The automotive industry is marking the 30th anniversary of the invention of the catalytic convertor and the role that platinum group metals have played in improving emission controls.

The International Platinum Association (IPA) is commemorating the occasion, hailing what it says remains one of the most significant breakthroughs in motoring history.

Marcus Nurdin, managing director of the IPA, said that the environmental benefits of catalyst use have helped produce cleaner air and have facilitated the increasing use of diesel-powered vehicles in the last three decades.

He noted the particular role that platinum played in this process, estimating that catalytic convertors have helped treat more than 12 billion tons of harmful gases since their inception.

"This is due to the platinum group metals catalysts which autocatalyst technologies use to help convert 97 per cent of hydrocarbons, 96 per cent of carbon monoxide and 90 per cent of the nitrogen oxides produced by automobile engines into less harmful substances," he explained.

"We are proud of the integral role platinum group metals have played in these technological advances."

In 2003, purchases of platinum group metals by the autocatalyst market rose by nearly a quarter - 23 per cent - on the previous year.

Indeed, whilst reducing the amount of pgms needed in individual catalysts has helped bring down the costs of the technology, the presence of either platinum, palladium or rhodium remains an essential part of the emissions control process.

The role of the catalytic converter in helping to bring down emissions has become increasingly pertinent in recent years as requirements have grown ever more stringent.