by Ethylene
Ethylene is the world’s most widely produced organic compound and petrochemical. It is primarily used to produce polyethylene in various forms like plastic bags, bottles, packaging films etc. Around 157 million metric tons of ethylene is produced globally each year mainly from naphtha and natural gas liquids by steam cracking. The various polyethylene grades made from ethylene find applications in construction industry, automotive parts and medical devices due to their corrosion resistance, low weight and durability properties.
Propylene
Propylene ranks second after ethylene in terms of production volume among Top 15 Petrochemicals. Around 113 million metric tons of propylene is produced annually, predominantly from refinery processes like steam cracking. It is consumed for manufacturing polypropylene polymers which are used to produce various plastic items like packaging films, textiles, automotive parts, containers etc. Propylene can also be polymerized to make polypropylene which is a alternative to traditional materials in several applications owing to its properties like strength, flexibility and chemical resistance.
Benzene
Benzene is among the highest volume petrochemicals produced from petroleum-based feedstocks. Around 49 million metric tons of benzene is produced globally each year, usually as a byproduct of petroleum refining or catalytic reforming processes. It is primarily consumed for producing cumene, which is employed to synthesize phenol and acetone derivatives extensively used in industries. Benzene is also directly used as a solvent in production of some polymers, rubber chemicals, pesticides and manufacturing of other petrochemicals. Strict governmental regulations are enforced around the world due to benzene’s carcinogenic properties.
Xylenes
Xylenes refer to three isomer organic compounds – ortho-xylene, meta-xylene and para-xylene, which are important Top 15 Petrochemicals intermediates produced via catalytic reforming of petroleum feedstocks or coal liquid streams. Around 35 million metric tons of xylenes are manufactured annually, with para-xylene being the largest volume isomer. Xylenes find key applications in production of plastic materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester fibers. They are also used as solvents in paints, coatings and adhesive industries.
Toluene
Toluene output from refineries and Top 15 Petrochemicals plants is estimated at around 35 million metric tons per year globally. It is predominantly employed for producing benzyl compounds through catalytic hydrogenation. Majority of toluene produced is utilized in manufacturing of benzene by catalytic reforming and other specialty chemicals like toluene diisocyanate. The latter is a building block for various polyurethane foams and elastomers. Toluene based chemicals also find applications as solvents in paints, coatings, pharmaceuticals and synthetic fiber production.
Paraxylene
As mentioned earlier, para-xylene (PX) is the most important xylene isomer which is predominantly used for synthesizing terephthalic acid (PTA) and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). These are key building blocks employed in large volumes to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin for plastic bottles and polyester fibers worldwide. Nearly 30 million metric tons of PX is produced per annum via catalytic reforming of naphtha or petroleum distillates. China dominates global PX production capacity owing to large scale PET resin and polyester manufacturing industries in the country.
Butadiene
Butadiene production stands at approximately 13 million metric tons annually. It is mainly manufactured through thermal or catalytic cracking of naphtha or heavier petroleum fractions. Almost 90% of total butadiene output is utilized for synthesizing synthetic rubber polymers like styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber and nitrile butadiene rubber which find widespread applications in automotive, construction and footwear industries. Remainder volume is used for producing synthetic elastomers and resins like ABS plastics as well.
Methanol
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, ranks among the commodity Top 15 Petrochemicals with an estimated worldwide output of 110 million metric tons per annum. It can be produced from synthesis gas obtained by steam reforming of natural gas or gasification of coal. Majority of methanol production goes into manufacturing formaldehyde which is a precursor to numerous other chemicals and plastics like urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde resins employed in construction, automotive and consumer durable industries. Methanol is also directly consumed for producing acetic acid, MTBE gasoline additive, biodiesel etc.
Ethylene Glycol
Around 25 million metric tons of ethylene glycol is produced globally each year, primarily from ethylene via an intermediate called ethylene oxide. It is predominantly used as antifreeze or coolant in automotive applications. Other major end markets for ethylene glycol include polyester fibers and resins production. It is a raw material for synthesis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin and polyester polyols used in manufacturing polyurethane products like rigid foams for thermal insulation. Ethylene glycol has versatile applications owing to its cryoscopic, humectant and solvent properties.
Ethylene Oxide
Annual global ethylene oxide production stands at approximately 29 million metric tons. It is mainly manufactured by catalytic oxidation of ethylene using silver catalyst. Over 70% ethylene oxide output goes into production of ethylene glycol. Remainder volume is consumed for synthesizing ethoxy
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
