Diesel Particulate Filter Market

Market Overview

The global diesel particulate filter market size was valued at USD 13.50 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 26.31 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The growing preference for diesel engines over gasoline engines and the implementation of rigorous emission rules worldwide are the primary market drivers boosting the global diesel particulate filter market growth.

A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is an important component of the exhaust system of diesel-powered cars that is designed to decrease harmful emissions, specifically particulate matter (PM) and soot. DPFs are critical in combating air pollution and guaranteeing compliance with severe emission requirements.

The Diesel Particulate Filter Market share is predicted to rise rapidly in the upcoming years. Various factors, including the enforcement of tough emission standards, an increase in the stringency of air quality regulations, and a surge in global demand for cleaner diesel engines, are driving this expansion. However, a surge in battery electric vehicles (BEV) contributes heavily to diesel usage and will likely hamper the DPF Market.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Stringent Emission Regulation

The key driver of the DPF market is environmental legislation aiming at lowering particulate matter (PM) and other hazardous emissions from diesel engines. The Euro 6 emission regulations implemented in Europe severely limited vehicle PM and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Diesel vehicles, including automobiles, lorries, and buses, must be equipped with DPFs to trap PM to comply with Euro 6 rules. This has resulted in a huge surge in demand for DPF technology in Europe. 

Similarly, Tier 4 pollution requirements for off-road diesel engines, such as those used in construction and agriculture, were implemented in the United States. Tier 4 compliance requires advanced pollution control technologies like DPFs to reduce PM and NOx emissions. This has prompted the use of DPFs in a variety of industrial areas. Demand for DPFs and other emission control technologies is projected to remain robust as regulatory authorities continue to tighten emissions requirements worldwide, particularly in nations focused on improving air quality and lowering the health implications of air pollution.

Market Restraints

High Initial Cost

DPF system installation can be costly, especially when upgrading older diesel cars and machines. The initial expense of DPF technology may deter some car purchasers, particularly in price-sensitive regions. Many logistics and transportation fleet operators use older diesel trucks that may not meet emissions regulations. The cost of retrofitting these trucks with DPFs might be significant. Industry experts estimate that retrofitting a single older diesel truck with a DPF can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the vehicle's size and the installation's intricacy. The entire cost of a fleet of trucks might be a substantial financial burden.

The cost aspect may cause a delay in adopting DPF technology, particularly for enterprises with thin profit margins. Companies that cannot afford DPF installations may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when getting contracts or operating in locations with stringent emissions rules. As a result, the Diesel Particulate Filter market trend is projected to influence negatively.

Market Opportunity

Increasing Demand for Retrofit Solutions

The growing need for retrofit solutions in the global Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) market represents considerable potential, particularly as environmental restrictions tighten. DPF retrofitting allows older diesel vehicles and machinery to fulfill emissions regulations while extending their operating life. The requirement to comply with emissions standards, reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions, and improve environmental sustainability drives the retrofitting of older diesel vehicles and equipment with DPFs. 

The Carl Moyer Program in California offers financial incentives for retrofitting heavy-duty diesel cars and equipment with emission control technologies such as DPFs. In California, this program has resulted in a considerable rise in retrofitting older diesel vehicles and machines with DPFs, resulting in significant emissions reductions and improved air quality. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upgrading older diesel engines with emission control technologies might result in emission reductions equivalent to removing hundreds of thousands of passenger cars from the road. As emissions requirements evolve, upgrading older diesel vehicles and equipment with DPFs will remain an important market growth sector.

Regional Analysis

The global market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Europe Dominates the Global Market

Europe is the most significant global market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4% over the forecast period. Europe's diesel particulate filter market will dominate due to enhanced technology utilized in auto part fabrication, an increase in consumer and passenger automobile production and sales, and the digitization of automotive component delivery services, all of which will drive market growth in this area. Furthermore, the German diesel particulate filter market held the biggest market share, while the UK diesel particulate filter market was the European region's fastest-growing market. The Euro 6 emissions standard, implemented in Europe, establishes strict limitations on particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles, including passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. This standard has fueled the widespread use of DPFs. Euro 6-compliant diesel vehicles must cut particulate matter emissions by more than 80% compared to prior Euro 5 requirements. DPFs are critical to attaining these reductions.

Several European countries have retrofitting programs to encourage the use of DPFs on older diesel vehicles. For example, the United Kingdom's Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) encourages the installation of DPFs in buses and trucks. Furthermore, European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin have developed low emission zones (LEZs) into which only vehicles that meet tight emissions regulations, frequently needing DPFs, are permitted. The establishment of LEZs in many cities has significantly reduced PM and NOx concentrations, improving air quality and public health. The region is still a major driver of innovation and development in the worldwide DPF industry.

North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period because of the expansion of the automotive sector, surge in investments, and greater disposable income, favorably affecting market growth in this area. Furthermore, the United States had the biggest market share, while Canada had the fastest-growing market in the North American region. Off-highway equipment used in construction, agriculture, and mining has a sizable market in North America. These industries have implemented DPF technology to meet emissions limits and lessen environmental impact. DPF technology advancements have created more efficient and dependable systems, allowing for their wider acceptance in both on- and off-road applications.

The Asia-Pacific diesel particulate filter market is expected to develop during the projected period at the quickest CAGR, according to global market insights. This is due to the rigorous emission standards imposed by the region's numerous environmental protection authorities. Furthermore, China's diesel particulate filter market had the greatest market share, while India's diesel particulate filter market was the Asia-Pacific region's fastest-growing market.

Segmental Analysis

The global diesel particulate filter market is segmented based on vehicle type, product type, material type, sales channel, and region.

Vehicle type is further segmented into Passenger Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV), and Off-Highway Vehicle.

Passenger Vehicles led the market growth. Passenger Vehicles comprise all automobiles, SUVs, and other vehicles designed primarily for passenger transportation. DPFs in passenger vehicles are critical for meeting emissions rules, lowering particulate matter (PM) emissions, and improving urban air quality. Customers' increased purchasing power and expanding demand for passenger vehicles across established and emerging economies fuel category expansion in developing economies.

LCVs include various vehicles such as vans, pickup trucks, and light trucks that are frequently used for moving products or equipment. DPFs in LCVs are critical for meeting emissions requirements, lowering the environmental effect of urban delivery vehicles, and assuring clean transportation.

Based on Product Type, the market is sub-segmented into Regenerating, Disposable.

Regenerating occupied the largest share of the market. DPFs that regenerate are intended to catch and store particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel engines. They include a built-in mechanism for periodically burning off or replenishing the collected particles to maintain their efficiency. DPFs that regenerate are noted for their longevity and sustainability. They can be utilized for the life of a vehicle or equipment if properly maintained. They are appropriate for applications requiring ongoing emission reduction. 

As the name implies, disposable DPFs are intended for single-use or limited use. They are often utilized in applications with impractical or ineffective extended maintenance or regeneration methods. When disposable DPFs get saturated with PM and regeneration or cleaning are no longer viable options, they are replaced. They are frequently utilized when downtime for regeneration is not an option.

Based on Material Type, the market is classified into Cordierite, silicon carbide, and ceramic fiber filters.

Silicon Carbide holds the major share of the market. Silicon Carbide is a higher-performance ceramic substance used in DPFs. It is highly thermally conductive and can resist high temperatures and mechanical stress. SiC DPFs have exceptional filtering effectiveness, particularly for fine particulate matter (PM), and are extremely robust even under the most rigorous working conditions. They are well-known for their durability and efficacy in lowering pollutants. SiC DPFs are frequently used in heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, and off-highway equipment where strict emissions regulations and durability are required.

Ceramic fiber filters are a form of DPF constructed of porous ceramic fiber. They are intended to catch and filter particulate matter emissions. Ceramic fiber filters are lightweight and have excellent filtration characteristics. They are frequently employed when weight reduction is critical, such as in passenger automobiles and racing vehicles.

Sales Channels can bifurcate the segment into OEM and Aftermarket.

OEM is a significant contributor to the market. The integration of DPFs directly into diesel-powered cars and machinery during production is called OEM. These DPFs are installed as standard equipment by original equipment manufacturers, such as vehicle or heavy machinery firms. OEM DPFs are commonly found in new vehicles and equipment, such as passenger vehicles, lorries, buses, construction machinery, and agricultural equipment. OEMs embed DPFs into the vehicle or equipment, assuring compatibility and compliance with emissions requirements from the outset. They are backed by car warranties and are built to fulfill certain performance and emissions standards.

The aftermarket sells DPFs as components or systems that may be installed onto current diesel cars and equipment. Specialized manufacturers, suppliers, or service providers generally sell aftermarket DPFs.

Recent Developments

• October 2023- Johnson Matthey, a global pioneer in sustainable technologies, was recruited as a FEED technology partner through Worley, installing its premier LCH technology.
• September 2023- BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) and ZeroAvia collaborated to develop high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells for hydrogen-powered aircraft