Top 10 Companies in the Molecular Sieve for Refrigerant Drying Market (2026): Market Leaders Driving Efficiency and Innovation

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 (2024–2030). This robust growth trajectory is fueled by escalating demand for energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems, stringent global regulations on refrigerants, and the expansion of cold chain logistics worldwide.

As industries from food & beverage to pharmaceuticals and HVAC&R intensify their focus on system longevity and operational efficiency, the role of high-performance desiccants like molecular sieves becomes paramount. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Molecular Sieve for Refrigerant Drying Industry—a group of global leaders and specialized innovators shaping the standards for moisture and acid removal in modern cooling systems.

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🔟 1. UOP (Honeywell)

Headquarters: Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: UOP AW Series, High-Capacity Molecular Sieves for Refrigerants

UOP, a Honeywell company, is a global leader in adsorbents and separations technology. Their molecular sieves are engineered for superior water adsorption capacity and co-adsorption of acids in refrigerant systems, making them a preferred choice for OEMs and service providers in the HVAC&R industry.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Advanced formulations for compatibility with next-generation refrigerants (HFOs, HFC blends)

  • Focus on extending the lifetime of compressors and reducing system corrosion

  • Global supply chain and technical support network


9️⃣ 2. Arkema (CECA)

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: CECA Molecular Sieves, Specialty Adsorbents for Refrigeration

Arkema’s CECA division is a major European producer of molecular sieves, offering a wide range of products tailored for refrigerant drying. Their sieves are known for high thermal stability and selective adsorption properties, critical for maintaining the purity and efficiency of refrigeration cycles.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Strong R&D focus on low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant compatibility

  • Customized solutions for automotive air conditioning and commercial refrigeration


8️⃣ 3. Zeochem AG

Headquarters: Uetikon, Switzerland
Key Offering: ZEOX Molecular Sieves, Type 3A, 4A, 13X for Refrigerants

Zeochem is a leading manufacturer of high-purity molecular sieves with a strong presence in the refrigerant market. The company’s products are essential for protecting refrigeration systems from moisture-induced corrosion and ice formation, ensuring reliable performance.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Manufacturing expertise in both spherical and bar forms to suit different filter dryer designs

  • Commitment to quality control and consistent product performance


7️⃣ 4. Tosoh Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Molecular Sieves 3A, 4A, 13X, Specialty Zeolites

Tosoh Corporation is a Japanese chemical giant and a key supplier of molecular sieves in the Asia-Pacific region. Their products are widely used in the drying of various refrigerants, including those used in residential air conditioners and industrial chillers.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Leading market position in the high-growth Asian HVAC&R sector

  • Investment in production capacity to meet rising regional demand

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


6️⃣ 5. KNT Group

Headquarters: Zhuhai, China
Key Offering: KNT Molecular Sieves for Refrigerant Drying, Zeolite Powders

The KNT Group is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of molecular sieves and alumina adsorbents. With significant production capacity in China, KNT serves a global clientele, providing cost-effective and reliable desiccant solutions for a wide array of refrigerant applications.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Mass production capabilities for both domestic Chinese and international markets

  • Strategic focus on expanding product portfolio for emerging refrigerant types


5️⃣ 6. Chemxin

Headquarters: Nanjing, China
Key Offering: CX Molecular Sieves, Customized Desiccant Formulations

Chemxin is a prominent Chinese manufacturer specializing in molecular sieves and other adsorbents. The company has carved a niche by offering tailored solutions for specific refrigerant drying challenges, particularly for manufacturers of filter driers and receivers.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Agile manufacturing and customization to meet specific OEM requirements

  • Growing export business to North America and Europe


4️⃣ 7. WR Grace & Co.

Headquarters: Columbia, Maryland, USA
Key Offering: SYLOBEAD Molecular Sieves, Specialty Adsorbents

Grace is a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials, including high-performance molecular sieves. Their SYLOBEAD products are engineered for exceptional drying efficiency and are trusted by major players in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry for critical applications.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Strong technical service and application development support

  • Focus on products that enhance system energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs


3️⃣ 8. CWK Chemiewerk Bad Köstritz GmbH

Headquarters: Bad Köstritz, Germany
Key Offering: Molecular Sieves, Activated Alumina, Desiccant Bags

CWK is a German specialist in adsorbents with a long history of supplying the European refrigeration market. The company is renowned for its high-quality molecular sieves that meet stringent European standards for performance and environmental compliance.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Expertise in producing desiccants for natural refrigerants (e.g., CO2, Ammonia)

  • Strong relationships with European HVAC&R equipment manufacturers


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

Headquarters: Luoyang, Henan, China
Key Offering: JALON Molecular Sieves, Nano-scale Zeolites

Luoyang JALON is a technology-driven company focusing on the research and production of advanced molecular sieves. Their emphasis on micro-nano new materials has led to the development of high-efficiency desiccants with improved adsorption kinetics for faster drying.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • R&D in nano-zeolites for enhanced performance in compact systems

  • Growing presence in the consumer appliance (refrigerator, freezer) market


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

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Hengye Molecular Sieves, Desiccant Balls and Bars

Shanghai Hengye is a key Chinese supplier with a comprehensive product line of molecular sieves for refrigerant drying. The company serves a broad customer base, from small filter dryer assemblers to large international corporations, offering a balance of quality and competitiveness.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Scalable production to accommodate varying order sizes

  • Strategic focus on the domestic Chinese market, the world’s largest producer of air conditioners

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 Sustainable

The molecular sieve for refrigerant drying market is evolving in lockstep with the broader HVAC&R industry’s transition toward sustainability and digitalization. While traditional sieves continue to dominate, innovation is focused on compatibility with new refrigerants, longer service life, and integration with smart system monitoring.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Transition to Low-GWP Refrigerants: The phase-down of HFCs under the Kigali Amendment is driving demand for sieves compatible with A2L (mildly flammable) and other next-gen refrigerants.

  • Rise of the Circular Economy: Increased focus on filter dryer replacement and regeneration services, creating aftermarket opportunities.

  • Demand for High-Efficiency Systems: As energy standards tighten, the role of effective moisture control in maximizing system Coefficient of Performance (COP) becomes more critical.

  • Supply Chain Localization: Regional production hubs are gaining importance to ensure supply security and reduce logistics costs, particularly in Asia and North America.

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

The companies profiled above are not merely supplying a component; they are enabling the reliability, efficiency, and environmental compliance of the cooling systems that are essential to modern life.