Glycol Ethers Market : Regional, Analysis with Production, Consumption, Revenue, Applications and Growth Rate 2030

Posted by Rajkumar on March 3rd, 2023

Glycol ethers are a group of organic solvents containing alkyl esters of glucose or propylene glycol, most often used in cleaners and paints. These organic solvents usually possess the solvent properties of both alcohols and low-molecule ethers. Glycolic acid is a common example of a low-molecule stabilizer. Glycol ether solvents are made in two different processes. The first method, extrudate-flow, involves the use of pressurized steam to extract the glycerin and other solids from paint formulations. The second method, hydrosurgery, involves injecting a mixture of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol into a heated roller. The resulting foam produces an extremely thick and white solution that removes all contaminants from the surface of the material being worked on. Both of these methods generate hazardous air pollutants, which contribute to the environmental pollution problem and global warming. Extrude-flow and hydrosurgery methods are generally not recommended for use in residential settings or workplaces.

Market Dynamics                                               

The main driving factor influencing the glycol ethers market is the increased demand in the paints and coatings industries. According to the U.S. Federal government's data, there are approximately 1200 paint and coating manufacturing industries in the U.S. that generates a combined annual revenue of about US$ 28 billion. Moreover, the increasing use of glycol ether in pharmaceutical, cleaners, and personal care is also estimated to boost the market growth.

However, the environmental regulations regarding the use of glycol ether is the main restraining factor hindering the growth of the market. Glycols, like other organically manufactured solvents, are volatile organic compounds that release their contents into the air when they come in contact with an oxidizing agent. The major source of chemical pollution in the USA is industrial emissions and the use of these types of solvents in paints and cleaning agents contributes to this problem. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that a wide range of toxic gases exists in the atmosphere, some coming from industrial emissions, some from personal emissions, and some indirectly caused by contact with certain fuels. One of the major health effects resulting from occupational exposure to glycol ethers is that the fumes can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, upset stomach, and diarrhea. These chemical fumes can also affect the respiratory system, leading to coughing and breathing difficulties. Many workers who suffer from short-term exposure to ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, which is a constituent of some paints and floor wax, are at increased risk of developing cancer of the lungs, throat, and mouth.

This market is distributed in five regions that include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, and Latin America. Among these, Asia Pacific is estimated to hold a bigger share of the glycol ethers market owing to the rapid industrialization and expansion of construction industries in this region. For instance, according to the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in 2018 there were approximately 237,684 manufacturing units in India with rapid growth in the pharmaceutical and apparel, and textiles industries. In North America, the market is estimated to witness significant growth owing to the regulations related to fuel emissions.

Competitive Analysis

Key players operating in the global glycol ethers market include Eastman Chemical Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Royal Dutch Shell, INEOS, Biesterfeld AG, Matric Chemicals, Shell, Huntsman Corporation, Sasol, Exxon Mobil Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries, and BASF SE.

In 2020, BASF launched the Ultrason E0510 C2TR for vehicle parts that come directly in contact with hot oil.