The association
The market
Decarbonisation
Energy

The Association

Improving
Safety Record

Lost Time Incidents (LTI) from across our industry show the effectiveness of our safety campaigns since the late 1970s with a tenfold reduction in LTI frequency.
Source: EIGA

74 PUBLICATIONS HAVE BEEN
GLOBALLY HARMONISED

The American, Asian, European and Japanese IG associations form the International Harmonisation Council to develop and promote a globally unified industry best practices. These harmonised publications enhance safety consistently, wherever Industrial Gases are produced, distributed or used.

On average, a publication
is published every week

The combined expertise of EIGA members is captured in over 500 publications. The largest portion is made available for all on our website.
Source: EIGA

THE WORKING GROUP EXPERTS
EIGA’S BEATING HEART

Experts from all over Europe and beyond gather in EIGA working groups. On average such group comprises around 7 experts, and meets quarterly.

The Market

THE EU IS THE THIRD LARGEST
IG MARKET IN THE WORLD

The Worldwide IG market reached €72.9 Bn in 2025.
Note: Exchange Rate €:$ 1.082(Avg 2024) Source: gasworld Business Intelligence

THE EU27, USA AND CHINA ARE
THE THREE LARGEST IG MARKETS

Germany, France, Italy and UK are the largest European Industrial Gas markets.

EU27 MARKET GROWTH AVERAGED
4.9% PER YEAR IN 2014-2024

After a decade of sustained growth, the EU market has entered a phase of relative stabilisation. Levels in the most recent year remain close to those observed in 2023, despite a modest downward adjustment.
Source: gasworld Business Intelligence

THE MODE OF SUPPLY, IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, HAS been stable OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS

The EU gas market (by value) appears mature with packaged gases remaining the largest mode of supply.

OXYGEN AND NITROGEN REMAIN THE MOST WIDELY USED GASES IN THE EU27

Altogether O2 (including medical) and N2 account for about 56% of the gas market.

Number of plants per country and per gas

Source: gasworld Business Intelligence

AVERAGE MEDICAL OXYGEN DEMAND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED IN 2020-21

Medical oxygen demand has stabilised following the temporary surge observed during the 2020–21 pandemic period. Current demand levels remain slightly above pre-pandemic baselines but are no longer influenced by exceptional healthcare pressures.
Looking ahead, homecare oxygen demand is expected to continue increasing steadily, driven by demographic trends, including an ageing population and a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions, partially offset by improvements in disease management and healthcare efficiency. In contrast, hospital-based oxygen demand is gradually declining, reflecting ongoing reductions in average hospital bed capacity and continued optimisation of healthcare delivery.

FOUR INDUSTRIAL SECTORS ACCOUNT FOR OVER 70% OF THE IG MARKET

Chemicals, Refining/Energy, Metallurgy and Food sectors have all driven growth in the EU over the past 20 years. Electronics sector is a new driver, which potentially will be stronger than the straditional sectors of growth inthe long term.
Source: gasworld Business Intelligence

TRADE IN INDUSTRIAL GASES IS
MAINLY LIMITED TO HELIUM

The total demand worldwide was approximately 191 Nm3 in 2025. Europe share keeps relatively stable at about 33%.

TRADE IN
SPECIALTY GASES

There are many types of special gases and electronic gases traded across the globe. The EU both manufacturers and trades special gases and is the 2nd largest special gases market in the world.

Decarbonisation

HYDROGEN PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN EUROPE

Following a decade of continuous growth, the EU market reached a peak before entering a phase of contraction. The latest data show a marked decline compared to recent years, suggesting changing market conditions

Source: gasworld Business Intelligence

THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY – THE NEW OPPORTUNITY

The EU is speedily embracing the energy transition and hydrogen is expected to play an ever-increasing role – especially in mobility within Europe. The transition has already begun but the most growth is expected to take place post 2030.

HYDROGEN PRODUCTION WILL SWING FROM FOSSIL BASED TO RENEWABLE

Aiming for Net Zero by 2050 – Europe will invest in alternative and cleaner hydrogen production methods over the next 3 decades.

Source: Hydrogen Council McKinsey Report, Insight 2021

SOURCING OF QUALITY CO2 IS A GROWING ISSUE

There is a demand for over 3 million tons of CO2 in many different applications across the EU. While there is an apparent over-capacity the demand at peak times and reliance on ammonia has resulted in tight supply markets. Ammonia still appears to be the major source of CO2 in Europe. Share of Ethanol/bioethanol plants are growing.

DISTRIBUTION OF GLOBAL PRODUCT CAPTURE TECHNOLOGIES IN 2025

The figure illustrates the breakdown of global product capture by technology in 2025, showing the respective shares of the different capture solutions. Ammonia accounts for the largest share of captured products, reflecting its large‑scale existing production, mature technologies and established downstream markets compared to other capture options.

Energy

THE IG INDUSTRY
IS ENERGY INTENSIVE

Higher energy costs are impacting on the industrial gases sector within the EU.

LOWERING OUR
CARBON FOOTPRINT

Likewise, our industry is increasing efforts to lower their own carbon footprint – cutting emissions since 2000 with the further with a downward trend.
cover page of the brochure

EIGA : Facts & Figures 2025

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