Glycol Market Size, Share, and Trends 2026 to 2035

Revenue, 2025

USD 50.10 Bn

Forecast Year, 2035

USD 98.03 Bn

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

6.94%

Report Coverage

Global

What is the Glycol Market Size?

The global glycol market size is calculated at USD 50.10 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 53.61 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 98.03 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of6.94% from 2026 to 2035.

Glycol Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific led the global market with the highest market share of 44% in 2025.
• By product, the Propylene glycol segment registered the maximum market share in 2025.
• By application, the application segment anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR between 2026 and 2035.
• By end user, the food and beverage segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR over the projected period.

Market Overview

An organic substance known as glycol has the chemical formula (CH2OH) 2. Glycol is largely utilised for two things: making polyester fibres as a raw material and making antifreeze preparations. Glycol has the qualities of being an odourless, colourless, sweet-tasting, and gluey liquid. It is also utilised as an antifreeze in synthetic fibers, brake fluid, and low-freezing explosives in addition to car cooling systems. Glycol is a non-hazardous, sweetened substance that serves as a solvent, antimicrobial, and moisture-retaining ingredient in foods, dental care, and personal care items.

It is also utilised in a variety of products, including toys, food packaging, film, bottles, pipelines, antifreeze, carpets, insulation, and animal feeds. The automotive and transportation industry, food and beverage processing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as the production of polyester fibres, all require derivatives of glycol. The recent improvement in the outlook for western markets' economies as a result of resurgent industrial activity has had a beneficial effect on the market's expansion.

Glycols have been under great attention from organisations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and FDA due to their harmful impacts on human health during the period of increased regulatory control. Although the FDA has designated propylene glycol as generally recognised as safe (GRAS), the organisation has established appropriate daily intake amounts to protect human health.

Similar research has been done by the EPA about the toxicological profile of glycols and suggested guidelines for their use and handling.

Glycol Market Growth Factors

Throughout the projected period, the worldwide glycol market is anticipated to grow due to the rising use of non-perishable resources. Government actions are also anticipated to increase the use of bio-based goods like glycol. They are thought to be secure and environmentally responsible. Furthermore, they adhere to strict governmental rules. Due to their extensive use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, bio-based glycols are predicted to gain appeal.

The rising demand for processed foods is one of the main driving forces behind the worldwide glycol industry. The growing labour force, modern lifestyle, and population all contribute to an increase in the use of processed foods. The demand for propylene glycol is also fueled by expansion in the transportation and construction sectors.

It is anticipated that technological advancements in the packaging sector will increase the range of food products that are suitable for use, including frozen, chilled, shelf-stable, microwaveable, and prepared mixes. Increased consumer expenditure on personal hygiene and personal care items like moisturizers and sunscreen creams will accelerate market expansion.

Market Outlook

• Industry Growth Overview: The market expansion is primarily fuelled by extensive demand across diverse end-use industries, particularly in the automotive, packaging, and textiles sectors.
• Major investors: Major investors/players in the global market are large petrochemical firms like Dow, BASF, SABIC, Shell, Sinopec, ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, Reliance Industries, and Huntsman.
• Global Expansion: The market is expanding significantly, driven by Asia-Pacific's massive demand, booming packaging, automotive, and textile industries, with key growth areas including industrialization, rising construction, and demand for polyester/PET.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Driver

Increasing usage in the textile industry

Glycols are used to make cellophane, leather, and polyester fibres. One substance that is frequently used in textile applications is ethylene glycol. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on global fibre production in 2020, which saw a decline from 111 million tonnes to 109 million tonnes. With improved market activity in 2021, however, as a result of the active recovery in the world economy, it largely recovered. China, the European Union, and India are three of the top exporters of textiles, with a combined market share of more than 65%.

The first ten months of 2021 saw noteworthy growth in China's textile sector. Major companies' combined sales increased by almost 14% year over year to reach USD 650 billion. One of the global industries with the quickest growth rates is the textile industry in India. From April to December 2021, exports of textiles increased by almost 31% over the same period in the previous year. Since COVID-19's breakout, investments in the Indian textile industry have shown a pronounced development.

The government proposed a plan for creating mega textile parks in India in Budget 2021–22 to increase employment and make India more competitive internationally. The Indian textile and apparel sector was valued at USD 152 billion in 2021, according to the Indian government. Additionally, the USD 75 billion domestic consumption was broken down into USD 55 billion for garments, USD 15 billion for technical textiles, and USD 5 billion for home furnishings.

The government announced a new Buy America Act waiver procedure in 2021 in order to increase textile production in the country. The new waiver procedure seeks to increase procurement process transparency, which is expected to be advantageous to textile companies as they can better grasp the possible business prospects and work to improve and supply made-in-America products. All these factors will drive the growth of the market.

Restraints

Health issues

The main difficulty facing glycol makers is health problems brought on by the use of glycol. The market growth rate may be negatively impacted by a variety of health issues linked to glycol. The allowable daily consumption of glycol as a food additive, according to WHO, should not, however, exceed 25 mg/Kg of weight. The main market restraints that will slow the market's growth rate are health problems brought on by the increasing intake of glycol.

Opportunities

Increasing demand of glycol in the automotive industry

It is projected that the growing demand for glycol in the automotive sector will accelerate the expansion of the global market. Due to its lower melting point than water, ethylene glycol prevents ethylene engines from freezing in the winter and serves as a coolant to prevent overheating in the summer. The global glycol market is anticipated to benefit greatly from the usage of ethylene glycol in cars to absorb combustion heat.

Segment Insights

Product Insights

Based on the product, the industry has been divided into ethylene glycol and propylene glycol (1, 2-propanediol) (1, 2-ethanediol). These goods serve a wide variety of industry segments. The production of polyester composites makes extensive use of propanediol, which is also employed as a solvent in the production of food colouring, flavouring, paint dispersions, and plastic resin.

Propylene glycol is increasingly popular and is expected to grow in the projected period as it is used as an alternative to ethylene glycol in antifreeze applications due to its intrinsic low toxicity. 1, 2-propanediol is used as an antifreeze in the chemical, food, and medicinal industries. However, as an alternative to ethylene glycol, the chemical has found increased use as an eco-friendly automotive and marine antifreeze in a 40:60 ratio of 1,2-propanediol: water.

A common antifreeze, coolant, and heat-transfer substance is ethylene glycol. The substance works as a reagent in the creation of polyesters, alkyd resins, synthetic waxes, and explosives in addition to lowering the freezing point of fluids. Additionally, the ethylene-based glycols are used as a component in hydraulic lubricants, paint solvents, and printing inks.

Application Insights

The market primarily serves the automotive, pharmaceutical, food & beverage processing, pipeline repair, textiles, aviation, medical, and HVAC industries. After the global recession, trade policies, localization & sustainability of business, and fiscal mechanisms all experienced fundamental changes.

As of 2018, the global GDP increased by almost 3.7% as industrial activity recovered in established countries and significantly advanced in developing regions. The development of the world economy paved the way for a bright future for glycol producers. During the forecast period, the application sector for automotive will experience the fastest growth. World automotive production increased with double-digit growth rates recorded in a few European nations, notably the Netherlands, Finland, Portugal, Slovenia, Russia, and Ukraine. Positive macroindicators, as mentioned above, should be a source of optimizing the growth outlook for the glycol business. Europe continues to be the region with the highest demand for glycol.

End User Insights

The food and beverage sector is anticipated to experience rapid expansion in the near future as it is used in various food products such artificial sweeteners, ice cream, flavouring & essence, icing, soft drinks, sweets, frostings, and baked goods as an anti-freeze agent, solvent, thickening, flavour enhancer, emulsifier, and stabilizer.

Regional Insights

What is the Asia Pacific Glycol Market Size?

The Asia Pacific glycol market size is exhibited at USD 22.04 billion in 2025 and is projected to be worth around USD 43.75 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.10% from 2026 to 2035.

Asia Pacific held the maximum share of the glycol market due to the traditional centres of innovation for manufacturing technologies and ways to create an industrial ecosystem.

The market has seen a significant change in the production landscape towards Asian countries, with China presenting itself as a regional as well as a worldwide centre for manufacturing, despite the fact that these regions combined accounted for close to 50.0% of the global demand.

India Glycol Market Trends

India's market is growing due to rising demand from polyester fibers, automotive antifreeze, construction, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and personal care industries. Rapid urbanization, expanding textile manufacturing, increasing processed food consumption, and strong growth in transportation and infrastructure projects further support market expansion. Moreover, the rising adoption of bio-based and sustainable glycols supports market growth.

North America Accelerates Ahead: Fastest-Growing Hub in the Global Glycol Industry

North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of the region can be attributed to the robust product demand from the construction and automotive sectors. In addition, innovations in bio-based production and drug delivery can enhance the overall performance and sustainability.

U.S. Glycol Market Trends

In North America, the U.S. dominated the market owing to its increasing use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and paints/coatings, fuelled by government support for bio-based glycols. Also, the FDA & EPA push for higher quality and safer products, favouring pharmaceutical/food grades.

Europe's Glycol Momentum: A Region Marked by Notable Market Industry

Europe is expected to grow at a notable CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of the region can be driven by stringent environmental regulations, facilitating bio-based options. Furthermore, the ongoing demand for coolants/antifreeze and the surge in EV production necessitate glycols for battery/component cooling.

Germany Glycol Market Trends

The growth of the market in the country can be driven by increasing demand for high-purity PG as solvents/humectants, promoted by consumer demand for safe ingredients. Additionally, the country is emphasising sustainability, optimising bio-based glycol adoption, leading to the country's growth shortly.

How is the Opportunistic Rise of Latin America in the Glycol Market?

Latin America is witnessing an opportunistic rise, driven by growing demand from the polyester, packaging, automotive, construction, and HVAC industries. Rapid urbanization, expanding manufacturing activities, and increased use of glycols in antifreeze, coolants, and PET resin production are supporting market growth. Additionally, investments in infrastructure and rising consumption in key countries such as Brazil and Mexico are creating new opportunities for glycol producers across the region.

What Opportunities Exist in the Middle East & Africa for the Market?

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) offers immense opportunities for the glycol market, driven by expanding petrochemical production, infrastructure development, and growing demand from construction, automotive, and packaging sectors. Abundant raw material availability in the region supports large-scale glycol production, while rising use in antifreeze, coolants, polyester, and PET applications fuels consumption. Additionally, increasing industrialization and urbanization across Africa are opening new growth avenues for glycol manufacturers in the region.

Glycol Market-Value Chain Analysis

• Feedstock Procurement
  It involves the sourcing of raw materials like ethylene and coal or recycled PET. The choice of feedstock differs by region and affects manufacturing costs.
  Major Players: BASF SE, Shell plc.
• Chemical Synthesis and Processing
  It refers to the industrial methods used to produce different types of glycols, mainly from feedstocks such as ethylene, propylene, coal, or biomass.
  Major Players: SABIC, Shell Chemicals.
• Packaging and Labelling
  It is the essential process within the market containing the products and offering crucial information to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
  Major Players: Huntsman Corporation, Reliance Industries Ltd.
• Regulatory Compliance and Safety Monitoring
  It is the crucial and highly intricate processes created to safeguard human health and the environment, at the same time ensuring product efficacy.
  Major Players: India Glycols Ltd, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.

Glycol Market Companies

• BASF SE: Offers a comprehensive portfolio of alkylene oxides and glycols, including Monoethylene Glycol (MEG), Diethylene Glycol (DEG), and Triethylene Glycol (TEG).
• SABIC: A major producer of glycols, offering a broad range of products including MEG, DEG, TEG, and Propylene Glycol.

Top Companies Operating in the Market & Their Offerings

• Dow – Produces a wide range of glycols, including renewable and biocircular propylene glycol and heat transfer fluids, serving HVAC, automotive, personal care, and industrial applications globally.
• LyondellBasell Industries N.V. – Supplies propylene glycols and derivatives for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and industrial applications, leveraging strong chemical production capabilities.
• BASF SE – Offers high-purity monopropylene glycol and a broad portfolio of ethylene and propylene glycols for food, pharma, cosmetics, and industrial sectors worldwide.
• ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company) – Produces bio-based propylene glycol from agricultural feedstocks, targeting food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries with renewable solutions.
• Global Biochem Technology Group Company Limited – Manufactures glycol products, including propylene and performance glycols, supporting diverse industrial and consumer applications.
• DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products – Specializes in bio-based glycols like 1,3 propanediol and sustainable PG alternatives for personal care, cosmetics, and polymer applications.
• SKC – Supplies glycols and related chemical intermediates for polyester fibers, textiles, and industrial markets with consistent quality.
• Temix Oleo – Produces propylene glycol and derivatives used in coatings, cosmetics, and industrial formulations as part of broader chemical offerings.
• INEOS Oxide – Offers an expanded portfolio of glycol ethers and propylene glycols for coatings, industrial, and specialty applications to meet downstream demand.

Other Major Key Players

• Dow
• LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
• BASF SE
• ADM
• Global Bio-chem Technology Group Company Limited
• DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products
• SKC
• Temix Oleo
• INEOS Oxide
• Huntsman International LLC
• ADEKA CORPORATION
• Chaoyang Chemicals, Inc.
• Manali Petrochemicals Limited
• Haike Chemical Group Co., Ltd.
• Arch Chemicals Inc.
• Repsol

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product

• Ethylene Glycol
• Propylene Glycol

By Application

• Automotive
• HVAC
• Textiles
• Airlines
• Medical
• Pipeline Maintenance
• Polyester Fibers and Resins
• Food and Beverage
• Others

By End-User

• Automotive and Transportation
• Packaging
• Food and Beverage
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textile
• Other End-user Industries

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• The Middle East and Africa