Propylene Glycol Market
By Grade;
Industrial, Food & Beverage and PharmaceuticalBy Application;
Flavoring Agent, Antifreeze & Deicer Agent, Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Chemical Intermediates and OthersBy End User;
Transportation, Building & Construction, Food & Beverages, Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Propylene Glycol Market Overview
Propylene Glycol Market (USD Million)
Propylene Glycol Market was valued at USD 5,184.16 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 7,007.81 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.4%.
Propylene Glycol Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 4.4 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 4.4 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 5,184.16 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 7,007.81 Million |
| Market Concentration | High |
| Report Pages | 395 |
Major Players
- The Dow Chemical Company
- LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
- BASF SE
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
- Global Bio-chem Technology Group Co., Ltd.
- DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Company, LLC
- Huntsman Corporation
- SKC Co., Ltd.
- Temix International S.R.L.
- Ineos Oxide
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Propylene Glycol Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Propylene Glycol Market is witnessing steady expansion, driven by its multifunctional properties and rising adoption across healthcare, personal care, food, and industrial sectors. Nearly 35% of its demand comes from the cosmetics industry, where it acts as a moisturizer and solvent, boosting the effectiveness of skincare and haircare products. Growing awareness of safe and versatile chemical ingredients continues to elevate its market potential.
Pharmaceutical Demand
The pharmaceutical industry represents close to 25% of the total market consumption. Propylene glycol plays a crucial role in drug formulations, improving solubility and product stability across oral and injectable medicines. Rising global healthcare needs and increasing drug production volumes are strengthening its position as an indispensable pharmaceutical excipient.
Food and Beverage Integration
In the food and beverage sector, around 20% of propylene glycol demand is attributed to its use as a stabilizer, preservative, and flavor enhancer. Its ability to improve texture and extend shelf life makes it a critical ingredient in processed and packaged products. The growth of convenience foods and beverages continues to drive steady uptake in this segment.
Industrial Applications
Nearly 15% of the market stems from industrial uses, including its role in unsaturated polyester resins, de-icing fluids, and antifreeze. Its unique physical properties make it highly adaptable in advanced chemical formulations. Rising demand for industrial efficiency and durable materials is expected to sustain its relevance in this sector.
Propylene Glycol Market Key Takeaways
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The Propylene Glycol Market is growing steadily due to rising demand from automotive, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
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Increasing use of propylene glycol as a humectant, solvent, and coolant is driving overall market expansion.
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Pharmaceutical-grade products are witnessing higher adoption due to increased medical applications and safety standards.
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Rising demand for bio-based propylene glycol is boosting the shift toward sustainable chemical production.
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North America and Asia-Pacific dominate the market with expanding industrial manufacturing and chemical output.
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Technological advancements in propylene oxide processing are improving production efficiency and quality.
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Growing demand from personal care and cosmetic formulations continues to enhance market opportunities.
Propylene Glycol Market Recent Developments
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In January 2025, the global propylene glycol market experienced a surge in demand driven by growth in the food and beverage industry, where it is widely used as a preservative and humectant in various products.
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In July 2024, the market for bio-based propylene glycol expanded as consumers and manufacturers increasingly sought sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products, particularly in personal care and household products.
Propylene Glycol Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Propylene Glycol Market has been segmented by Grade, Application, End User and Geography.
Propylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by Grade
The grade-wise view distinguishes usage environments, compliance requirements, and pricing dynamics, enabling participants to tailor formulations and distribution strategies accordingly. Market participants focus on quality control, certification pathways, and supply reliability as critical drivers for share gains and long-term contracts. Partnerships across upstream glycols, distributors, and brand owners support expansion, while evolving regulatory norms and sustainability targets influence future outlook and product stewardship.
Industrial
Industrial grade serves de-icing, heat transfer, and resin curing, where performance, cost-efficiency, and logistics take precedence. Suppliers emphasize consistent specifications and bulk delivery models, aligning with OEM and MRO needs in transportation and building & construction. As infrastructure upgrades accelerate, producers leverage technology in process optimization and secure supply through feedstock integration for resilient growth.
Food & Beverage
Food & beverage grade addresses applications as a carrier, humectant, and processing aid under strict food-safety expectations. Companies prioritize certifications, traceability, and close collaboration with formulators to meet evolving labeling and compliance standards. Premiumization and clean-label trends encourage innovation in purity levels and sustainable sourcing, reinforcing trust with global brand owners.
Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical grade targets excipient and solvent roles where patient safety and quality-by-design govern supplier selection. Manufacturers pursue GMP-aligned operations, audit-ready documentation, and robust pharmacopoeia adherence to win long-duration supply agreements. Strategic alliances with CDMOs and drug developers, alongside regulatory updates, shape capacity planning and the medium-term outlook.
Propylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by Application
Applications reveal end-use diversity, from polymers and chemicals to functional roles in processing and product performance. Vendors differentiate through formulation support, technical service, and lifecycle cost advantages, strengthening their presence in priority value chains. Innovation agendas emphasize efficiency, compatibility, and sustainability, while channel partnerships enable broader penetration across regions and customer tiers.
Flavoring Agent
This segment centers on carrier and solvent performance in flavors and extracts, necessitating tight impurity control and sensory neutrality. Close coordination with flavor houses and beverage formulators supports rapid iteration, compliance, and consistent quality. Growth strategies focus on portfolio breadth and traceability to address evolving standards across global markets.
Antifreeze & Deicer Agent
Heat-transfer and freeze-protection uses demand reliability in varied climates, fleet safety outcomes, and infrastructure compatibility. Suppliers work with transportation authorities and industrial operators to optimize performance windows and maintenance cycles, reinforcing TCO value. Seasonal demand planning, secure feedstock, and regulatory stewardship frame execution and risk management.
Unsaturated Polyester Resins
In UPR systems, propylene glycol contributes to resin backbones used in composites, panels, and construction components. Performance consistency, curing behavior, and downstream processing efficiency drive supplier selection in competitive projects. Collaboration with resin producers and fabricators, supported by technical service, accelerates qualification and expands application adoption.
Chemical Intermediates
As a versatile intermediate, propylene glycol supports derivative chemistries for coatings, lubricants, and specialty blends. Producers highlight integration, reliable logistics, and formulation guidance to maintain customer productivity. Portfolio agility and targeted R&D enhance responsiveness to shifting specifications and regulatory frameworks.
Others
Additional uses cut across agriculture, electronics processing, and niche industrial functions, each with tailored performance criteria. Vendors compete via custom packaging, multisite stocking, and application engineering that simplify customer adoption. Over time, sustainability metrics and circularity initiatives are expected to shape product screening and procurement policies.
Propylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by End User
End-user segments clarify procurement behavior, qualification cycles, and value capture, guiding targeted sales and service models. Key drivers include reliability, technical validation, and compliance support, often translated into multi-year agreements. Participants invest in application labs, digital support tools, and collaborative planning with distributors to deepen penetration and stabilize volumes.
Transportation
Transportation customers require dependable antifreeze, de-icing, and thermal management solutions for vehicles and aviation ground support. Suppliers coordinate with OEMs and fleet operators on maintenance schedules, performance metrics, and regulatory conformity. As safety and uptime remain paramount, partnerships and service-level commitments underpin competitive differentiation.
Building & Construction
Construction ecosystems utilize UPR-based materials, sealants, and fluid systems demanding predictable curing and durability. Project workloads and contractor networks favor vendors offering consistent availability, technical documentation, and jobsite support. Energy-efficiency and sustainability priorities encourage selection of solutions that balance performance with environmental stewardship.
Food & Beverages
Brand owners and co-packers in F&B value purity, certification coverage, and robust supplier audits to protect consumer trust. Close collaboration on formulation adjustments and labeling needs enables agility across launches and reformulations. Global and regional distributors add resilience, ensuring compliant delivery across complex retail and HORECA channels.
Personal Care
In personal care, humectancy, solvency, and sensory neutrality support skincare, haircare, and hygiene products. Players differentiate through documentation depth, microbiological controls, and formulation compatibility with actives and packaging. Co-development with leading brands and private labels expands access and anchors stable long-run demand.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharma end users require excipient-grade consistency, validation packages, and GMP-aligned handling to pass stringent audits. Suppliers that provide strong regulatory support and change-control transparency gain preferred status with drug makers and CDMOs. Investment in capacity reliability and risk mitigation enhances supply assurance and long-term outlook.
Others
Diverse industrial users adopt propylene glycol for processing aids and functional roles that vary by sector. Vendors emphasize flexible pack sizes, tailored service, and technical troubleshooting to reduce customer complexity. Over time, data-driven inventory planning and ESG-aligned offerings can widen access and solidify account retention.
Propylene Glycol Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Propylene 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
Demand is anchored by transportation fluids, composites, and regulated food/pharma applications requiring rigorous compliance. Producers leverage domestic integration, distributor networks, and application labs to deepen penetration and shorten qualification cycles. Infrastructure programs and winter de-icing needs sustain volumes, while regulatory stewardship and ESG reporting shape procurement choices.
Europe
European buyers prioritize sustainability metrics, circularity, and stringent REACH-aligned documentation across uses. Contracting models emphasize reliability and carbon transparency, promoting suppliers with verified footprints and resilient supply chains. Growth stems from advanced composites, specialty chemicals, and brand-driven F&B and personal care formulations.
Asia Pacific
APAC offers scale through expanding manufacturing bases, construction activity, and growing consumer markets. Localized production, competitive cost structures, and rapid formulation support enable share gains across diverse applications. As regulations evolve and quality expectations rise, leaders invest in capability upgrades and regional partnerships to capture long-term demand.
Middle East & Africa
ME&A demand is tied to industrial projects, climate-driven thermal management, and emerging consumer categories. Suppliers emphasize reliable logistics, tailored packaging, and technical outreach to support new plants and maintenance cycles. Collaboration with regional distributors and adherence to evolving standards help unlock growth corridors.
Latin America
In LATAM, opportunities span de-icing substitutes in select climates, construction materials, and growing personal care and F&B niches. Market entry strategies rely on channel partnerships, localized stock, and credit-friendly terms that reduce adoption friction. Policy stability and infrastructure upgrades can accelerate investment, while quality and compliance remain decisive for supplier selection.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Propylene Glycol Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Growing Demand from the Automotive Industry
- Rising Use in Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
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Expansion of the Food and Beverage Industry: Propylene glycol is widely utilized as a food additive and preservative, playing a crucial role in maintaining the quality and safety of various food products. Its ability to retain moisture, stabilize flavors, and extend shelf life makes it an essential component in the food and beverage industry. This functionality ensures that products remain fresh and appealing to consumers, contributing to its sustained demand.
The growing global population is a significant factor driving the expansion of the food and beverage industry. As the population increases, the need for food preservation and quality enhancement becomes more critical. Propylene glycol's properties make it an indispensable ingredient in meeting this demand, ensuring that food supplies can keep pace with the rising number of consumers.
Rising disposable incomes further amplify the demand for propylene glycol in the food and beverage sector. As consumers have more spending power, their preference for high-quality, convenient, and ready-to-eat food products grows. This trend propels the industry's expansion, as manufacturers strive to meet the evolving consumer preferences by incorporating propylene glycol into their products to enhance quality and shelf life.
Restraints:
- Health and Environmental Concerns
- Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices
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Competition from Bio-Based Alternatives: Increasing awareness and preference for sustainable and eco-friendly products have significantly influenced market dynamics. Consumers and industries alike are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices, driving the demand for greener alternatives. This shift in consumer behavior has paved the way for the development of bio-based propylene glycol.
Bio-based propylene glycol, derived from renewable sources such as corn or soybeans, is emerging as a strong contender in the market. Its production process is more sustainable and has a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional petroleum-based methods. As a result, it appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
This growing preference for sustainable products presents stiff competition to traditional petroleum-based propylene glycol. Companies that produce bio-based alternatives are gaining market share as they cater to the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions. The trend towards sustainability is likely to continue, further challenging the dominance of conventional propylene glycol in the market.
Opportunities:
- Advancements in Production Technologies
- Expansion into Emerging Markets
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Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Products: The increasing consumer awareness about environmental issues has led to a heightened demand for eco-friendly products across various industries. This trend is particularly evident in the chemical industry, where consumers and manufacturers are seeking alternatives to traditional, petroleum-based products. Propylene glycol, a commonly used chemical, is now being scrutinized for its environmental impact, creating an opportunity for more sustainable alternatives.
Bio-based propylene glycol, produced from renewable resources such as corn and soybeans, is emerging as a viable and attractive alternative. Its production process is more sustainable and less harmful to the environment compared to conventional methods. As consumers become more eco-conscious, they are more likely to support products and brands that prioritize sustainability, driving the demand for bio-based propylene glycol.
Companies that invest in sustainable production methods and develop eco-friendly products can capitalize on this growing trend. By offering bio-based propylene glycol, these companies can meet the increasing consumer demand for green products and gain a competitive edge in the market. This shift towards sustainability not only benefits the environment but also opens up new business opportunities for forward-thinking companies.
Propylene Glycol Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Propylene Glycol Market is characterized by intense competition, with leading manufacturers capturing over 60% of the total share. The industry is witnessing strong momentum driven by strategies that emphasize sustainability and partnerships with downstream sectors. Rising consumer awareness and industrial adoption highlight the increasing importance of technological advancements in ensuring consistent quality, performance, and diversified application growth.
Market Structure and Concentration
The market shows moderate to high concentration, with a few key companies accounting for nearly 55% of the share. Competitive pressures are shaped by merger activities and collaboration with regional suppliers. This structure enables leading firms to consolidate their positions, while mid-tier players emphasize innovation to strengthen their competitive stance.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Brand differentiation plays a significant role, as companies adopt strategies centered on eco-friendly production and certified supply chains. Around 48% of firms have expanded distribution networks through partnerships with specialized distributors. Strong brand visibility, supported by targeted marketing channels, has become a driver for sustainable growth and long-term customer engagement.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Innovation remains central to competitive advantage, with over 52% of players investing heavily in technological advancements. Research efforts are directed at renewable feedstock and high-performance derivatives. Companies are leveraging collaboration with research institutions to accelerate product development, ensuring that expansion aligns with emerging environmental and industrial requirements.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
Regional leaders dominate more than 58% of consumption, supported by robust manufacturing bases and expansion initiatives. Cross-border partnerships have enabled firms to scale distribution across high-demand regions. Strategic investments in infrastructure and localized innovation centers are further solidifying regional momentum, making the market landscape increasingly competitive.
Future Outlook
The future outlook indicates that nearly 62% of companies will prioritize sustainable strategies and digital integration. Strong emphasis on collaboration and merger synergies is expected to accelerate market consolidation. With continued growth in industrial and consumer applications, the Propylene Glycol Market is positioned for long-term expansion supported by innovation-driven transformation.
Key players in Propylene Glycol Market include:
- Dow Chemical Company
- BASF SE
- LyondellBasell Industries
- INEOS
- ADM
- Shell Plc
- Adeka Corporation
- Huntsman International
- Archer Daniels Midland
- SK Chemicals
- Indorama Ventures
- Monument Chemical
- DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products
- Manali Petrochemicals
- Oleon NV
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 Application
- Market Snapshot, By End-User
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Propylene Glycol Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers:
- Growing Demand from the Automotive Industry
- Rising Use in Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
- Expansion of the Food and Beverage Industry
- Restraints:
- Health and Environmental Concerns
- Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices
- Competition from Bio-Based Alternatives
- Opportunities:
- Advancements in Production Technologies
- Expansion into Emerging Markets
- Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Products
- 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
- Propylene Glycol Market, By Grade, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Industrial
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
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Propylene Glycol Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Flavoring Agent
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Antifreeze & Deicer Agent
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Unsaturated Polyester Resins
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Chemical Intermediates
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Others
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- Propylene Glycol Market, By End-Use, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Transportation
- Building & Construction
- Food & Beverages
- Personal Care
- Pharmaceuticals
- Others
- Propylene 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
- Propylene Glycol Market, By Grade, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Dow Chemical Company
- BASF SE
- LyondellBasell Industries
- INEOS
- ADM
- Shell Plc
- Adeka Corporation
- Huntsman International
- Archer Daniels Midland
- SK Chemicals
- Indorama Ventures
- Monument Chemical
- DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products
- Manali Petrochemicals
- Oleon NV
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market

