Hexylene Glycol Market
By Grade;
Industrial Grade and Pharmaceutical GradeBy Function;
Solvent, Coupling Agent, Viscosity Reducing Agent and OthersBy Application;
Coatings & Paints, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Textile & Leather and Chemical IntermediatesBy End-Use Industry;
Automotive, Construction, Healthcare, Agriculture and ManufacturingBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Hexylene Glycol Market Overview
Hexylene Glycol Market (USD Million)
Hexylene Glycol Market was valued at USD 1,010.49 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 1,306.37 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.7%.
Hexylene Glycol Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 3.7 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 3.7 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 1,010.49 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 1,306.37 Million |
| Market Concentration | High |
| Report Pages | 398 |
Major Players
- BASF SE
- Arkema Group
- Lonza Group
- Dow DuPont
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Hexylene Glycol Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Hexylene Glycol Market continues to expand, fueled by its diverse industrial applications. As a highly effective solvent and coupling agent, it plays a crucial role in paints, coatings, cosmetics, and textiles. With around 55% of demand attributed to the paints and coatings sector, hexylene glycol has established itself as a vital performance-enhancing chemical.
Rising Demand in Personal Care
The growing popularity of personal care and cosmetic products is driving consumption of hexylene glycol. Serving as an emollient, surfactant, and humectant, it enhances product performance while ensuring long-lasting stability. Close to 30% of total usage is linked to skincare and cosmetic formulations, showcasing its increasing significance in consumer-focused applications.
Expanding Industrial Applications
In addition to personal care, industrial applications represent a major growth driver. Hexylene glycol finds extensive use in hydraulic fluids, antifreeze solutions, and cleaning formulations, boosting product durability and efficiency. Approximately 40% of new industrial chemical developments incorporate hexylene glycol as a key stabilizer or performance enhancer.
Focus on Sustainable Formulations
Innovation is shaping the market with an emphasis on eco-friendly and high-performance formulations. From low-toxicity cleaning solutions to durable paints, hexylene glycol’s solvent properties remain integral. Nearly 35% of ongoing R&D efforts highlight its role in developing sustainable and safer chemical alternatives.
Hexylene Glycol Market Key Takeaways
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Versatile solvent demand is gaining traction as hexylene glycol continues to be used across coatings, personal care and industrial cleaning formulations due to its low volatility and strong solvency performance.
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Sustainability-led shift is influencing procurement decisions, with bio-based and low-toxicity variants of hexylene glycol becoming preferred in regulated and eco-sensitive regions.
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Asia-Pacific leadership stands out, with the region accounting for around 40 % of global consumption owing to rapid industrialisation, infrastructure build-out and rising personal care demand.
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End-industry cross-pollination is accelerating applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, automotive coolants and textiles are broadening the use-cases for hexylene glycol beyond traditional solvents.
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Raw-material and cost volatility remain a challenge, as feedstock price fluctuations and regulatory compliance costs impact margins for chemical producers of hexylene glycol.
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Competitive consolidation is underway, with major players leveraging scale, integrated feed-stocks and innovation to maintain leadership top firms reportedly control roughly 60 % of the market.
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Custom formulation opportunities are increasing, as manufacturers supply application-specific hexylene glycol blends tailored for cosmetics, high-performance coatings or specialty industrial uses, enabling premium pricing and stronger differentiation.
Hexylene Glycol Market Recent Developments
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In June 2024, Dow entered into a strategic partnership with a regional chemical producer to boost hexylene glycol production in the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration aims to meet rising demand from industries such as automotive, electronics, and construction, while supporting regional growth and supply chain resilience.
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In April 2024, BASF introduced a new hexylene glycol variant for the cosmetics industry, offering enhanced performance as a humectant and an emollient. This innovation targets the rising demand for sustainable personal care products, while strengthening BASF’s presence in the beauty and personal care market.
Hexylene Glycol Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Hexylene Glycol Market has been segmented by Grade, Function, Application, End-Use Industry and Geography.
Hexylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by Grade
The market for hexylene glycol by grade reflects differing quality specifications, impurity profiles, and compliance needs across diverse industries. Buying centers typically evaluate performance-to-price ratios, supply reliability, and alignment with regulatory standards when selecting between grades. Distributors and formulators increasingly prefer supplier partnerships that guarantee consistent specifications and support qualification for sensitive uses and multinational approvals.
Industrial GradeIndustrial Grade hexylene glycol serves high-volume uses in coatings, chemicals, and textiles where solvency, coupling, and flow modification are critical. Buyers prioritize cost efficiency, stable supply, and compatibility across resin chemistries, while producers emphasize process optimization and capacity utilization. Growth is supported by infrastructure and manufacturing activity, with vendors focusing on long-term contracts, regional stocking, and tailored technical service to capture recurring demand.
Pharmaceutical GradePharmaceutical Grade targets stringent applications in pharmaceuticals and personal care that require tighter controls on contaminants and documentation. Suppliers differentiate via GMP-aligned practices, comprehensive quality dossiers, and batch traceability to satisfy audits and filings. While volumes are lower than industrial, margins are supported by regulatory compliance and high switching costs, encouraging strategic partnerships with branded and contract manufacturers.
Hexylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by Function
Segmenting by function highlights how hexylene glycol is specified within formulations to deliver targeted performance outcomes. Procurement and R&D teams weigh solvency parameters, hydrotrope behavior, and viscosity effects against cost and HSE profiles. Vendors increasingly co-develop formulations with customers, using application labs to optimize dosage, improve processability, and accelerate time-to-qualification.
SolventAs a solvent, hexylene glycol provides balanced polarity and evaporation characteristics, enabling improved film formation and open time in coatings and inks. Formulators value its role in reducing VOC pressure through optimized blends, while maintaining performance and substrate wetting. Suppliers compete on purity control, odor profile, and support for regulations impacting solvent selection across jurisdictions.
Coupling AgentIn coupling agent roles, hexylene glycol helps solubilize otherwise incompatible components, stabilizing emulsions and improving homogeneity. This function is key in personal care and cleaning systems, where clarity, foam control, and long-term stability are required. Growth stems from reformulations targeting label-friendly and performance-balanced products, with suppliers offering data packages that shorten validation cycles.
Viscosity Reducing AgentAs a viscosity reducing agent, hexylene glycol enhances flow, leveling, and application efficiency in high-solids systems. End users benefit from improved throughput, easier pumping, and consistent spray characteristics, particularly in industrial coatings and chemical intermediates. Competitive positioning centers on predictable rheology response, blend compatibility, and support for process optimization at plant scale.
OthersThe Others category covers niche roles such as humectancy, plasticization, and freeze–thaw stability enhancement in select formulations. These specialized uses often require close collaboration to validate performance across temperature and storage conditions. Suppliers create value by offering application testing, tailored logistics, and documentation that supports cross-border compliance.
Hexylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by Application
Applications define the most visible demand centers where hexylene glycol delivers measurable performance benefits. Purchasing criteria vary across sectors, from film properties and durability in coatings to sensory attributes in personal care and regulatory assurance in pharma. Growth is supported by product reformulation, infrastructure cycles, and ongoing shifts toward higher-solids and waterborne systems.
Coatings & PaintsIn coatings & paints, hexylene glycol aids coalescence, improves leveling, and supports open time, especially in waterborne and high-solids technologies. Producers emphasize consistency across resin platforms and evolving VOC frameworks, while applicators value predictable film appearance and defect reduction. Strategic supply programs with manufacturers and distributors help ensure performance continuity across seasonal and regional variations.
Cosmetics & Personal CareWithin cosmetics & personal care, hexylene glycol functions as a humectant, solvent, and coupling aid to enhance clarity, texture, and stability. Brand owners prioritize ingredient transparency and robust safety data, while contract manufacturers seek reliable multi-region compliance support. Demand growth is tied to premiumization, multifunctional actives, and clean-label positioning where performance and sensory experience must be balanced.
PharmaceuticalsIn pharmaceuticals, the molecule is used in select dosage forms where controlled impurity profiles and reproducible performance are essential. Sponsors and CMOs assess supplier qualifications, change-control practices, and documentation readiness to meet audit expectations. Long-term relationships and security-of-supply commitments are critical to minimize risk across clinical and commercial life cycles.
Textile & LeatherThe textile & leather segment leverages hexylene glycol for wetting, penetration, and dye/finish uniformity, contributing to processing efficiency and consistent end-product aesthetics. Buyers focus on bath stability, compatibility with auxiliaries, and effluent considerations as sustainability targets tighten. Vendors differentiate with technical service that optimizes recipes for fiber type, substrate finishing, and local compliance regimes.
Chemical IntermediatesAs part of chemical intermediates value chains, hexylene glycol supports synthesis and formulation steps that depend on reliable solvation and processability. Customers value secure sourcing, specification stability, and collaborative troubleshooting to de-risk plant operations. Expansion opportunities arise from downstream diversification and debottlenecking projects where incremental volumes can be locked in via multi-year agreements.
Hexylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by End-Use Industry
End-use industries translate functional benefits into specific operational outcomes and purchasing patterns. Decision-makers weigh total cost of ownership, compliance roadmaps, and vendor application support when adopting or substituting chemistries. Partnerships that combine technical expertise with responsive logistics are increasingly decisive in winning share across OEMs, contractors, and converters.
AutomotiveIn automotive, hexylene glycol contributes to coatings and ancillary fluids where appearance, corrosion resistance, and throughput are vital. Tiered supply models and regional stocking points ensure steady availability for OEM and aftermarket operations. Growth aligns with model refresh cycles, localization, and shifts toward waterborne technologies in paint shops.
ConstructionThe construction sector uses hexylene glycol in architectural coatings and protective systems that require robust durability and workability. Contractors seek consistent application behavior across climates, while manufacturers balance cost, VOC targets, and performance warranties. Infrastructure spending and renovation trends underpin demand, favoring suppliers with strong spec-in support and local technical service.
HealthcareIn healthcare, needs span pharmaceuticals and personal care where quality assurance and regulatory compliance are paramount. Buyers scrutinize documentation, audit readiness, and change-control rigor to mitigate supply risk. Vendors winning in this space pair quality systems with collaboration on formulation, packaging compatibility, and global submissions.
AgricultureAgriculture applications rely on solvency and coupling benefits in adjuvants and treatment formulations that enhance stability and delivery. Seasonal demand patterns prioritize flexible logistics, while stewardship and safety training support adoption. Suppliers add value through field-relevant testing, demonstrating efficacy without compromising HSE objectives.
ManufacturingAcross manufacturing, hexylene glycol underpins diverse processes where rheology control, wetting, and compatibility drive productivity. Procurement teams emphasize dependable lead times and consistent properties to avoid process variability. Growth potential is tied to industrial expansion and modernization, with producers offering tailored blends and technical troubleshooting to embed deeper into customer workflows.
Hexylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Hexylene Glycol Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
North America
North America demand is anchored in coatings, personal care, and specialized pharma uses, supported by robust compliance frameworks and large distributor networks. Buyers value proven supplier qualifications, documentation depth, and contingency inventories to ensure reliability. Growth is supported by renovation activity, manufacturing resilience, and ongoing reformulation toward waterborne and low-VOC systems.
Europe
Europe emphasizes compliance with evolving chemical regulations and sustainability goals, shaping procurement toward suppliers with strong HSE stewardship. Demand remains diversified across architectural coatings, industrial finishes, and personal care where performance and transparency are both critical. Partnerships with regional formulators and technical centers help accelerate qualification and ensure continuity through regulatory change.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is driven by industrialization, construction, and growing consumer markets that require scalable supply and technical support. Localized production and distributor ecosystems are vital to serve fragmented customer bases and dynamic manufacturing hubs. Vendors with regional inventories, competitive pricing, and application labs are positioned to capture new capacity additions and downstream diversification.
Middle East & Africa
Middle East & Africa demand is linked to construction cycles, industrial projects, and expanding consumer goods manufacturing. Supply strategies prioritize reliable imports, strategic warehousing, and partnerships with regional formulators to manage lead times. Opportunities arise from infrastructure programs and localization efforts, favoring suppliers that combine quality consistency with responsive service.
Latin America
Latin America features steady demand in coatings, agriculture-related formulations, and personal care, with growth influenced by macro stability and construction trends. Regional distributors and tolling partners are instrumental for market access and service coverage. Success depends on balancing price competitiveness with dependable technical support and flexible logistics across diverse country requirements.
Hexylene Glycol Market Forces
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Hexylene Glycol Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
| Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
| Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
| Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Growing Demand in Paints and Coatings
- Expansion in Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry
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Increasing Use in Pharmaceuticals - The increasing use of hexylene glycol in pharmaceuticals is a significant driver of market growth, reflecting its vital role in drug formulation and production. Hexylene glycol is employed as a solvent and stabilizer in various pharmaceutical formulations, including oral and topical medications. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances and maintain the stability of active ingredients makes it an essential component in achieving the desired efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to advance, the demand for high-quality solvents like hexylene glycol that can support complex formulations and enhance drug delivery systems is rising.
The growth of the global pharmaceutical industry, driven by an increase in chronic diseases, aging populations, and advancements in medical research, is contributing to the expanding use of hexylene glycol. As pharmaceutical companies strive to develop innovative and effective therapies, the need for reliable and efficient solvents becomes more critical. Hexylene glycol’s versatility and performance in drug formulations support its growing adoption in the pharmaceutical sector. This trend is expected to continue, with increasing investments in research and development and the continuous introduction of new pharmaceutical products driving further demand for hexylene glycol.
Restraints:
- Regulatory and Environmental Restrictions
- Volatility in Raw Material Prices
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Health and Safety Concerns - Health and safety concerns surrounding hexylene glycol are significant factors influencing its market dynamics. As with many industrial chemicals, there are potential risks associated with exposure to hexylene glycol, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and potential toxicity with prolonged exposure. Regulatory agencies impose strict guidelines and safety standards to mitigate these risks, requiring manufacturers to adhere to comprehensive safety protocols. The need for proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures to prevent accidents and health hazards can impact the market by increasing operational costs and regulatory compliance burdens for producers and users of hexylene glycol.
Heightened awareness and concerns about chemical safety among consumers and regulatory bodies are driving the demand for safer alternatives and more stringent safety practices. This can lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory changes, influencing how hexylene glycol is used and marketed. Companies are therefore investing in research to improve the safety profile of hexylene glycol and exploring safer substitutes to meet regulatory requirements and address consumer concerns. These efforts aim to balance the benefits of hexylene glycol with necessary safety measures, impacting its application and market growth.
Opportunities:
- Development of Eco-Friendly Formulations
- Expansion in Emerging Markets
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Advancements in Application Technologies - Advancements in application technologies are significantly influencing the growth and development of the hexylene glycol market. Innovations in chemical processing and formulation techniques are enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of hexylene glycol in various applications. For instance, improvements in solvent technology and polymer chemistry are enabling better performance of hexylene glycol in paints, coatings, and adhesives. These advancements not only enhance the quality and durability of products but also expand the potential applications of hexylene glycol across different industries. As technology evolves, the ability to customize and optimize formulations using hexylene glycol becomes increasingly sophisticated, driving its demand in advanced manufacturing processes.
Developments in application technologies are opening new market opportunities for hexylene glycol. The integration of advanced technologies in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial applications allows for more precise and efficient use of hexylene glycol. Innovations such as enhanced solvent systems, improved drug delivery methods, and advanced formulations are creating new possibilities for hexylene glycol’s application. These technological advancements not only improve product performance but also support the development of novel products and processes, driving further growth in the hexylene glycol market. As industries continue to adopt and integrate new technologies, the demand for versatile and effective chemicals like hexylene glycol is expected to increase.
Hexylene Glycol Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Hexylene Glycol Market is competitive, with global chemical producers, specialty manufacturers, and regional suppliers accounting for nearly 65% of total share. Leading firms employ strategies such as merger, partnerships, and collaboration to expand portfolios. Continuous innovation in solvents, coatings, and industrial formulations fuels growth, supporting steady expansion across construction, paints, and personal care sectors.
Market Structure and Concentration
Around 61% of the market is consolidated among top-tier producers, while emerging players serve niche applications. This concentration fosters growth through efficient supply chains and large-scale production. Companies implement strategies such as vertical integration and strong partnerships, ensuring continuous innovation in product quality, safety, and performance for diverse industries.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Nearly 57% of revenues are secured by firms with established brand recognition and diverse sales channels. Businesses use strategies combining direct industrial supply, distribution partners, and digital platforms. Collaboration with downstream manufacturers and targeted partnerships strengthen market presence, ensuring consistent growth across coatings, cosmetics, and cleaning product applications.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Over 64% of producers invest in technological advancements including greener formulations, process efficiency, and eco-friendly derivatives. Innovation in sustainable solvents and multifunctional blends enhances competitiveness. These efforts drive growth, while collaboration with research institutes and industry partners accelerates scalable expansion into high-performance applications and environmentally compliant solutions.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
Asia-Pacific holds nearly 46% of demand, followed by Europe and North America. Regional expansion is supported through strategies such as localized production, merger activity, and supplier partnerships. Strong innovation in construction and coatings markets fosters sustained growth, reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for hexylene glycol manufacturing and applications.
Future Outlook
More than 72% of stakeholders project steady growth driven by rising demand in coatings, cosmetics, and industrial formulations. The future outlook emphasizes sustainable innovation, global partnerships, and advanced manufacturing strategies. Companies are expected to pursue targeted merger activity and production expansion, ensuring long-term expansion and competitiveness in the hexylene glycol industry.
Key players in Hexylene Glycol Market include:
- BASF
- Solvay
- Dow
- Lonza
- Monument Chemicals
- Lanxess
- Arkema
- Solventis
- FINAR
- Prasol Chemicals
- Eastman Chemical Company
- Kuraray
- Indorama Ventures
- Perstorp
- Chemsynth Corporation
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market Share Analysis
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Grade
- Market Snapshot, By Function
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End-Use Industry
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Hexylene Glycol Market Forces
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Growing Demand in Paints and Coatings
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Expansion in Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry
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Increasing Use in Pharmaceuticals
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- Restraints
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Regulatory and Environmental Restrictions
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Volatility in Raw Material Prices
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Health and Safety Concerns
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- Opportunities
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Development of Eco-Friendly Formulations
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Expansion in Emerging Markets
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Advancements in Application Technologies
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Hexylene Glycol Market, By Grade, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Pharmaceutical Grade
- Industrial Grade
- Hexylene Glycol Market, By Function, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Solvent
- Coupling Agent
- Viscosity Reducing Agent
- Others
- Hexylene Glycol Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Coatings & Paints
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textile & Leather
- Chemical Intermediates
- Hexylene Glycol Market, By End-Use Industry, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Automotive
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Hexylene Glycol Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Hexylene Glycol Market, By Grade, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- BASF
- Solvay
- Dow
- Lonza
- Monument Chemicals
- Lanxess
- Arkema
- Solventis
- FINAR
- Prasol Chemicals
- Eastman Chemical Company
- Kuraray
- Indorama Ventures
- Perstorp
- Chemsynth Corporation
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market

