CEH Report
Table of Contents
Abstract
The largest market for ethylene oxide in 2009 was mono, di- and triethylene glycols, which represented 77% of total ethylene oxide consumption. Ethylene glycol is used as an intermediate for terephthalate polyester (used for fiber, film and bottle resins) and for antifreeze. Diethylene glycol markets include polyurethane and unsaturated polyester resins and antifreeze. Triethylene glycol uses were in gas dehydration and plasticizers and as a solvent. However, the percentage of ethylene oxide consumed for ethylene glycols (including di- and triglycols) varied widely among regions—North America (65%), Western Europe (44%), Japan (63%), China (68%), Other Asia (94%), Africa and the Middle East (99%). Because of the depth of the world recession, consumption of ethylene glycol was affected in 2008 and early 2009 more than other end uses. The share of total world consumption of ethylene oxide accounted for by glycols dropped several percentage points compared with prior years.
Surface-active agents, the second-largest end use, rose to 11% of total ethylene oxide consumption in 2009, including primarily nonionic alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) and detergent alcohol ethoxylates (AEs). APEs are used as nonionic surfactants or as intermediates for production of anionic alcohol ether sulfates (or phosphates) for home laundry and dishwashing formulations. AEs are ethoxylated linear alcohols that are biodegradable materials used largely in heavy-duty home laundry formulations. As a percentage of domestic ethylene oxide consumption, usage of surface-active agents also varied widely among regions—North America (11%), Western Europe (26%), Japan (22%) and China (26%).
The following pie chart shows world consumption of ethylene oxide:
Consumption of ethylene oxide is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of about 5% during 2009–2014. Good growth is expected in its two largest end uses, ethylene glycols and surface-active agents. Growth will be slowest in consumption for glycol ethers, while rapid growth is expected for use in ethanolamines.