Top 10 Companies in the Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PNB) Industry (2026): Market Leaders Fueling Global Formulations

In Business Insights
January 10, 2026


The Global Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PNB) Market was valued at USD 521.7 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 718.9 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.3% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This consistent growth is primarily driven by the solvent’s versatile applications in coatings, inks, and cleaning products, coupled with rising demand from the construction and automotive sectors in emerging economies.

As industries worldwide prioritize high-performance, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) formulations, the role of effective solvents like PNB becomes increasingly critical. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PNB) Industry—a selection of global chemical giants and specialized producers that are shaping supply chains and driving innovation in this essential market.


🔟 10. Jiangsu Hualun Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: High-Purity PNB, Industrial-grade PNB

Jiangsu Hualun Chemical is a significant Chinese producer of glycol ethers, including Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether. The company serves both domestic and international markets, supplying raw materials for the coating and ink industries. Their focus on cost-effective production makes them a key player in the Asian market.

Market Initiatives:

  • Expansion of glycol ether production capacity to meet regional demand

  • Strengthening distribution networks across Southeast Asia

  • Focus on competitive pricing for industrial applications

Download FREE Sample Report: Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PNB) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 9. Yida Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: PNB (Purity ≥99%, ≥98%), Specialty Solvents

Yida Chemical is a prominent manufacturer of chemical intermediates in China, with a dedicated production line for Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether. The company caters to a broad customer base in the paint, coating, and cleaning agent sectors, emphasizing product consistency and reliable supply.

Market Initiatives:

  • Investment in production technology to enhance purity levels

  • Strategic focus on export markets to diversify revenue streams


8️⃣ 8. Jiangsu Dynamic Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: PNB, PPG, and other Glycol Ethers

Jiangsu Dynamic Chemical specializes in the production of propylene oxide derivatives, including a range of glycol ethers. Their PNB product is known for its quality and is used extensively as a coupling agent and solvent in water-based coatings.

Market Initiatives:

  • Vertical integration with propylene oxide feedstock for cost stability

  • Development of tailored solvent blends for specific customer applications


7️⃣ 7. LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.

Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Butyl PROXITOL™ (PNB), a range of oxygenated solvents

LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies, produces Butyl PROXITOL, their branded Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether. Their global scale and integrated supply chain ensure a consistent supply of high-quality solvents to a diverse industrial clientele.

Market Initiatives:

  • Global distribution network supporting stable supply

  • Commitment to responsible care and sustainable operations


6️⃣ 6. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: High-purity PNB, Solvent blends for coatings

BASF is a leading global chemical company with a comprehensive portfolio of solvents. Their Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether is a key component in formulations requiring a slow-evaporating, hydrophilic solvent, making it ideal for coatings, cleaners, and inks.

Market Initiatives:

  • Strong R&D focus on developing sustainable solvent solutions

  • Integration of PNB into broader system solutions for customers

Download FREE Sample Report: Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PNB) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 5. Shell Chemicals

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Shell Glycol Ethers including PNB

Shell Chemicals produces a range of oxygenated solvents, including Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether, under its glycol ethers portfolio. Leveraging its vast petrochemical infrastructure, Shell provides reliable volumes to the global market, particularly in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Market Initiatives:

  • Strategic focus on high-growth markets in Asia

  • Investment in supply chain reliability and technical customer support


4️⃣ 4. Eastman Chemical Company

Headquarters: Kingsport, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Eastman™ Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether

Eastman is a global specialty materials company with a strong presence in the solvents market. Their PNB is recognized for its high purity and effectiveness as a solvent for resins and a coupling agent in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

Market Initiatives:

  • Extensive technical service and application development support

  • Focus on innovation for low-VOC and sustainable formulations


3️⃣ 3. INEOS Oxide

Headquarters: Lyndhurst, United Kingdom
Key Offering: INEOS Glycol Ethers, including PNB

INEOS Oxide is one of the world’s largest merchant sellers of ethylene and propylene oxide derivatives. Their glycol ethers business is a major supplier of PNB, benefiting from backward integration and large-scale, efficient manufacturing plants.

Market Initiatives:

  • Leading market position in Europe with a strong global footprint

  • Continuous process optimization to ensure cost leadership


2️⃣ 2. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: DOWANOL™ PnB (Propylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether)

Dow is a foundational player in the glycol ethers market and a leading producer of PNB. Their DOWANOL™ PnB is an industry-standard solvent prized for its coalescing and coupling properties, widely used in architectural and industrial coatings, cleaners, and inks.

Market Initiatives:

  • Pioneering the development of next-generation, sustainable solvents

  • Global production capacity and robust technical expertise


1️⃣ 1. ExxonMobil Chemical Company

Headquarters: Spring, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether, Aromatic fluids, and specialty solvents

ExxonMobil Chemical is a top-tier global supplier of Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether, leveraging its massive integrated petrochemical operations. The company’s PNB is known for its consistent quality and is a critical ingredient in high-performance coatings, adhesives, and cleaning products worldwide.

Market Initiatives:

  • Strategic investments in feedstock flexibility and production scale

  • Strong focus on product stewardship and supply chain reliability

  • Commitment to meeting evolving regulatory and environmental standards

Get Full Report Here: Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PNB) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of PNB Relies on Sustainability and Performance

The Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether market is evolving in response to global trends. While its fundamental properties ensure sustained demand, the industry is increasingly focused on sustainable production practices and the development of formulations that meet stringent environmental regulations.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Growing demand for low-VOC and environmentally friendly coatings and inks

  • Expansion of water-based formulation technologies, where PNB acts as a key coalescing agent

  • Increasing manufacturing capacity in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China

  • Strategic focus by leading companies on bio-based or circular feedstock options for glycol ethers

Get Full Report Here: Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PNB) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying a critical industrial solvent—they are enabling the innovation and performance of countless products that define modern manufacturing and consumer goods.