Ethane-1,2-diol (Ethylene Glycol) – Uses, Prices, and Production

This blog is the thirteenth in a series of blogs I plan to write providing use, price, and production data on high-use inorganic and organic chemicals.  Click here to see the first blog in this series and a list of chemicals to be featured.  This blog provides data on ethane-1,2-diol (ethylene glycol).  The primary purpose of these blogs is to present estimates of recent price, production, and sales revenues for the chemicals.

Uses.  Uses of ethylene glycol include:

Ø  As a raw material in manufacture of polyester fibers, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (85%);

Ø  As an antifreeze (8-10%); and

Ø  Other (e.g., as a coolant and heat transfer agent; as a de-icing fluid; as a water absorber; as a gas hydrate inhibitor; as a paint solvent; and in printing inks (5-7%).

Prices.  An average 2019 global ethylene glycol price range is estimated to be $1,500 to $1,800 per metric ton (mt).   

Production.  Ethylene glycol is primarily obtained by the hydrolysis of ethylene oxide.

From the internet, estimated 2019 global production of ethylene glycol is from 26 to 28 million mt.  Using this range (26 to 28 million mt produced) and an average per mt price range of $1,500 to $1,800 (see Prices above) gives revenues generated by ethylene glycol in 2019 of $39 to $50.4 billion (26 to 28 million mt times $1,500 to $1,800 per mt).