MARKET INSIGHTS

The Global 1,2-Propylene oxide (CAS 75-56-9) market size was valued at USD 18.24 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 19.31 billion in 2026 to USD 31.47 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period.

1,2-Propylene oxide, also known as propylene oxide (PO), is a highly reactive epoxide compound with the molecular formula C₃H₆O. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic ether-like odor, widely recognized as a critical building-block chemical in the petrochemical industry. Its primary derivatives include polyether polyols, propylene glycols, and propylene glycol ethers, which serve as essential intermediates across a broad spectrum of industrial applications including polyurethane foams, surfactants, hydraulic fluids, and pharmaceutical formulations.

The market is experiencing steady growth driven by rising demand for polyurethane foams in the construction and automotive sectors, growing consumption of propylene glycol in food, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications, and expanding production capacities across Asia‑Pacific. Furthermore, ongoing technological advancements in production processes – particularly the hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) method – are enabling more cost‑efficient and environmentally sustainable manufacturing. Key global producers operating in this market include Dow Inc., BASF SE, LyondellBasell Industries, Huntsman Corporation, and SKC Co., Ltd.

1,2-Propylene oxide (CAS 75-56-9) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Top 10 Companies in the 1,2-Propylene Oxide (CAS 75-56-9) Market (2026)

1. Dow Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: PO‑based polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty chemicals

Dow has been a pioneer in the HPPO technology, operating multiple world‑scale PO plants across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company’s integrated approach links PO production directly to downstream polyurethane intermediates, ensuring consistent supply and quality.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investment in HPPO plants to reduce water consumption and eliminate chlorinated waste.
• Commitment to net‑zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 through process optimization and renewable energy integration.
• Strategic partnerships with construction and automotive OEMs to develop low‑density, high‑performance PU foams.

2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: PO‑derived polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and advanced specialty chemicals

BASF’s joint venture with Dow at Antwerp has positioned it as a leader in HPPO technology, supplying high‑purity PO to both industrial and pharmaceutical markets.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Scaling HPPO capacity in Europe to meet stringent REACH and VOC regulations.
• Development of bio‑based PO routes using glycerol as a feedstock.
• Collaboration with automotive manufacturers to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.

3. LyondellBasell Industries

Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands / Houston, Texas, USA
Key Offering: PO‑based polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty intermediates

Operating both chlorohydrin and HPPO plants, LyondellBasell provides a diversified portfolio of PO grades for global demand.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in HPPO technology to reduce wastewater and improve process safety.
• Expanding production in Asia‑Pacific to capture rising construction and automotive demand.
• Integrating circular chemistry practices to minimize CO₂ emissions.

4. Huntsman Corporation

Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut, USA
Key Offering: PO‑derived polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty chemicals for aerospace and automotive

Huntsman’s PO operations are tightly linked to its downstream polyurethane intermediates, enabling end‑to‑end value creation.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Deployment of HPPO plants with advanced water recycling systems.
• Strategic alliances with automotive OEMs for lightweight PU components.
• Commitment to zero waste to landfill across all manufacturing sites.

5. SKC Inc.

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: PO‑based polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty epoxides

SKC operates world‑scale HPPO facilities in South Korea and China, supplying high‑purity PO for both industrial and pharmaceutical markets.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in greenfield HPPO projects with minimal environmental impact.
• Collaborating with Korean automotive manufacturers to develop high‑performance PU foams.
• Implementing carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies in PO production.

6. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: PO‑derived polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty chemicals for electronics

Sumitomo’s integrated PO plants provide high‑grade PO to the electronics and automotive sectors in Asia.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Expanding HPPO capacity to meet Japan’s stringent environmental regulations.
• Developing bio‑based PO routes using renewable feedstocks.
• Partnering with electronics OEMs for high‑purity PO needed in semiconductor manufacturing.

7. REPSOL S.A.

Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
Key Offering: PO‑based polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty intermediates for the European market

REPSOL’s integrated PO operations in Spain supply high‑quality PO to the EU’s growing construction and automotive sectors.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Upgrading to HPPO technology to reduce VOC emissions.
• Collaborating with European construction firms on energy‑efficient PU foams.
• Implementing circular economy practices in PO production.

8. Sinopec (China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation)

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: PO‑based polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty chemicals for the Chinese market

Sinopec’s PO plants serve China’s massive construction and automotive sectors, driving domestic consumption.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in HPPO technology to comply with China’s new environmental standards.
• Expanding PO capacity to support China’s 14th Five‑Year Plan for industrial upgrading.
• Collaborating with local manufacturers on green PU foam solutions.

9. Sadara Chemical Company

Headquarters: Jubail, Saudi Arabia
Key Offering: PO‑based polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty chemicals for the Middle East

Sadara’s joint venture with Dow in Saudi Arabia has added substantial PO capacity to meet regional demand.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adoption of HPPO technology to reduce water consumption and hazardous waste.
• Strategic partnerships with Gulf automotive and construction firms.
• Integration of renewable energy sources in PO production.

10. Anhui Hechen Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Anhui Province, China
Key Offering: PO‑based polyether polyols, propylene glycol, and specialty chemicals for the Chinese market

As a leading domestic producer, Anhui Hechen supplies PO to China’s growing construction and automotive sectors.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in HPPO technology to meet stricter environmental regulations.
• Expanding production capacity to capture rising domestic demand.
• Collaborating with local manufacturers on high‑performance PU foams.

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Outlook: Market Trajectory to 2034

The Global 1,2-Propylene oxide market is set to grow steadily, with the value projected to reach USD 31.47 billion by 2034. The continued expansion of polyurethane foam in construction and automotive sectors, coupled with rising demand for propylene glycol in food, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications, will sustain a robust growth trajectory. Technological advancements in the HPPO process and increasing ESG commitments from downstream users are expected to drive further market expansion and improve margin dynamics.

Emerging Trends & Innovation

• Adoption of hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) technology for cleaner, water‑based co‑products.
• Growth of bio‑based PO routes using glycerol and other renewable feedstocks.
• Expansion of specialty derivatives such as propylene carbonate for green solvents in lithium‑ion batteries.
• Development of high‑performance PU foams for lightweight automotive and construction applications.
• Increasing regulatory focus on VOC emissions and hazardous waste management across North America and Europe.