Ethylene Oxide Market

Ethylene Oxide Market Study by Ethylene Glycol, Ethoxylate, Ethanolamines, Glycol Ethers, and Polyethylenes for Chemical Processing, Healthcare, F&B, and Automotive from 2024 to 2034

Analysis of Ethylene Oxide Market Covering 30+ Countries Including Analysis of US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Nordics, GCC countries, Japan, Korea and many more

Ethylene Oxide Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global ethylene oxide market size is calculated to reach US$ 60.6 billion in 2024. Worldwide sales of ethylene oxide (EO) are projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.8% and climb to US$ 106.5 billion by the end of 2034.

Healthcare, chemicals, etc., are some of the prominent end-use industries driving the demand for ethylene oxide around the world. In addition, its growing use in non-consumer chemicals and consumer products is widening opportunities for manufacturers. It is used for manufacturing other chemicals, such as surface active agents, ethanolamines, polyols, glycol ethers, ethylene glycol, etc.

There is an increasing consumption of ethylene oxide as a fumigant in some species and sterilant in medical devices. Moreover, its utilization in detergents, food & beverages, textiles, antifreeze, solvents, cosmetics, and medical devices is contributing to the growing sales across the globe.

  • North America is calculated to account for 17.5% of the global market revenue share by the end of 2034.
  • Sales of ethylene oxide in South Korea are projected to rise at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2034.
  • Worldwide demand for ethoxylate is forecasted to increase at 6% of CAGR and reach a valuation of US$ 24.6 billion by 2034-end.

Ethylene oxide is one of the prominent materials used in ethylene glycol production, which has multiple applications, such as plastics, textiles, etc. The rising demand for such products, particularly in potentially high growth countries is contributing to the increased consumption of ethylene oxide. Furthermore, an increase in the demand for synthetic fibers has been encountered in recent years due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and durability, which is ultimately driving demand for ethylene oxide.

Rising use of ethylene oxide in the petrochemical industry is widening revenue streams. An increased demand for petrochemical products is contributing to the growing sales of ethylene oxide. An increase in the consumption of PET in the food & beverage sector, increasing requirements for antifreeze agents, and requirements for personal care and household products in potentially high growth countries are driving sales of ethylene oxide.

Report Attributes Details
Ethylene Oxide Market Size (2024E) US$ 60.6 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F) US$ 106.5 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 5.8% CAGR
Market Share of Glycol Ether (2034F) 24.9%
Japan Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 4.5% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2034F) 24.6%
Key Companies Profiled
  • BASF
  • LOTTE Chemical Corporation
  • SABIC
  • Huntsman International
  • India Glycols Ltd.
  • Indian Oil Corporation
  • DowDupont
  • Indorama Venture Public Company Ltd.
  • Royal Dutch Shell
  • Formosa Plastic Ltd.

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Which Factors are Contributing to Expanding Ethylene Oxide Market Size?

“Growing Consumption of Ethylene Oxide in Textile Industry”

The textile industry holds a significant position as one of the prominent end users of ethylene oxide. These derivatives are utilized for the treatment of natural and synthetic fibers. Static prevention, mothproofing, shrink proofing wool, and durable press are some of the features of ethylene oxide, which contribute to its increased use in the textile industry.

Rising investments, escalating demand, and increasing infrastructural facilities in some of the prominent textile manufacturing countries are leading to the growing demand for ethylene oxide. An expansion of the textile & apparel industry with favorable demographics is contributing to the preference for branded products, which is also generating demand for ethylene oxide.

“Rising Use of PET Bottles in Packaging Solutions”

An increasing demand for household and industrial cleaners, detergents, laundry softeners, etc., is forecasted to contribute to the rising sales of ethylene oxide. Moreover, an increased demand for PET bottles from the packaging sector is contributing to the ethylene oxide demand.

What’s Obstructing Higher Ethylene Oxide Market Growth?

“Harmful Impacts of Ethylene Oxide”

Ethylene oxide is consumed as one of the prominent chemical intermediates, which is used in the production of ethylene oxide. There are various adverse impacts caused by exposure to ethylene oxide, which is estimated to lead to depression in the central nervous system in humans. In addition, this chemical also irritates the nose, throat, lungs, skin, and eyes and damages the brain and nervous system. Therefore, its exposure is anticipated to have chronic effects, reproductive effects, and acute effects, which are restraining demand.

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Which Ethylene Oxide Market Trends are Assisting New Companies Secure a Position for Themselves?

“Constant Advancements in EO Manufacturing Technology”

Advancements taking place in EO production technology, such as more effective processes and catalysts, are estimated to help in minimizing environmental impacts and production costs. These technological advancements are anticipated to lead to the development of environment-friendly and more efficient methods for the production of ethylene oxide. Startups are expected to invest more in these advancements and leverage opportunities created through new development. Moreover, the preference for bio-derived ethylene oxide over petro-based ethylene is estimated to generate opportunities for new market players.

Country-wise Insights

East Asia is forecasted to contribute 24.6% share of the global market by the end of 2034, as stated in a newly updated report by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider. An increase in the production and consumption of surfactants along with an expansion of the personal care & cosmetics industry is contributing to the rising demand for ethylene oxide. This chemical is used in the packaging of various types of liquid foods, such as fruit juices, carbonated beverages, etc.

What Prospects Await Ethylene Oxide Suppliers in the United States?

“Presence of Well-established Textile Sector Widening Application Scope of Ethylene Oxide”

Attribute United States
Market Value (2024E) US$ 7.3 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 6.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 13.7 Billion

The United States is approximated to enjoy 73.5% market share in North America by the end of 2034. The presence of a well-established textile industry in the country is contributing to the increased consumption of ethylene oxide. Further, increased use of ethylene oxide-based sterilizers and pesticides is also supporting market growth.

Why are Ethylene Oxide Manufacturers Flocking China?

“Rapidly Rising Demand for Cosmetics & Personal Care Products”

Attribute China
Market Value (2024E) US$ 8.8 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 5.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 15 Billion

China is evaluated to account for 57.3% share of the East Asian market by 2034. The country is one of the prominent consumers of ethylene oxide as well as its derivatives in East Asia. An expansion of the textile industry is generating demand for ethylene oxide. In addition, China is one of the prominent producers of PET resins owing to the presence of some of the prominent manufacturers.

Higher demand and expansion of the cosmetics & personal care industry in the country are contributing to the increased consumption of ethylene oxide due to its comparatively more non-toxic nature.

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Category-wise Insights

Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, through its newly updated study, mentions that the automotive sector is expected to contribute more to the rising demand for ethylene oxide. The increasing production of passenger vehicles is contributing to the increasing sales of ethylene oxide for multiple purposes.

Which Application of Ethylene Oxide Will Generate Higher More Revenue Streams?

“Growing Consumption of Glycol Ether in Several Sectors”

Attribute Glycol Ether
Segment Value (2024E) US$ 15.5 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 5.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 26.5 Billion

Glycol Ether is anticipated to hold 24.9% of the ethylene oxide market share by the end of 2034. Increased demand for glycol ether is because of its use in the manufacturing of human-made fibers. In addition, it is also utilized as an antifreeze in the cooling systems of automobiles. The rising use of glycol ether in the construction sector is owing to its assistance in preventing pipes from getting frozen in cold weather.

Which End Use of Ethylene Oxide is More Rewarding for Manufacturers?

“Rising Preference for Ethylene Oxide in Automobiles Due to its Ability to Withstand High Temperature”

Chemical processing, healthcare, food & beverages, and automotive are some of the prominent end-use applications of ethylene oxide. Among these, a significant portion of the demand is estimated to come from the automotive sector due to the use of ethylene oxide in cooling down engine temperature. Further, it is also used as brake fluids in automotive brakes. Polyester fibers manufactured from ethylene oxide are utilized in automotive seat covers. Its ability to withstand high temperatures is estimated to drive demand in the automotive sector.

Competitive Landscape

Leading market players are concentrating on capacity expansion. They are focusing on opening their new manufacturing facilities across various potentially high growth countries. In addition, strengthening the supply chain system, offering quality products, new product development, etc. are some other strategies helping market players get a competitive edge.

For instance :

  • BASF and SINOPEC entered into a joint venture in 2021. They have planned to expand the site, Verbund, to increase purified ethylene oxide, ethylene amines, and ethanolamines production. Further, they are also planning to build new manufacturing plants in the coming years.

Key players in the ethylene oxide market are BASF, LOTTE Chemical Corporation, SABIC, Huntsman International, India Glycols Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation, DowDupont, Indorama Venture Public Company Ltd., Royal Dutch Shell, and Formosa Plastic Ltd.

Segmentation of Ethylene Oxide Market Research

  • By Type :

    • Ethylene Glycol
    • Ethoxylate
    • Ethanolamines
    • Glycol Ethers
    • Polyethylenes
    • Others
  • By End Use :

    • Chemical Processing
    • Healthcare
    • Food & Beverages
    • Automotive
    • Others
  • By Sales Channel :

    • Online
    • Offline
  • By Region :

    • North America
    • Europe
    • East Asia
    • Latin America
    • Middle East & Africa
    • South Asia & Oceania

- FAQs -

How big is the size of the ethylene oxide market in 2024?

The global ethylene oxide market is calculated to reach US$ 60.6 billion in 2024.

What is the demand outlook for ethylene oxide for 2034?

Global demand for ethylene oxide is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 106.5 billion by 2034.

What is the forecasted growth rate for the global market?

The global market is approximated to advance at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2034.

How much share of the global market is East Asia forecasted to account for?

East Asia is approximated to hold 24.6% share of the global market revenue by the end of 2034.

At what CAGR are the sales of ethylene oxide evaluated to rise in South Korea?

Sales of ethylene oxide in South Korea are projected to rise at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2034.

What is the market scenario for glycol ether?

The glycol ether segment is projected to increase at 5.5% CAGR and reach US$ 26.5 billion by 2034.

Which industries are prominent end users of ethylene oxide?

Ethylene oxide plays a vital role in automotive, oil & gas, food & beverages, cosmetics & personal care products, chemical processing, and household cleaners.

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Ethylene Oxide Market

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