Emission Control Catalyst for Motorcycle Market (2025 - 2035)

Emission Control Catalyst for Motorcycle Market Analysis 2025 to 2035

Demand for emission control catalysts for motorcycles is estimated to drive the market to a valuation of USD 3.8 billion in 2025. Sales is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, reaching USD 6.7 billion by 2035. The market growth is being driven by increasingly stringent global emission regulations and adoption of advanced after-treatment systems in two-wheelers.

Regulatory mandates have intensified across Asia-Pacific, where motorcycles account for a major share of daily commuting. In 2024, the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways extended the Bharat Stage VI norms to include two-wheelers under Real Driving Emission (RDE) conditions.

This move was followed by Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry announcing in its February 2025 bulletin that Euro 5-equivalent norms for motorcycles would come into effect by mid-2026. These regulatory changes have compelled OEMs to integrate catalysts like palladium-based three-way catalysts into newer models.

OEMs are responding with updated engine platforms. Honda Motor Co. confirmed in a 2024 sustainability report that more than 80% of its motorcycles shipped to Southeast Asia are now equipped with emission catalysts. In a press release, Tetsuya Kobayashi, CEO of Cataler Corporation, stated that demand from Asia is being met with localized catalyst production to ensure quicker lead times and lower costs.

The use of platinum group metals (PGMs) in catalyst formulations has also advanced. A 2025 technical note by Heraeus Precious Metals stated that hybrid catalyst coatings, which combine rhodium and palladium layers, have improved conversion efficiency in compact engines under high heat conditions. These innovations help meet both emission and durability expectations. Manufacturers are also shifting toward washcoat technologies that reduce precious metal usage without compromising performance.

The electric vehicle transition remains a challenge in the automotive sector. However, industry leaders view emission control catalysts as critical for hybrid and small-engine motorcycles, particularly in countries where electrification is slower. In a 2025 earnings call, Umicore’s CEO Mathias Miedreich explained that legacy internal combustion motorcycles will dominate in emerging markets for another decade, and catalyst technologies will remain central to emission compliance strategies.

Efforts to stabilize supply chains and manage rising PGM costs have led to backward integration and recycling initiatives. Johnson Matthey’s 2025 corporate update highlighted its investment in PGM recycling facilities in Thailand to support catalyst production for two-wheelers.

Analyzing Emission Control Catalyst for Motorcycle Market by Top Investment Segments

Rising Demand for Emission Control Catalysts in Motorcycles

Emission Control Catalyst for Motorcycle market is witnessing a growth at a very high rate as the environmental agencies has defined very restrictive regulations to control the emission of the vehicles. As emission norms tighten around the world, motorcycle and scooter makers are making the progression towards advanced catalytic converters. They function as catalysts to minimize detrimental compounds in exhaust gasses (such as CO, HC and NOx), helping with minimizing air pollution and being in compliance with regulations.

Increasing production of two wheel vehicles, especially in developing nations where motorcycles serve as the main source of transportation, also drives the demand for emission controls in motorcycles. More thermally stable catalyst formulations with enhanced conversion help manufacturers help meet evolving emission requirements. The rising shift in consumer preference towards the fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles is also driving the market demand.

Palladium-Based Catalysts Leading the Market by Product Type

It is well known that there are different catalyst types, and the main part of market dominancy is that of palladium-based catalysts which have excellent oxidation properties that help reduce harmful emissions. Platinum-based catalysts also account for a significant share of the segments of high-performance motorcycles that need more advanced emission controls.

Rhodium-supported catalysts, the unsung forerunners of lower temperature NOx reduction, often account for a fraction of the expected production of oxidation catalysts and sustain overall higher performance of the catalyst. The manufacturers are seeking performance and economy, leading to other catalyst formulations.

The emerging solution is such hybrid catalyst systems consisting of multiple noble metals in one nanostructure achieving high conversion efficiency. Performance of the catalyst wash coat technology and the substrate materials are being aggressively developed further to comply with stringent adsorb emissions legislation such as Euro 5 and BS-VI. These changes will, in turn, lead to widespread use of emission control catalysts in current-day two-wheeler.

Motorbikes as the Dominant Application Segment

The prominent application segment of emission control catalysts is motorbikes owing to higher production volume compared to other vehicles and availability of these vehicles in urban as well as rural areas. As motorcycle emission regulations become more stringent, the need for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly two-wheelers is rising, resulting in the use of high-tech catalytic converters in motorbikes.

Enabling them to establish a degree of market control within this segment and other products, scooter traffic is increasing as it becomes more popular among urban commuters. As governments impose stringent emission regulations, manufacturers are implementing advanced catalyst systems in their scooters to meet standards.

While electric scooters are becoming a larger portion of the market, they don't represent demand destruction in traditional catalyst markets as there is still robust demand for low-emission ICE scooters in a number of regions.

OEMs as the Primary End-Use Segment

The emission control catalyst market is segmented into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket; the OEM segment is expected to dominate the market owing to the strict regulatory norm that governs the integration of such catalysts into vehicles by motorcycle manufacturers. With increased emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, OEMs are also feeling pressure to implement advanced emission control technologies in their production lines.

In addition, the retrofit segment is also growing, especially in areas with government initiatives that encourage existing motorcycles to be upgraded with more advanced emission control systems. A potential solution to an increasing urban air pollution including older two wheelers continuing to pollute is to retrofit these older motorcycles with an advanced catalyst which is found to be much cheaper than buying a new motorcycle with emission norm compliance.

Regional Market Trends

North America

The North American ECC market for motorcycles is primarily driven by strict emission regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with increasing penetration of electric and hybrid motorcycles. In the US and Canada, we've been developing and testing more efficient versions of catalytic converters that meet federally mandated emission standards. Other factors driving the market are technological advancements and an ever-increasing awareness of the need for clean transportation among consumers.

Europe

Europe is a major market for ECCS for motorcycles, thanks to stringent Euro 5 and future Euro 6 emission regulations. So Germany, France and UK countries are stressing the use of high-performance catalysts to reduce pollution. Moreover, the growing presence of leading motorcycle manufacturers and regular innovations in emission reduction technology present lucrative opportunities for market growth. Demand is also further increased by government incentives for low-emission vehicles and other sustainable transportation solutions.

Asia-Pacific

The ECC market is projected to be dominated by the Asia-Pacific region owing to the rapid growth of urbanization, increasing motorcycle manufacturing, and stringent emissions legislations in major nations like China, India, and Japan. India has also rolled out Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) norms and this has led to a spike in demand for advanced catalytic converters. Increasing environmental consciousness and government programs to reduce air pollution will drive market growth.

Rest of the World

ECCs are gradually gaining traction across Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, as governments enforce stronger environmental policies. Demand for catalytic converters are likely to increase in countries such as Brazil and Mexico, where stricter emission norms are being implemented

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenge

Stringent Emission Regulations and Compliance Costs

The worldwide growing stringent emission regulations are anticipated to hinder the growth of the Emission Control Catalyst for Motorcycle Market. With regulations such as European Union (EURO 5) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introducing stringent motorcycle emission limits, manufacturers are required to make big investments in advanced catalytic technologies. These evolving regulations also require strict compliance, which increases production costs and necessitates ongoing investments in research and development.

Material Cost Fluctuations and Supply Chain Constraints

The cost of precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, which are used in emission control catalysts, represents a key challenge for all stakeholders in the market Raw material costs are subject to variations in cost and supply disruptions, potentially impacting catalytic solutions' price and availability to manufacturers and end-users.

Opportunity

Advancements in Catalyst Technology and Efficiency

Innovation in emission control catalysts (like new high-efficiency low-cost alternatives) has huge opportunities. "Beyond less reliance on expensive materials, performance can also be improved through nanotechnology based catalysts, developed coating technologies, and hybrid catalytic converter systems."

Rising Demand for Sustainable and Electric-Hybrid Motorcycles

There is increasing demand for advanced emission control solutions with the trend towards hybrid-electric motorcycles and smart mobility. For the manufacturers, opportunities exist to combine low-emission catalysts and hybrid systems, so as slowly to bring their products up to date with the market for two-wheelers.

Shifts in the Emission Control Catalyst for Motorcycle Market from 2020 to 2024 and Future Trends 2025 to 2035.

By 2020, stricter emission standards were adopted, leading to significant growth in the Emission Control Catalyst for Motorcycle Market between the years 2020 to 2024. Several top motorcycle manufacturers across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific have focused on complying with EURO 5 & Bharat Stage VI, which further hampered the demand for advanced catalyst solutions. Nonetheless, supply chain disruptions, volatile metal prices and the shift towards electric mobility hindered the growth of the market.

Now, analysing the 2025 to 2035 Period Key Trends, the market will undergo shifting towards next-generation catalytic technologies, alignment of alternative catalyst materials and transitions towards electric and hybrid motorcycles.

Market growth will be determined by the dissemination of urban air quality initiatives, government incentives for lower-emission vehicles and ongoing R&D into increasing catalyst efficiency. The next phase of growth in the market will be driven by manufacturers that invest in material sustainability, cost effective catalyst designs, and integration with hybrid motorcycle systems.

Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035.

Country-wise Outlook

United States

stringent emission regulations laid down by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a major driving force for the growth of the USA emission control catalyst market for motorcycles. Increasing usage of catalytic converters in motorcycles for lower harmful emissions is one of the major market driving factors. Demand is also being driven by increasing consumer awareness and government incentives for green vehicles.

United Kingdom

The strict emission norms and increasing focus on controlling vehicular pollution are driving the UK. market. The increasing implementations of Euro 5 legislation governing motorcycles which promote the reduction of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide from motorcycles are expected to drive the demand for advanced emission control catalysts as a major factor driving the growth of advanced emission control catalytic components.

European Union

Tired of not everyone reducing emissions in the EU, it now started taxing on motorcycles. Since the phase-in of Euro 5, manufacturers have been adopting more sophisticated and complex catalytic technologies. Growing consumer preference for fuel efficient and low emission motorcycles are also supporting the demand for motorcycles in the market.

South Korea

The emission control catalyst market for motorcycle in South Korea is influenced by the expansion of clean transportation systems underpinned by government initiatives. Comprises high tie to mitigate air pollution in the country, deli technique in catalyst business, propelling producers to downsize of high-efficiency outflows control techniques in the two wheelers.

Competitive Outlook

The motorcycle emission control catalyst market is expected to grow considerably owing to the surging environmental regulations, increasing demand for cleaner vehicles, and advancements in catalyst technology. Governments around the world have been tightening emission norms, and as such, manufacturers have had to switch to advanced catalytic converters to limit harmful exhaust emissions.

Catalyst materials are backbone for fuel cell systems, in which platinum, palladium and rhodium play a prominent role, is a factor driving the market along with adoption of electric motorcycles as supplementary zero-emission mobility solution.

Market Share Analysis by Key Players & Manufacturers

Key Company & Product Offerings

Key Market Insights

BASF SE (18-22%)

Ingenious emission control technologies such as three-way catalysts and novel coating solutions position BASF as the world market leader in these product types.

Johnson Matthey Plc (15-20%)

Johnson Matthey has strong expertise in cost-competitive and high-performing catalysis with limited reliance on platinum group metals.

Umicore N.V. (12-16%)

About Umicore: Umicore is a global materials technology group focused on sustainable emission control technologies..

Tenneco Inc. (8-12%)

Tenneco's robust and efficient catalytic systems are tailored for the latest environmental regulations for two-wheelers.

Corning Incorporated (5-9%)

Corning designs ceramic substrates and catalyst support material, both vital to unlocking catalytic converter potential.

Other Key Players (30-40% Combined)

The emission control catalyst market is also driven by various other industry leaders and emerging players offering cutting-edge catalytic solutions, including:

• Haldor Topsoe (Innovative catalyst formulations for high-efficiency emission reduction)
• CDTi Advanced Materials (Next-gen catalytic coatings for lower emission motorcycles)
• Cataler Corporation (Japan-based manufacturer of advanced emission control catalysts)
• N.E. Chemcat Corporation (Platinum-based catalysts for automotive and motorcycle applications)
• W.R. Grace & Co. (Development of high-performance catalyst technologies for emission reduction)

Emission Control Catalyst for Motorcycle Market Segmentation

By Product:

• Palladium based catalyst
• Platinum based catalyst
• Rhodium based catalyst
• Others

By Application:

• Motorbikes
• Scooters

By End Use:

• OEM
• Retrofit

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa