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Food‑Grade Carbon Dioxide – From “Industrial Waste” to “Food Soul” – Market Grows Nearly 5% Annually
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Food‑Grade Carbon Dioxide – From “Industrial Waste” to “Food Soul” – Market Grows Nearly 5% Annually

2026-06-27

Carbon dioxide– often dismissed as an industrial waste Gas – is playing an increasingly vital role in the food industry.

Market research indicates that the global food‑grade CO₂ market stood at USD 3.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 5.79 billion by 2033, a CAGR of about 4.8%. Another forecast puts the CAGR at 5.84% through 2035. Applications are expanding beyond traditional carbonated beverages and brewing to include fresh‑food preservation, modified‑atmosphere packaging (MAP), and cold‑chain logistics.

Domestically, prices have remained stable: as of June 2026, food‑grade CO₂ in Shandong is RMB 330‑380/tonne, while industrial grade is RMB 230‑280/tonne. Notably, Sichuan and other southwestern regions have seen local price increases due to tighter supply, highlighting structural shortfalls in the domestic market.

Globally, several key trends are emerging:

  1. Tougher food‑safety regulations are reshaping the supply base. Limits on impurities such as SO₂, CO and total volatiles are being lowered, so only producers with advanced purification and robust quality management can remain competitive – raising industry concentration.

  2. Consumption upgrades are opening new niches. MAP technology can extend fresh‑food shelf life by 50‑200%, and with cold‑chain logistics booming, this segment has enormous growth potential.

  3. Carbon‑neutrality goals are changing CO₂’s identity – from a waste to be captured to a valuable feedstock. Commercialisation of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is diversifying sources, but also demanding higher purification capability.

For Chengdu Hongjin, the competitive edge in food‑grade CO₂ lies in its certifications and regional presence. The company holds a food‑additive production licence and relevant quality certifications, and strictly follows GB 1886.228‑2016. With the food and beverage industry expanding in the southwest, regional supply capability itself is a moat.