Electricity generation, predominantly sourced from coal-fired power plants, poses significant environmental concerns due to the emission of mercury, a potent neurotoxin. The release of mercury from these power stations is a pressing issue as it accumulates in waterways, posing serious threats to ecosystems. Elemental mercury emissions (HgO) from these plants persist in the atmosphere for extended periods, ranging from 0.5 to 2 years, before eventually depositing into lakes or streams, impacting aquatic life.
The alarming consequences of mercury emissions have led to the implementation of stringent environmental regulations globally. Measures such as the Clean Water Act, The Industrial Emissions Directive, and Best Available Technology directives drive the utilization of activated carbon in controlling mercury emissions. For instance, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency enforces Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) and Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulations to reduce hazardous air pollutants (Hg) from electricity generating units and industrial boilers. Similarly, the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive mandates reductions in mercury and sulfur oxide (Sox) emissions from industrial boilers, aiming to curb environmental pollution.
Moreover, the presence of elemental mercury in natural gas poses risks beyond power generation. It can corrode aluminum alloys in cryogenic exchangers, potentially leading to equipment failure. To address these concerns, regulations set by organizations like the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish exposure limits for inorganic mercury compounds. Additionally, these regulations fall under the purview of the Clean Air Act Amendments, aligning with the imperative to safeguard both worker safety and environmental integrity.
The convergence of these regulations underscores the multifaceted approach taken to mitigate mercury emissions' adverse effects. The focus extends beyond power plants, encompassing various industrial sectors and worker safety considerations. These regulations not only drive the adoption of technologies like activated carbon for emissions control but also emphasize the need for stringent exposure limits and preventive measures to safeguard both the environment and human health. As regulatory frameworks evolve, they continue to play a pivotal role in shaping industrial practices, promoting cleaner technologies, and ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for both ecosystems and communities.
Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
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Market Opportunities | Advancements in filter media/technology |
The air filter for automotive market is predicted to experience a CAGR of 6.20% from 2022 to 2030. Rules governing car emissions and fuel efficiency drive the market. This results from increased worries about rising levels of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon footprint. The air filter for automotive market size is expected to reach approximately USD 6,550.12 million by 2030.
Additionally, as car manufacturing rates rise, more automotive filters are being used, which increases demand for the product. Ongoing technological developments, such as greater airflow, brake dust and transmission filter, better filter media, and less susceptibility to water, are also producing a strong market forecast. The rising sales of passenger automobiles are opening up more profitable growth prospects for the major market competitors. However, it is projected that the mismatch in the supply-demand ratio and the stockpiling of raw materials will limit the growth of the market.
The growing concern about health problems brought on by the emission of undesirable, dangerous gases from vehicles is the main reason behind the growth of the market. A better air intake quality for the engine and cabin will promote passenger comfort and assist the growth of the automotive air filter industry. Additionally, passenger transportation has increased in various developed countries. Consumers' increased attention towards plug-in/battery electric vehicles owing to their capabilities, such as non-emission vehicles and the non-consumption of fuels such as gasoline and diesel is most likely to restrict the market growth over the forecast period.
A decrease in vehicle production due to COVID-19 directly impacts the market for automotive filters. However, a forecasted steady recovery in Q1-Q2 of 2021 in vehicle production would support the growth of the market in the next few years. The market for automotive air filters is anticipated to develop as consumer awareness of vehicle air quality rises. All vehicles have various filters, including cabin, air, oil, and fuel filters. This will fuel market expansion coupled with an increase in vehicle production.
The nonreplaceable filter can be cleaned and have a longer lifespan. In the future, the nonreplaceable filter would impact the filter aftermarket since different filters, such as air and cabin filters, need not be changed throughout the vehicle's lifespan. However, a special cleaning kit is needed to clean the filter. This is a cost-effective option for vehicle owners in the long run since there is no need for replacement. However, due to their numerous benefits, including zero replacement and cost savings over conventional filters, these filters are anticipated to have a respectable market in the coming years.
Advancements in filter media types or technology will give vehicle filter makers a big potential in the future. At the moment, cabin filters are available to prevent dust from entering the car. Most dust filters stop 95-99% of all particles between 1-3 microns in size and 100% of 3 microns or larger particles. Activated charcoal or baking soda is coated on dust and odor filters to absorb odors and air pollutants. With their numerous advantages over cellulose media, synthetic media types are becoming more common today and are expected to have a respectable market share in the future.
The air filter for automotive market segmentation, based on type, is the cabin air filter and intake air filter. In terms of revenue, the intake air filter segment held a 50.5% market share in 2021. The product is essential to a car engine since it guarantees improved performance and efficiency and increases engine longevity. In addition, the cabin air filter sector experienced significant growth in 2021. Cabin air filter helps maintain a consistent inflow of better-quality air in the car cabin to deliver cleaner air to passengers.
Based on filter media, the market is divided into synthetic, activated carbon, cellulose, and others. The air filter for automotive market growth was prominently high under the activated carbon air filter media. The sector for activated carbon filters has exploded in several industries due to their versatility, low cost, and lack of negative side effects due to the widespread acceptance of consumerism. Additionally, in 2021, synthetic media also witnessed considerable growth. Synthetic media types provide a larger flow area, deliver excellent performance, and are less water-sensitive.
The air filter for automotive market segmentation, based on end-user, is a passenger car, LCV, HCV, and others. The significant growth of the passenger car segment results from increased auto sales supported by rising disposable income among customers worldwide. Over the projected period, the market is anticipated to be driven by the increasing frequency of filter replacement in light commercial vehicles to maintain the performance efficiency of vehicles.
Global Air Filter For Automotive Market Share by Region, 2021 (%)
By region, the air filter for automotive market has been categorized into Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World. The fastest CAGR is anticipated for North America during the review period. The largest share of the market was in Asia Pacific.
In 2021, the Asia Pacific area accounted for 50.9% of the market due to the fast-expanding auto sector in emerging markets, including China, India, Indonesia, and Japan. A surge in the popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles is also projected to spur demand for cabin air filters during the projection period. The region's market has greater growth potential thanks to the presence of major automakers like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Chery, Tata, Maruti, and Suzuki, as well as the manufacturing bases of major international companies like Ford, Volkswagen and BMW.
A rising per capita income is expected to cause North America to grow at a CAGR of 4.8%. The need for the automobile air filter is also expected to increase due to the growing need for aftermarket services like a replacement, repair, maintenance, and customization for better passenger comfort, safety, and ride quality. Rising disposable income and shifting consumer preferences in nations like Canada and the U.S. are blamed for the increased demand for luxury and electric cars. The market is also predicted to expand over the forecast period due to favorable regulations governing the use of durable, lightweight, and energy-efficient materials.
There are tier-1, tier-2, and local companies in the market. Key market participants are trying to streamline distribution networks and increase their presence in various target areas by providing a broad range of products. For instance, in September 2022, American Air Filter Co., Inc., dba AAF International, acquired the National Air Filter Service Company of New Jersey, one of the United States' oldest and largest full-service air filtration management businesses.
Prominent players in the air filter for automotive market research include Donaldson Company Inc. (Minneapolis), NGK Insulators Ltd (Japan), Sogefi SpA (Italy), Mahle International GmbH (Germany), C & R Fab Media Private Limited (India), Melkev Machinery Impex (India), Filter LLC (U.S.), and Simplex Corporation (Russia).
Uno Minda, a Tier 1 supplier of automotive components, introduced a new line of aftermarket filters for commercial vehicles in December 2023. A vehicle engine, according to the manufacturer, requires premium filters in order to operate efficiently and derive maximum performance. Corrosion of expensive internal components, including the engine, can be readily induced by pollutants including grime, dust, and various forms of debris. By providing an efficient barrier against them, the air filters ensure the longevity and functionality of the engines and other critical components.
However, in addition to being ineffective against minute particulates, the locally available filters can also cause damage to expensive engine components. Its newly introduced product line includes fuel filters, air filters, and oil filters. A collaborative effort is established between the manufacturer and Roki, a prominent Japanese manufacturer of automotive filtration apparatus. It is claimed that the manufacturing processes of the Roki-Uno Minda adhere to the most stringent industry standards, thus showcasing their dedication to producing filters of exceptional quality and durability.
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