players in the UK carbon dioxide market include Messer Group, Praxair, and Air Products, each offering a range of CO2 solutions to meet the needs of different industries.
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