The Global Catalyst Used to Convert 3-HP to Acrylic Acid Market was valued at USD 78.2 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 125.8 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.3% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This significant growth is driven by the global shift towards bio-based chemicals, stringent environmental regulations, and the increasing demand for sustainable acrylic acid in super absorbent polymers, coatings, and adhesives.

As the chemical industry pivots away from petroleum-based feedstocks, the catalytic conversion of bio-derived 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) to acrylic acid has emerged as a cornerstone of the green chemistry revolution. This process hinges on advanced catalysts that enable efficient, selective, and cost-effective production. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Catalyst Market for 3-HP to Acrylic Acid Conversion—a mix of biotechnology innovators, chemical giants, and specialty catalyst developers shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing.

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Catalyst Used to Convert 3-HP to Acrylic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🔟 1. Novozymes A/S (in collaboration with Cargill)

Headquarters: Bagsværd, Denmark
Key Offering: Proprietary microbial strains and enzymatic catalysts for 3-HP production

The Novozymes and Cargill partnership is a pioneer in developing biological pathways for 3-HP production. While their primary focus is on fermentative production of 3-HP using engineered microorganisms, their R&D is integral to the upstream part of the value chain, which directly influences the quality and suitability of 3-HP for subsequent catalytic dehydration to acrylic acid.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of high-yield, sustainable fermentation processes

• Commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of chemical production

• Extensive R&D in bio-catalysis and green chemistry

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9️⃣ 2. OPX Biotechnologies (OPXBio) / Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Boulder, Colorado, USA (OPXBio)
Key Offering: Bio-acrylic acid process technology including catalysis steps

OPXBio, through its partnership with Dow, developed the BIO-ACRYLIC™ process, which uses fermented sugar to produce 3-HP, which is then catalytically dehydrated to acrylic acid. The company has expertise in the entire process, including the critical catalyst systems required for efficient conversion, aiming to provide a cost-competitive bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived acrylic acid.

Technology Initiatives:

• Proprietary catalyst development for high-selectivity dehydration

• Pilot-scale demonstration of integrated bio-acrylic acid production

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8️⃣ 3. Arkema S.A. / Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Colombes, France (Arkema); Osaka, Japan (Nippon Shokubai)
Key Offering: Advanced catalyst systems and process technology for acrylic acid production

Both Arkema and Nippon Shokubai are global leaders in acrylic acid and super absorbent polymer production. They possess deep expertise in catalysis for the conventional propylene oxidation route and are actively investing in R&D for bio-based routes, including the catalytic dehydration of 3-HP. Their extensive catalyst R&D capabilities position them as key players in developing optimized catalysts for this emerging pathway.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Research on heterogeneous acid catalysts for 3-HP dehydration

• Development of integrated bio-acrylic acid production platforms

Download FREE Sample Report:
Catalyst Used to Convert 3-HP to Acrylic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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7️⃣ 4. Novomer Inc.

Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Catalyst technology for converting bio-derived feedstocks into chemicals

Novomer specializes in catalyst technology that utilizes carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide as feedstocks. While their focus has been on polyols and other chemicals, their expertise in catalysis for converting unconventional feedstocks is highly relevant. Their knowledge of metal-based catalyst design could be applied to develop efficient systems for the dehydration of bio-derived intermediates like 3-HP.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering catalytic processes that consume CO₂

• Focus on developing cost-effective and scalable green chemistry solutions

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6️⃣ 5. Yield10 Bioscience, Inc.

Headquarters: Woburn, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Metabolic pathway engineering in crops for bio-based chemical precursors

Yield10 Bioscience focuses on engineering oilseed crops to produce high-value chemicals directly, such as 3-HP. By developing novel biological pathways within plants, they aim to create a low-cost, scalable source of 3-HP. The success of their platform directly impacts the feedstock availability for catalytic conversion to acrylic acid, making them an important enabler in the value chain.

Technology Initiatives:

• Genetic engineering of camelina for 3-HP production

• Developing sustainable agricultural platforms for industrial chemicals

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5️⃣ 6. Metabolix, Inc. (now part of Yield10 Bioscience)

Headquarters: Woburn, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Microbial fermentation technology for PHA and chemical intermediates

Metabolix, now integrated into Yield10, had a strong history of developing microbial platforms for producing biopolymers and chemical intermediates. Their foundational work in metabolic engineering for producing compounds like 3-HP contributes to the broader knowledge base required for creating efficient biological systems that feed into catalytic conversion processes.

Legacy Contributions:

• Advanced microbial strain development for biochemical production

• Expertise in scaling fermentation processes for industrial applications

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4️⃣ 7. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Broad portfolio of chemical catalysts and process technologies

As one of the world’s largest chemical companies and a major producer of acrylic acid via the conventional route, BASF has immense expertise in catalysis. The company invests heavily in R&D for sustainable chemistry and is exploring alternative feedstocks. Their Catalysts division is well-positioned to develop and supply specialized catalysts for novel processes like the dehydration of bio-based 3-HP.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Ongoing research into catalysts for bio-based chemical conversions

• Commitment to climate protection and sustainable solutions

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3️⃣ 8. Johnson Matthey PLC

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Specialty catalysts and catalytic process technology

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies, including advanced catalysts for the chemical sector. Their deep knowledge in designing heterogeneous catalysts for dehydration, hydrogenation, and oxidation reactions makes them a critical potential supplier or partner for developing high-performance catalysts tailored for the specific challenges of converting 3-HP to acrylic acid with high yield and selectivity.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on catalysis for a circular and low-carbon economy

• Development of customized catalyst solutions for complex chemical reactions

Download FREE Sample Report:
Catalyst Used to Convert 3-HP to Acrylic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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2️⃣ 9. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Specialty catalysts, adsorbents, and functional minerals

Clariant’s Catalysts business unit offers a wide range of products for the chemical industry, including acid catalysts that are highly relevant for dehydration reactions. Their expertise in catalyst design, especially with materials like zeolites and metal oxides, positions them to develop efficient systems for converting 3-HP to acrylic acid, focusing on catalyst lifetime, activity, and resistance to fouling.

Technology Initiatives:

• Innovation in catalyst carriers and active sites for optimized performance

• Strong R&D focus on sustainable process intensification

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1️⃣ 10. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: High-performance specialty chemicals and catalyst technologies

Evonik is a leading specialty chemicals company with a significant presence in the acrylates value chain. Their research encompasses new production processes and catalysts for sustainable chemistry. With a strong focus on innovation, Evonik is actively involved in developing technologies for bio-based acrylic acid, including investigating robust catalyst systems for the critical dehydration step from 3-HP.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Exploration of catalytic pathways for converting renewable raw materials

• Investment in R&D for next-generation chemical processes

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Catalyst Used to Convert 3-HP to Acrylic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Bio-Acrylic Acid Catalysis Is Efficient and Selective

The market for catalysts used in converting 3-HP to acrylic acid is at a pivotal stage. While the biological production of 3-HP has seen significant advances, the catalytic dehydration step remains a key focus for improving overall process economics and sustainability. The industry is channeling investments into developing highly selective and durable catalysts that minimize byproducts and energy consumption.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Intensified R&D into heterogeneous acid catalysts like zeolites and metal oxides for improved selectivity

• Growing focus on catalyst stability and longevity to reduce operational costs

• Integration of biotechnology and catalysis for end-to-end bio-acrylic acid production

• Increasing regulatory and consumer pressure driving adoption of green chemistry principles

Read Full Report:
Catalyst Used to Convert 3-HP to Acrylic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only developing the catalytic engines for a sustainable chemical industry—they are fundamentally redefining the production pathways for essential materials like acrylic acid.