The United Kingdom (UK) carbon dioxide (CO2) market is an essential component of the nation’s environmental and industrial landscape. As of 2024, the market achieved a significant volume of 725.8 kilotons (KMT) and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5% during the period from 2025 to 2034. By 2034, the market volume is projected to reach 840.5 KMT. This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the UK carbon dioxide market, covering its size, trends, growth drivers, market analysis, and forecasts, while also highlighting key players in the industry.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Overview
The UK carbon dioxide market plays a crucial role in various sectors, including food and beverage, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial processes. CO2 is used for carbonating soft drinks, enhancing greenhouse growth, producing dry ice, and in fire extinguishing systems. With an increasing demand for CO2 from these industries, the market has seen consistent growth in recent years. The market’s focus on sustainability, combined with governmental and industrial efforts to reduce emissions, is driving innovations in carbon capture and storage technologies, further shaping the future of the CO2 industry.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Size
In 2024, the market volume of CO2 in the United Kingdom reached 725.8 KMT. This size reflects the ongoing demand across key sectors. The food and beverage industry remains the largest consumer of CO2 in the UK, with carbonated beverages and food preservation applications driving consumption. Other significant applications include the use of CO2 in industrial processes such as welding and enhanced oil recovery.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Trends
Several key trends are influencing the UK carbon dioxide market:
Sustainability and Environmental Focus: The UK is increasingly prioritizing carbon neutrality and sustainability goals, leading to a shift towards more sustainable CO2 production methods, such as capturing CO2 from industrial emissions.
Food and Beverage Growth: The continued expansion of the food and beverage industry, particularly in carbonated beverages and the demand for dry ice, is contributing to steady CO2 consumption.
Carbon Capture and Utilization: There is growing investment in carbon capture technologies to mitigate environmental impact while utilizing CO2 in beneficial ways. This trend is expected to accelerate as industries look for sustainable alternatives to traditional CO2 production.
Industrial Demand: CO2’s use in welding, fire suppression systems, and enhanced oil recovery continues to drive demand across various sectors, particularly in the manufacturing and energy industries.
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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 UK carbon dioxide market is poised for steady growth over the coming decade. The market is projected to witness a CAGR of 1.5% from 2025 to 2034, driven by ongoing industrial needs and the adoption of green technologies. Government regulations focused on reducing emissions and promoting the use of CO2 in sustainable applications will play a significant role in shaping market dynamics.
Factors contributing to market growth include:
Increasing Demand from the Food and Beverage Sector: The growing consumption of carbonated drinks, especially with the rise of new soft drink brands, continues to be a key factor.
Regulatory Support for Green Technologies: The UK government’s emphasis on carbon capture technologies and policies supporting industrial decarbonization will likely drive innovations in CO2 production and usage.
Technological Advancements in CO2 Production: Innovations aimed at improving CO2 extraction from industrial processes and reducing CO2 emissions are expected to boost market demand.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Analysis
The UK carbon dioxide market is largely influenced by supply and demand within the primary industries that use CO2. The food and beverage sector holds a dominant share, followed by industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. While traditional CO2 production methods still dominate, there is an increasing shift towards more sustainable practices, with greater focus on carbon capture and storage. This shift will enhance the long-term viability of the market while also addressing environmental concerns.
The market is also affected by the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and moving toward a circular carbon economy. With these priorities in place, market players are increasingly aligning their strategies with global sustainability goals.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Forecast
Looking ahead, the UK carbon dioxide market is projected to grow steadily over the next decade. By 2034, the market volume is expected to reach 840.5 KMT, reflecting a steady demand for CO2 across its main applications.
Key factors influencing the forecast include:
- Expansion of Green Technologies: The development of CO2 utilization technologies, such as carbon capture and utilization (CCU), will open new market opportunities.
- Regulatory Changes: The UK’s commitment to decarbonization and net-zero emissions by 2050 will create a favorable environment for growth in sustainable CO2 production and usage.
- Sectoral Growth: The food and beverage sector’s expansion, along with ongoing technological advancements in other industries, will ensure a stable demand for CO2.
Competitor Analysis in the United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market
The UK carbon dioxide market is competitive, with numerous players involved in the production, distribution, and utilization of CO2. Key competitors include:
Ensus UK Limited: A leading producer of CO2 from bioethanol production, Ensus plays a crucial role in supplying the UK market with sustainable CO2 sourced from renewable processes.
BioCarbonics Ltd.: Specializing in the production of CO2 from fermentation processes, BioCarbonics is a key player focused on green production methods.
Tata Chemicals Europe Limited: Tata Chemicals is one of the largest manufacturers of CO2 in the UK, serving a range of industries, including food and beverage, and chemicals.
Yara International ASA: As a global chemical company, Yara produces CO2 for industrial use, and its operations in the UK contribute to meeting the growing demand for CO2.
Air Products PLC: Air Products is a leading supplier of industrial gases, including CO2, and serves industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Nippon Gases: Nippon Gases is a major supplier of CO2 to the UK market, serving sectors ranging from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.
Progases (UK) Ltd: A UK-based industrial gas supplier, Progases is focused on providing CO2 and other gases to industrial applications, including food preservation and beverage carbonation.
Others: In addition to the above, numerous smaller players are active in the market, contributing to the competitive landscape and offering various CO2 production and distribution solutions.
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