1,3
Propanediol: 1,3-Propanediol: Global Manufacturing Landscape and Main
Applications

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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1, 3 Propanediol

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