The number of bio-based ethylene glycol (MEG) companies has increased, and new global production capacity is concentrated in Europe and the United States.

Bio-based ethylene glycol (MEG) is converted from sugar or other bio-based products of non-food resources as raw materials. Compared with petroleum-based ethylene glycol, bio-based ethylene glycol has the advantages of short process flow, high environmental protection, and low raw material cost. Choose from advantages like high flexibility. In recent years, against the backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental protection regulations and accelerated energy conversion, the bioeconomy has developed rapidly, and bio-based ethylene glycol has attracted attention from countries around the world.

Ethylene glycol, also known as glycol, 1,2-ethylene glycol, etc., is an important basic chemical raw material. It appears as a colorless, odorless, sweet liquid. Ethylene glycol has a wide range of downstream applications. It is often used as a solvent, antifreeze, surfactant, antifreeze, etc. It is used in medicine, coal chemical industry, automobile, chemical fiber, synthetic polyester and other fields. The ethylene glycol application market is huge, and under the strategic background of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking, the bio-based ethylene glycol market has huge room for development.

According to the “2021-2025 China Bio-based Ethylene Glycol (MEG) Industry Market Monitoring and Future Development Prospects Research Report” shows that globally, the ethylene glycol market consumption exceeds 30 million tons and is in a continuous growth trend. The global ethylene glycol process is almost entirely based on fossil raw materials such as petroleum, natural gas and coal. For example, ethylene glycol in the Middle East is mostly synthesized from ethane and propane in associated gas from oil fields. my country is the world’s largest producer and consumer of ethylene glycol. Domestic ethylene glycol Alcohols are mostly produced from coal to ethylene glycol, naphtha/ethylene to ethylene glycol, etc.

In 2020, the global bio-based chemicals industry output will be around 10.5 million tons, among which the main bulk bio-based chemicals include ethylene, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, etc. Globally, bio-based ethylene glycol production capacity is mainly concentrated in North America, Europe and other regions. Related production companies include Braskem, Avantium, UPM, etc. The production of ethylene glycol from plant-based industrial sugar is one of Avantium’s main businesses and technologies. In 2021, Avantium and Conex Sugar Beet Company established a joint venture with the goal of becoming a world-class bio-based ethylene glycol producer, which is planned to be launched in 2025 Years of operation.

my country’s bio-based ethylene glycol industry started late, but in recent years, with government support, the bio-based ethylene glycol industry has also made certain achievements. At the same time, in 2021, bio-based materials and biodegradable materials will be included in the “14th Five-Year Plan” national key The research and development plan will further promote the development of the bio-based ethylene glycol industry. Domestic companies engaged in research on bio-based ethylene glycol include Changchun Meihe Technology Development Company, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, etc.

Industry analysts said that ethylene glycol has a wide range of applications. The current global ethylene glycol supply is almost entirely based on fossil raw materials, including petroleum, Natural gas and coal, etc. In recent years, with the rapid development of the bio-economy, the bio-based ethylene glycol market has attracted increasing attention. Attracted by the good market prospects, the number of global companies has continued to grow, and the bio-based ethylene glycol market has great development potential in the future.