Propylene Oxide Market

Propylene Oxide Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global propylene oxide market is estimated at a value of US$ 19.19 billion in 2024 and is projected to increase to US$ 31.56 billion by the end of 2034. Worldwide sales of propylene oxide are forecasted to advance at 5.1% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

Propylene oxide (PO), also known as 2-methyloxirane, is a low-boiling liquid that finds application in the production of several industrial compounds. Propylene was first chlorinated in water to produce a mixture of chlorohydrins, which was then dehydrochlorinated using potassium hydroxide to produce PO. The direct oxidation of propylene using an organic hydroperoxide was a later technique discovered.

• The process of converting PO to acetone was first documented in 1866 by Eduard Linnemann of the University of Lemberg in Germany.

To get rid of bacterial and insect infestations in soil and packaged foods, propylene oxide is utilized as a fumigant. Additionally, relatively little propylene oxide is used in the sterilization of medical equipment. Due to its widespread use in the automobile industry, propylene oxide is in high demand as the sector grows steadily across several regions. Need for automobiles with stronger, longer-lasting structures is contributing to the expansion of the propylene oxide market size.

Key Propylene Oxide Market Trends

• Propylene oxide is an important raw material in the production of polyurethane, which is in high demand due to its versatility and widespread use in foams, coatings, adhesives, and sealants across multiple industries such as construction, automotive, furniture, and packaging.
• The automotive sector is primarily driving propylene oxide consumption because it heavily relies on it to manufacture polyurethane foam for vehicle interiors, seating, and insulation.
• Growing construction industry in many countries is increasing the need for polyurethane foam, which is widely used in this industry for insulation, sealants, and adhesives.
• As a key precursor in polyurethane production, propylene oxide is also exhibiting heightened demand. Moreover, propylene oxide is essential for making propylene glycol, itself a common solvent, antifreeze, and ingredient in consumer goods such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food.
• Propylene oxide produced through renewable bio-based methods is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional processes for developing renewable chemicals and polymers.
• By utilizing renewable sources such as bio-propylene or glycerol, bio-based production offers an environment-friendly way to make propylene oxide.

Report Attribute	Detail
Propylene Oxide Market Size (2024E)	US$ 19.19 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 31.56 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.1% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2024E)	21.9%
North America Market Value (2024E)	US$ 2.47 Billion
Sales from Polyether Polyols (2034F)	US$ 21.53 Billion
Key Companies Profiled	SK Chemicals; BASF SE; AGC Chemicals; LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.; Royal Dutch Shell; Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.; Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.; Huntsman International LLC.; The Dow Chemicals; CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited; Tokuyama Corporation; China Petrochemical Corporation; Eastman Chemical Company; Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.; PetroChina International Co., Ltd.

Which Factors are Increasing Worldwide Demand for Propylene Oxide?

“Application of Propylene Oxide Increasing in Several Industries”

Propylene oxide demand is growing in various industries due to its versatile benefits. It is a chemical with significant economic value that finds use as an intermediary for a broad range of products in different industries. Propylene oxide's rise is mostly due to the expansion of its end-use industries, which include the building, automotive, textile, and aerospace sectors. Propylene oxide is widely employed in the production of adhesives, waterproofing products, paints, grouts, varnishes, and building chemicals.

Production of propylene glycol, which is then utilized in a variety of food items such as cake mixes, drink mixes, dry soups, dressings, soft drinks, bread, fast food, and dairy goods, requires propylene oxide. Global propylene glycol use is expected to rise due to the increasing demand for packaged food items. These factors are highly contributing to the propylene oxide market growth.

What Aspects are Limiting Propylene Oxide Market Growth?

“Harmful Effects of Propylene Oxide on Humans and Animals”

Propylene oxide is used to make propylene glycol, di-propylene glycol, and glycol ethers, as well as polyether polyols, the main ingredient in polyurethane foams. Additionally, some foods and plastic medical equipment are fumigated with propylene oxide. In both humans and animals, acute (short-term) exposure to propylene oxide can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. In humans, dermal contact-even with diluted solutions-can cause skin irritation and necrosis.

Slight central nervous system depression is another effect of propylene oxide. Animals chronically (long-term) exposed to propylene oxide inhalation have shown neurological consequences and inflammatory lesions of the nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs. Propylene oxide is categorized as a Group B2 probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. As a result, the hazardous nature of propylene oxide is acting as a hindrance to worldwide propylene oxide market expansion.

Country-wise Insights

The East Asia region is projected to lead the market with 21.9% revenue share in 2024 and is further projected to account for 24.2% by the end of 2034. Even though East Asia holds a high market share, the market in North America is forecasted to expand at a higher 6.5% CAGR over the next ten years.

What’s Making China a Center of Attention for Propylene Oxide Manufacturers?

“Propylene Oxide Widely Utilized in Infrastructure and Building Components”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 2.44 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 4.59 Billion

In the East Asia region, China is projected to account for 58.1% of the propylene oxide market share in 2024. In China, polyurethane is widely used in insulation, foams, coatings, and adhesives for infrastructure and buildings. China is also one of the leading countries in the automotive sector, which requires polyurethane foam for vehicle interiors and seats. Besides, propylene oxide is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food, which is creating more market opportunities for manufacturing companies.

Production of propylene oxide is high in China, and sue to this, the import and export of propylene oxide has been increasing steadily, which is contributing to market revenue growth.

Why is Adoption of Propylene Oxide Increasing in the United States?

“Substantial Use of Propylene Oxide in Construction Industry”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.98 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 3.68 Billion

Demand for propylene oxide or PO is increasing in the United States due to its essential role in producing polyurethane foam, which is widely used for insulation and interiors in the growing automotive and construction industries in the country. Also, increasing need for infrastructural projects in the country requires more polyurethane foam and consequently more propylene oxide.

Additionally, innovations in propylene oxide production methods along with the growing use of environmentally sustainable PO-based products across various applications are also contributing to rising propylene oxide demand in the United States.

Category-wise Insights

Based on production process, the market is segmented into the chlorohydrin process, styrene monomer process, TBA co-product process, cumene-based process, and hydrogen peroxide process. The hydrogen peroxide process holds a significant market share and the reaction using it is quite simple, yielding just a small number of by-products and no significant coproducts. This procedure produces water as a by-product, which is released after little treatment.

Which Application of Propylene Oxide Holds a Significant Market Share?

“High Application in Production of Polyurethanes and Flexible Foams”

Attribute	Polyether Polyols
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 13.15 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 21.53 Billion

Considering the revenue from the sales of propylene oxide, application of polyether polyols holds a significant market share. Primary application of polyether polyols is in the production of polyurethanes, or flexible foams. Polyether polyols find application in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers (CASE) as well as in the production of stiff foams. Rising demand for polyether polyols from the polyurethane industry is the primary driver for segment growth. Flexible foams, or polyurethanes, find extensive usage in carpets, furniture, mattresses, automotive interiors, and upholstery.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the propylene oxide market include SK Chemicals, BASF SE, AGC Chemicals, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., Royal Dutch Shell, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Huntsman International LLC., The Dow Chemicals, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited, Tokuyama Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., and PetroChina International Co., Ltd.

• In June 2022, a licensing agreement was signed between Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) and Shandong Binhua New Material Co., Ltd., a Befar Group affiliate, for the construction, ownership, and operation of a co-production facility for propylene oxide (PO), t-butanol (TBA), and t-butyl methyl ether (MTBE). The business will be able to generate 800,000 tons of butane isomerization, 600,000 tons of propylene, 150,000 tons of synthetic ammonia, 240,000 tons of propylene oxide, and 742,000 tons of MTBE, annually.
• In January 2021, by forming a 50/50 joint venture, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. extended its partnership with Sinopec. The new venture, Ningbo ZRCC LyondellBasell New Material Company Limited, will construct a new propylene oxide and styrene monomer (SM) facility. The two joint businesses will serve China's expanding market.
• In December 2021, Chevron Phillips Chemical announced the growth of its propylene operations at its Cedar Bayou plant in Baytown, Texas.
• In December 2019, at its Chiba Works facility (Ichihara, Chiba), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. finished building two catalyst production lines to fulfil the rising demand for propylene oxide and polypropylene, while also advancing its chemical business.

Segmentation of Propylene Oxide Market Research

• By Production Process :

  • Chlorohydrin Process
  • Styrene Monomer Process
  • TBA Co-product Process
  • Cumene-based Process
  • Hydrogen Peroxide Process

• By Application :

  • Polyether Polyols
  • Propylene Glycols
  • Propylene Glycol Ethers
  • Others
    • Flame Retardants
    • Fumigants
    • Textile Surfactants
    • Modified Starch

• By End Use :

  • Automotive
  • Building & Construction
  • Textiles & Furnishing
  • Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
  • Packaging, Electronics

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Middle East & Africa