- In March 2024, Dow Chemical Company, headquartered in the United States, introduced two groundbreaking propylene glycol (PG) solutions in North America, emphasizing sustainability. These solutions utilize circular and bio-circular feedstocks, offering externally verified sustainability benefits through a mass balance approach. Designed for diverse applications, they cater to industries such as personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and agriculture. This launch marks a significant step in Dow's commitment to advancing sustainable production and products
- In February 2024, BASF revealed a strategic plan to increase its polyurethane production capacity, addressing the surging demand for energy-efficient insulation materials in the construction and automotive sectors. This move strengthens the polyurethanes segment's pivotal role within the propylene oxide market, emphasizing BASF's commitment to innovation and sustainability
- In January 2024, Reliance Industries unveiled plans for a significant expansion of its petrochemical operations in India. This initiative includes the establishment of advanced propylene oxide production facilities to cater to the increasing demand from both domestic and international markets. The expansion underscores Reliance's commitment to strengthening its position in the global petrochemical industry while addressing the evolving needs of various sectors
- In October 2023, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese company, began constructing a prototype facility to develop innovative technology for producing propylene directly from ethanol. This project, supported by the NEDO Green Innovation Fund, aims to establish a compact and cost-effective process compared to traditional methods. The facility, located at the Sodegaura site in Chiba, Japan, is expected to be completed by the first half of 2025. This initiative aligns with Sumitomo Chemical's commitment to sustainability and creating a carbon-neutral society
- In January 2021, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. strengthened its partnership with Sinopec by forming a 50/50 joint venture. This collaboration, named Ningbo ZRCC LyondellBasell New Material Company Limited, focuses on constructing a new facility to produce propylene oxide (PO) and styrene monomer (SM). The joint venture aims to meet the increasing demand in China's rapidly expanding market. This initiative highlights the companies' commitment to leveraging advanced technology and operational expertise to support the region's economic growth
