United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market: Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2025-2034
The United Kingdom has a diversified industrial landscape, with several key sectors relying on carbon dioxide (CO₂) for a variety of applications.

The United Kingdom carbon dioxide (CO₂) market plays a crucial role in various industries such as food and beverages, chemicals, healthcare, and manufacturing. With the increasing demand for CO₂ across these sectors, the United Kingdom’s carbon dioxide market is poised for steady growth. In 2024, the market achieved a volume of 725.80 KMT (kilotons), and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50% from 2025 to 2034, reaching a volume of 842.32 KMT by 2034. This article explores the current state of the UK carbon dioxide market, its trends, growth opportunities, and challenges, alongside a detailed competitor analysis.
Overview of the United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market
The United Kingdom has a diversified industrial landscape, with several key sectors relying on carbon dioxide (CO₂) for a variety of applications. CO₂ is used in the food and beverage industry for carbonation, in chemical processes, and as a refrigerant, among other applications. The demand for CO₂ in these industries, combined with the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable economy, has resulted in a dynamic and evolving market.
The carbon dioxide market in the United Kingdom is driven by several factors, including the growing industrial production, increasing adoption of CO₂ in various applications, and the increasing demand for sustainable practices. The market is characterized by significant contributions from both natural and industrial CO₂ sources, which have formed the foundation for the growing demand in the country.
United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market Size & Share
In 2024, the United Kingdom carbon dioxide market attained a volume of 725.80 KMT, reflecting the steady demand across various industries. With a market share concentrated among key players, this market is expected to experience moderate growth over the next decade.
The market is primarily segmented by application, with food and beverages, chemical industries, and industrial applications being the largest consumers of CO₂ in the UK. The food and beverage industry is the dominant sector in the CO₂ market, as carbon dioxide is used for carbonating drinks, freezing food, and in other preservation processes.
From a geographical perspective, the CO₂ market is centered around industrial hubs like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, with demand spread across the country. With the increasing focus on environmental sustainability, the UK government has been promoting carbon capture technologies, which may influence market growth in the coming years.
Market Dynamics & Trends
Several market dynamics and trends are shaping the future of the carbon dioxide market in the United Kingdom. These include:
Increasing Demand from the Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage sector remains one of the largest consumers of carbon dioxide. CO₂ is extensively used for carbonation in beverages, particularly in soft drinks, sparkling water, and beer. In addition to carbonation, CO₂ plays a key role in food preservation, such as in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. As consumer preferences for carbonated beverages and preserved foods increase, demand for CO₂ in the food and beverage industry is expected to continue growing.
CO₂ as a Sustainable Solution
The increasing need for sustainable practices across industries has led to a growing demand for CO₂ in applications such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The UK government’s push for low-carbon technologies and decarbonization of industries is creating new opportunities for CO₂ utilization. CO₂ capture and storage technologies have gained traction in the country, with large-scale projects in progress that will capture CO₂ from industrial emissions and store it underground, thus contributing to a cleaner environment.
Industrial Applications of CO₂
Apart from food and beverage applications, CO₂ is used in various other industrial processes such as in the chemical industry for producing urea and methanol. The increasing need for chemicals in industries such as agriculture, automotive, and manufacturing further contributes to the growth of the CO₂ market. Additionally, CO₂ is used in industrial refrigeration systems, where it serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants.
Technological Advancements in Carbon Capture
Advancements in CO₂ capture and utilization technologies are expected to open new opportunities in the market. New technologies that convert CO₂ into valuable by-products, such as biofuels or other chemicals, could redefine the CO₂ market in the coming years. Companies in the UK are increasingly investing in research and development to discover innovative solutions to recycle and reuse CO₂.
Growth of the United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market
The United Kingdom's carbon dioxide market is expected to witness steady growth over the next decade. This growth is anticipated to be fueled by various factors, such as:
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Increasing Demand for Carbonated Beverages: The growing preference for sparkling water, carbonated soft drinks, and alcohol-based beverages drives the demand for CO₂. As consumer habits continue to shift, the food and beverage industry remains the largest market for CO₂.
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Sustainability Trends: With increasing government initiatives and regulations aimed at reducing carbon footprints, industries are exploring CO₂ as a resource for sustainable practices. This includes its use in carbon capture and storage systems, enhanced oil recovery, and converting CO₂ into useful chemicals.
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Technological Innovation: Innovations in CO₂ capture, storage, and utilization are expected to present new growth avenues in the market. Companies that invest in these technologies will contribute to both environmental sustainability and the market’s expansion.
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Industrial Expansion: As the UK's industrial sector grows, so does the demand for CO₂ in chemical manufacturing, metal production, and other industrial processes. The adoption of CO₂ in these industries is expected to increase as companies look for sustainable solutions to meet environmental targets.
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Market Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities in the United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market
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Growth in the Carbon Capture Industry: One of the most promising opportunities in the UK carbon dioxide market is the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. With government backing, CCS projects are gaining traction, and CO₂ captured through these methods could be used for various applications, including EOR and production of biofuels.
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Expansion of Food and Beverage Applications: The increasing consumer demand for healthier and sustainable food products, such as plant-based alternatives and preservative-free items, provides an opportunity for growth in CO₂ applications like packaging and food preservation.
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Emerging Chemical Applications: Innovations in the chemical sector, such as the use of CO₂ to produce sustainable chemicals or synthetic fuels, open new markets for CO₂. This is expected to boost demand and offer fresh avenues for growth.
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Government Policies and Incentives: The UK government’s focus on reducing carbon emissions is driving the adoption of low-carbon technologies, including CO₂ capture and utilization. Financial incentives and subsidies to businesses adopting green technologies could further stimulate market growth.
Challenges in the United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market
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High Costs of CO₂ Capture Technologies: While advancements in carbon capture technologies hold promise, they often come with high upfront costs. This could be a barrier for smaller companies or industries looking to adopt these technologies.
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Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The carbon dioxide supply chain is vulnerable to disruptions, as it depends on the production of CO₂ from natural gas and other industrial processes. Any disruption in these production channels could lead to supply shortages, affecting industries reliant on CO₂.
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Environmental Concerns: Despite its growing use in sustainable applications, CO₂ is still a greenhouse gas. The challenges associated with large-scale CO₂ utilization could include environmental concerns around long-term storage and the potential for leaks from storage facilities.
Competitor Analysis in the United Kingdom Carbon Dioxide Market
Several key players dominate the United Kingdom’s carbon dioxide market. These companies are primarily involved in CO₂ production, distribution, and supply for various industrial applications.
Ensus UK Limited
Ensus UK Limited is one of the leading producers of CO₂ in the UK. The company is known for its extensive distribution network and its focus on renewable energy, which contributes to its sustainability efforts.
BioCarbonics Ltd.
BioCarbonics Ltd. focuses on the development of CO₂ recovery and reuse technologies. The company serves industries such as food and beverage and chemicals, providing solutions to optimize CO₂ usage and reduce environmental impact.
Tata Chemicals Europe Limited
Tata Chemicals is a global player in the CO₂ market. The company operates in the UK, supplying CO₂ for various industrial uses, including in the food and beverage industry and for use in chemicals.
Yara International ASA
Yara International is a major player in the UK’s CO₂ market, particularly within the agricultural sector. The company supplies CO₂ for fertilizer production and other industrial applications.
Air Products PLC
Air Products is a leading supplier of industrial gases, including CO₂. The company’s extensive infrastructure allows it to serve various sectors, including healthcare, food, and industrial manufacturing.
BOC Limited (Linde)
BOC, part of the Linde Group, is one of the largest suppliers of CO₂ in the UK. The company operates in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing.
Air Liquide UK Ltd
Air Liquide is a prominent industrial gases company, providing CO₂ for diverse applications. The company focuses on sustainable solutions for CO₂ utilization, particularly in industrial processes and energy.
Nippon Gases
Nippon Gases specializes in providing CO₂ for industrial applications such as chemical manufacturing, food and beverage production, and refrigeration.
Progases (UK) Ltd
Progases supplies CO₂ to the UK market for a variety of uses, including carbonation in beverages and food preservation.
Others
Other notable players in the market include companies that provide CO₂ supply services to specific industries or local regions, contributing to the competitive dynamics of the UK carbon dioxide market.
The United Kingdom carbon dioxide market is on a steady growth trajectory, with a projected CAGR of 1.50% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is driven by demand from various sectors, including food and beverage, chemicals, and manufacturing, along with government support for sustainable practices. While there are challenges such as the high costs of CO₂ capture and supply chain vulnerabilities, the market offers significant opportunities in carbon capture technologies and the increasing use of CO₂ in sustainable applications. With key players like Ensus UK, BioCarbonics, and Air Liquide, the UK market remains competitive and continues to evolve with the growing demand for CO₂ solutions.
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