Top 10 Companies in the Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Chemical Manufacturing

In Business Insights
January 15, 2026


The Global Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (PGME) Market was valued at USD 380.2 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 650.3 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This growth is being driven by increasing demand from the paints and coatings industry, expansion in electronics manufacturing, and the accelerating adoption of low-VOC, eco-friendly solvent solutions across various industrial sectors.

As the chemical industry shifts towards more sustainable and high-performance formulations, the spotlight is on the key producers who are driving innovation, production capacity, and cleaner chemical pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Industry—a mix of global chemical giants, specialized producers, and regional leaders shaping the future of this versatile solvent.


🔟 1. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Industrial Grade PGME, High-Purity PGME, Custom Formulations

Dow Chemical Company is a global leader in the PGME market, leveraging its extensive petrochemical infrastructure and strong R&D capabilities. The company supplies high-quality PGME to a diverse range of industries, including coatings, cleaning products, and electronics. Dow’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its ongoing research into bio-based glycol ethers.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in advanced catalytic processes for improved PGME yield

  • Development of low-odor PGME grades for consumer applications

  • Strategic partnerships with major coatings manufacturers

Download FREE Sample Report: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: PGME Solvents, High-Purity Grades for Electronics

BASF SE is a major European producer of PGME, with a strong focus on quality and environmental compliance. The company’s products are essential components in automotive coatings, industrial cleaners, and agrochemical formulations. BASF’s integrated production facilities ensure a reliable supply chain for customers worldwide.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on REACH-compliant solvent solutions

  • Expansion of high-purity PGME capacity for electronics applications


8️⃣ 3. LyondellBasell Industries

Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Propylene Glycol Ethers portfolio, including PGME

LyondellBasell is one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies, with significant production capacity for PGME. Their global presence and large-scale manufacturing operations make them a key supplier to the coatings and chemical processing industries.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Process optimization for cost-effective PGME production

  • Development of customized solvent blends for specific applications


7️⃣ 4. Shell Chemicals

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: PGME, Glycol Ethers portfolio

Shell Chemicals produces a range of oxygenated solvents, including PGME, serving global markets. The company’s strong position in base chemicals provides a competitive advantage in raw material sourcing and production efficiency.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • $150 million PGME plant upgrade in Singapore (completion by 2026)

  • Development of sustainable solvent pathways

Download FREE Sample Report: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Eastman Chemical Company

Headquarters: Kingsport, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: High-Purity PGME, Specialty Grades

Eastman Chemical Company is a leading global producer of PGME, known for its high-quality standards and technical expertise. The company serves demanding applications in coatings, inks, and cleaning products with consistent product quality.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Launch of 99.9% pure PGME grade for pharmaceutical applications (2024)

  • Focus on specialty solvent development


5️⃣ 6. SKC

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Electronic Grade PGME, Industrial Solvents

SKC is a major Asian producer of PGME, with strong capabilities in high-purity grades for the electronics industry. The company’s strategic location in South Korea positions it well to serve the growing Asian market for specialty chemicals.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expansion of electronic-grade PGME production capacity

  • Investment in purification technologies


4️⃣ 7. KH Chemicals

Headquarters: Ulsan, South Korea
Key Offering: PGME, P-series Glycol Ethers

KH Chemicals is a significant player in the Asian PGME market, supplying both domestic and international customers. The company focuses on quality control and customer-specific solutions for various industrial applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Capacity expansion projects to meet growing demand

  • Development of application-specific PGME formulations


3️⃣ 8. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-Purity PGME, Specialty Solvents

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation produces PGME for the Japanese and broader Asian markets, with emphasis on high-purity grades for electronics and precision applications. The company’s strong technical support and quality assurance make it a preferred supplier for demanding applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of ultra-high purity grades for semiconductor manufacturing

  • Sustainability-focused solvent development


2️⃣ 9. Manali Petrochemicals Limited

Headquarters: Chennai, India
Key Offering: PGME, Propylene Oxide Derivatives

Manali Petrochemicals Limited is a leading Indian producer of PGME, serving the growing domestic market and export customers. The company benefits from India’s expanding manufacturing sector and strategic location for serving Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expansion of propylene oxide derivative production capacity

  • Focus on cost-competitive manufacturing


1️⃣ 10. Repsol

Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
Key Offering: PGME, Oxygenated Solvents

Repsol is a significant European producer of PGME, with integrated production facilities and strong market presence in Southern Europe and Latin America. The company’s focus on sustainability aligns with evolving regulatory requirements for solvents.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of bio-based solvent alternatives

  • Investment in circular economy initiatives for chemical production

Get Full Report Here: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Is Sustainable and High-Performance

The PGME market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional applications still dominate consumption, the industry is investing in sustainable alternatives, advanced production technologies, and high-purity grades for specialized applications.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid expansion of electronics-grade PGME production in Asia

  • Regulatory push for low-VOC formulations driving PGME adoption

  • Development of bio-based PGME alternatives gaining momentum

  • Increasing demand from emerging economies for industrial solvents

Get Full Report Here: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential industrial solvents—they’re driving the innovation and sustainability transformation of the chemical industry.