Top 10 Companies in the Molecular Sieve For Refrigerant Drying Market (2026): Leading Players in HVAC&R Efficiency

In Business Insights
February 01, 2026


The Global Molecular Sieve For Refrigerant Drying Market was valued at US$ 1936 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 2993 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.6% during the forecast period (2026–2034). This robust growth is fueled by the escalating global demand for refrigeration and air conditioning, stringent efficiency standards, and the critical role of advanced desiccants in protecting HVAC&R systems from moisture-induced damage.

As the world increasingly relies on climate control systems for comfort, food preservation, and industrial processes, the importance of reliable refrigerant drying cannot be overstated. High-performance molecular sieves are essential for maintaining system integrity, preventing corrosion, and ensuring optimal performance. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Molecular Sieve For Refrigerant Drying Industry—a group of chemical manufacturers and material science leaders defining the standards for purity and reliability.


🔟 1. UOP (Honeywell)

Headquarters: Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: ADSORBS™ Series Molecular Sieves

UOP, a Honeywell company, is a global leader in adsorbents and catalysts. Their ADSORBS™ molecular sieves are engineered specifically for deep drying of various refrigerants, protecting compressors and entire cooling circuits from moisture and acidity. They serve a vast clientele in the commercial and industrial HVAC&R sectors.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Advanced formulations for high moisture adsorption capacity

  • Focus on compatibility with new, low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants

  • Global supply chain supporting OEMs and aftermarket distributors

Download FREE Sample Report:
Molecular Sieve For Refrigerant Drying Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. CECA (Arkema Group)

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Molecular Sieves 3A, 4A, 13X for Refrigerant Drying

CECA, part of the Arkema Group, is a major European producer of specialty adsorbents. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of molecular sieves, with Type 3A and Type 4A being particularly critical for efficiently removing water molecules from hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Strong R&D focus on eco-friendly and high-efficiency sieves

  • Significant market presence in Europe and Asia-Pacific


8️⃣ 3. Zeochem AG

Headquarters: Uetikon, Switzerland
Key Offering: ZEOX® Molecular Sieves

Zeochem is a leading international manufacturer of molecular sieves and chromatography gels. The company’s ZEOX® products are known for their exceptional purity and consistent quality, making them a preferred choice for high-performance applications in refrigerant drying, where even trace moisture can cause significant system failure.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Customized sieve solutions for specific refrigerant blends

  • Leadership in highly regulated and quality-sensitive markets


7️⃣ 4. Tosoh Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Molecular Sieves for Automotive and Stationary Air Conditioning

Tosoh Corporation is a Japanese chemical giant with a formidable presence in the molecular sieve market. Their products are integral to the automotive air conditioning industry and large-scale stationary AC units, offering high stability and long service life under varying operational conditions.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Development of sieves resistant to refrigerant degradation products

  • Strong foothold in the Asian automotive supply chain


6️⃣ 5. KNT Group

Headquarters: Zhuhai, China
Key Offering: Full range of 3A, 4A, 5A, 13X molecular sieves

The KNT Group is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of molecular sieves, with massive production capacity. They supply a significant portion of the global demand for desiccants used in refrigerant dryers, particularly for appliances like refrigerators and freezers.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Cost-competitive mass production capabilities

  • Extensive distribution network catering to global appliance manufacturers

Download FREE Sample Report:
Molecular Sieve For Refrigerant Drying Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. Chemxin

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Customized Molecular Sieves for Refrigerant Applications

Chemxin is a prominent Chinese supplier specializing in molecular sieves and activated alumina. The company has carved a niche by offering tailored solutions for specific refrigerant drying challenges, working closely with clients to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Agile manufacturing for custom sieve formulations

  • Growing export business to emerging markets


4️⃣ 7. GRACE (W. R. Grace & Co.)

Headquarters: Columbia, Maryland, USA
Key Offering: SYLOBEAD® Molecular Sieves

W. R. Grace & Co. is a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials. Their SYLOBEAD® molecular sieves are widely used for drying natural gas streams and are also critical in specialized refrigerant drying applications that require extremely low dew points and high purification levels.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Focus on high-performance applications in industrial refrigeration

  • Strong technical support and customer service infrastructure


3️⃣ 8. CWK

Headquarters: Bad Kötzting, Germany
Key Offering: High-quality 3A and 4A Molecular Sieves

CWK is a German manufacturer known for its high-purity chemical products, including molecular sieves. The company leverages German engineering precision to produce desiccants that meet the exacting standards of European OEMs in the HVAC&R industry.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Emphasis on product consistency and reliability

  • Strategic position within the European industrial base


2️⃣ 9. Luoyang JALON Micro-nano New Materials Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Luoyang, Henan, China
Key Offering: Nano-engineered molecular sieves

Luoyang JALON specializes in the research and production of micro-nano new materials. They are at the forefront of developing advanced molecular sieves with enhanced adsorption properties, targeting next-generation, high-efficiency cooling systems.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Investment in nano-technology for improved sieve performance

  • Focus on innovation-driven growth in the Chinese market


1️⃣ 10. Shanghai Hengye Molecular Sieve Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Comprehensive range of desiccants for appliances

Shanghai Hengye is a key player in the Chinese molecular sieve market, supplying a wide array of products specifically for domestic and commercial refrigeration units. Their strength lies in providing cost-effective and reliable solutions for high-volume appliance manufacturing.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Strong integration with China’s massive appliance manufacturing sector

  • Continuous improvement of production efficiency and product quality

Get Full Report Here:
Molecular Sieve For Refrigerant Drying Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Refrigerant Drying is Smarter and More Efficient

The molecular sieve market is evolving in lockstep with the HVAC&R industry’s transition toward sustainability and digitalization. While traditional sieves remain dominant, the industry is innovating with higher-capacity formulations and materials compatible with next-generation refrigerants.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated R&D for sieves compatible with A2L (mildly flammable) and natural refrigerants (CO2, Ammonia, Hydrocarbons)

  • Increasing demand for longer-lasting desiccants to reduce maintenance cycles in hermetic systems

  • Integration of smart indicators in dryer cores to signal desiccant saturation

  • Growing market consolidation as larger chemical companies acquire specialized producers

Get Full Report Here:
Molecular Sieve For Refrigerant Drying Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not merely suppliers; they are essential enablers of global comfort, health, and industrial efficiency—ensuring that the systems we depend on run reliably and efficiently for years to come.