Catalysis Sciences & Engineering, Invited Lecture
CE-021

Present and Future of Environmental Catalysis in Industry

A. Garbujo1,2, P. Biasi1*, R. Ostuni1*, F. Buttignol1*, L. Villantieri1*, M. Bialkowski1*
1CASALE SA, R&D Division, Via Giulio Pocobelli 6, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland, 2A.garbujo@casale.ch

The green chemicals sector is rapidly expanding, with global market value exceeding $100 billion in 2022 and projected to surpass $270 billion by 2032 [1]. Environmental catalysis has emerged as a critical enabler of this growth, offering robust solutions for industrial decarbonization through emission reduction, enhanced energy efficiency, and compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. From an industrial standpoint, catalytic technologies are not only essential for environmental stewardship but also for maintaining operational competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

The transition to renewable energy sources—characterized by intermittency and variability—introduces significant challenges for catalytic systems traditionally designed for steady-state operation. These challenges necessitate a paradigm shift in process design, control strategies, and catalyst development to ensure performance stability under dynamic conditions. Particular attention is directed toward the deployment of green ammonia and green methanol technologies, which are reshaping chemical production paradigms. Companies such as Casale SA are at the forefront, integrating advanced catalytic systems into modular, scalable platforms capable of utilizing hydrogen from electrolysis and captured CO2, thereby aligning with global decarbonization targets [2-4].

To address the operational variability introduced by renewable energy, the industry is adopting flexible process integration strategies, advanced control architectures, and real-time digital monitoring. Hybrid energy storage systems—including batteries, thermal storage, and hydrogen buffers—are increasingly employed to decouple energy supply from demand, ensuring continuous catalytic operation. Concurrently, innovations in catalyst materials and configurations are enhancing system resilience and performance under fluctuating conditions.

Beyond technological advancements, the adoption of environmental catalysis is strongly influenced by policy frameworks and market dynamics [5]. Regulatory instruments such as carbon pricing, green hydrogen incentives, and emissions mandates are accelerating the shift toward cleaner technologies. Simultaneously, growing demand for low-carbon products is reinforcing the strategic importance of catalytic innovation [6].

In summary, environmental catalysis is not merely a scientific advancement but a foundational pillar of sustainable industrial transformation. Its integration into chemical manufacturing systems supports the transition to renewable energy and low-carbon production while preserving industrial viability and competitiveness. As such, it represents a cornerstone of the next generation of green chemical manufacturing.

[1] https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/green-ammonia-market
[2] casale.ch
[3] Filippi and C. Pizzolitto, Catalysis Today 2022, 387, 9-11
[4] Rostroup-Nielsen, Catalysis Today 2023, 423, 113878
[5] https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-reports/green-ammonia-market
[6] Kong Chyong, E. Italiani and N. Kazantzis, Nature Communications 2025, 16, 766.

Acknowledgements
This activity is part of the AMAZE project. This research was funded by the CETPartnership, under the Joint Call 2023. The CETPartnership’ s research projects are co-funded by the European Commission (Grant Agreement No. 101069750) and the national funding organizations listed on the CETPartnership website.