The global production capacity for 1,3 dihydroxypropane reached over 600,000 metric tons per year as of 2020. Asia is currently the largest producing region, led by China which has an annual capacity of around 400,000 metric tons.
The Global Production of 1,3 Propanediol, also known as trimethylene glycol or PDO, is a colorless alcohol compound that has a variety of industrial uses. It is mainly produced through the fermentation of plant-based sugars such as corn sugar or sugarcane. 1,3 dihydroxypropane has three carbon atoms and two hydroxyl functional groups, giving it the formula C3H8O2. This simple structure allows it to be utilized in many applications.
Current Global Production Levels
The global production capacity for 1,3 dihydroxypropane reached over 600,000 metric tons per year as of 2020. Asia is currently the largest producing region, led by China which has an annual capacity of around 400,000 metric tons. Within China, many biodiesel and chemical companies have built sizable 1,3 dihydroxypropane fermentation facilities over the past decade. The largest producers include Zhangjiagang Glory Biomaterial Co. Ltd, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd, and Synbra Technology. North America and Europe also have significant PDO manufacturing capabilities totaling over 100,000 metric tons collectively. Major Western producers include DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, Genomatica, and Corbion. Production is expected to increase substantially in the coming years to meet growing demand for PDO-based materials and chemicals.
Applications in Polytrimethylene Terephthalate
The biggest end use for 1,3 dihydroxypropane is in the production of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), a synthetic polyester textile fiber. Around 50% of global PDO output is converted to PTT, which is a soft, durable, elastic fiber with moisture-wicking properties. PTT can be blended with other synthetic and natural fibers to produce a vast array of textiles for apparel, household goods, and industrial materials. As an alternative to nylon, PTT continues gaining share in carpets and rugs where its elasticity provides increased resilience and durability through years of foot traffic. Additional PTT applications include surgical sutures, fishing lines, and automotive components that benefit from the material's stretch, strength, and resistance to harsh chemicals and temperature extremes.
Use in Polyurethanes
Another major end use for 1,3 dihydroxypropane is in the manufacture of polyurethane plastics and elastomers. Around 25% of global PDO production goes toward various polyurethane applications. When reacted with diisocyanates, 1,3 dihydroxypropane forms extremely versatile polyether polyols that serve as building blocks for polyurethane polymers. Soft and flexible polyurethane foams made from PDO-based polyols are widely used in bedding, upholstery, car seats, and packaging. Polyurethane elastomers utilizing PDO offer high elasticity and rebound properties desired for products like shoes, gloves, and medical devices. Rigid and injection molded polyurethanes employing trimethylene glycol-derived polyols exhibit strength and resilience suitable for industrial machine parts, electrical components, and sports equipment. Continuous advances are expanding the scope and performance of these materials.
Other Industrial and Consumer Products
Beyond textiles and plastics, 1,3 dihydroxypropane finds use in an array of other applications thanks to its physical and chemical properties. It is employed as an environmentally-friendly deicing fluid at airports due to its low freezing point and rapid deicing capability. PDO also serves as a non-toxic coolant and heat transfer fluid in geothermal and solar heating systems. In personal care products, 1,3 dihydroxypropane acts as a humectant for moisturizing creams and conditioners and provides emollient properties in cosmetics. Additional uses of PDO encompass solvents, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, printing inks, and plasticizers. As environmental regulations accelerate the replacement of volatile petrochemicals, biobased 1,3 dihydroxypropane continues expanding into new segments.
Outlook and Recent Developments
All projections indicate the 1,3 dihydroxypropane will experience considerable growth globally through 2030 and beyond. The is forecast to rise at 6-8% annually driven by expanding PTT, polyurethane, and specialty chemical applications. To help meet rising demand, manufacturers are working to develop more advanced and economical production technologies. Genomatica has commercialized a novel fermentation process claiming 30% reduction in PDO manufacturing costs.
Synbra is doubling its Chinese capacity with state-of-the-art facilities. Corbion is expanding offerings with high-purity forms of PDO suitable for food contact and healthcare uses. Meanwhile, startups such as BioAmber and Global BioChem are developing alternative chemical routes utilizing renewable feedstocks. While Asia will likely remain dominant, North America and Europe are expected to see the fastest percentage growth in 1,3 dihydroxypropane capacity and end use s. Overall, the future remains bright for this versatile building block chemical produced from non-petroleum resources.
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