Monopropylene Glycol Market By Grade (Industrial Grade, USP/Pharmaceutical Grade, Food Grade); By Application (Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Antifreeze & De-icing Fluids, Food & Beverage Additives, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics, Functional Fluids); By End User (Construction & Infrastructure, Automotive & Transportation, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Food & Beverage, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Industrial & Chemical Manufacturing); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Monopropylene Glycol Market is projected to expand at a CAGR Of 5.1%, climbing from an estimated USD 3.1 Billion In 2024 to USD 4.2 Billion By 2030 , according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Monopropylene glycol (MPG) — also known as 1,2-propanediol — plays a quietly critical role across multiple industries. It's a colorless, odorless, hygroscopic liquid, widely used as a solvent, carrier fluid, intermediate, and humectant. What sets MPG apart is its versatility — it serves everything from food-grade emulsifiers and pharmaceutical excipients to antifreeze blends, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), and personal care formulations.

 

Between 2024 and 2030, this market is entering a pivotal strategic cycle. Two factors are reshaping demand: the tightening of toxicological regulations, and a shift toward bio-based alternatives. That’s especially relevant in Europe and North America, where propylene oxide (the MPG precursor) is under closer scrutiny. At the same time, Asia-Pacific remains a consumption powerhouse, accounting for more than half the global volume — driven by UPR applications in construction, automotive, and marine sectors.

 

MPG also finds growing application in HVAC systems, where it acts as a low-toxicity antifreeze in closed-loop systems. The COVID-era boom in pharmaceuticals and personal care revealed another angle: MPG’s importance as a stable, skin-safe carrier in gels, creams, and syrups. These end-use behaviors are sticking around, and formulation scientists continue to treat MPG as a staple.

 

Raw material volatility is a known risk — especially propylene feedstock prices, which are tied to oil markets. However, newer capacity expansions in China and Southeast Asia are helping balance the equation. There's also growing interest in bio-based MPG , derived from glycerin or lactic acid — not as a premium green option, but as a cost-competitive industrial substitute. Several chemical giants are now evaluating this space more seriously than ever before.

 

From a stakeholder angle, the market spans chemical manufacturers , resin formulators , pharma & food product developers , and regulatory agencies . Investors are monitoring shifts in production technologies, especially as bio-based manufacturing edges closer to parity on cost, purity, and performance.

 

To be honest, the MPG market has always been overshadowed by larger commodity chemicals like ethylene glycol or propylene oxide. But as industries demand safer, greener, and more versatile inputs — this is one of those workhorse molecules quietly stepping into the spotlight.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The monopropylene glycol market cuts across a diverse set of applications and formulations. For clarity and strategic analysis, it’s typically segmented by grade , application , end user , and geography . Each segment reflects the push and pull between regulatory safety, functional versatility, and supply chain economics.

By Grade

• Industrial Grade

• USP/Pharmaceutical Grade

• Food Grade

Industrial grade monopropylene glycol accounts for the lion’s share of volume, especially in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) and antifreeze . It’s the default choice for automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings due to its cost-efficiency and low volatility.

In contrast, USP-grade MPG — purified to meet pharmacopoeia standards — is gaining fast traction in oral drug formulations , topical creams , and injectable solutions . Pharmaceutical manufacturers view it as a go-to solvent thanks to its low toxicity and strong stability across pH ranges.

 

By Application

• Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR)

• Antifreeze and De-icing Fluids

• Food and Beverage Additives

• Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

• Functional Fluids (Hydraulic, Heat Transfer, etc.)

UPR remains the largest application segment, capturing over 30% of global consumption in 2024 . It’s embedded in fiberglass-reinforced plastics used in everything from bathtubs to car bodies. Construction growth in Asia — particularly in India and ASEAN — continues to drive UPR demand.

That said, antifreeze is a steady-volume segment too. The move away from ethylene glycol, especially in residential and commercial HVAC systems, has helped MPG emerge as the safer, more environmentally palatable option.

Meanwhile, food-grade MPG is used to carry flavors, stabilize moisture, and act as an anti-caking agent. Global food formulation trends are tilting in its favor — especially in bakery, frozen desserts, and sports drinks.

 

By End User

• Construction & Infrastructure

• Automotive & Transportation

• Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

• Food & Beverage

• Personal Care & Cosmetics

• Industrial & Chemical Manufacturing

End-use dynamics vary by region. In North America and Europe , healthcare and cosmetics are driving higher volumes of USP-grade MPG. In Asia-Pacific , automotive , composites , and resins continue to dominate industrial-grade uptake.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Asia Pacific leads global consumption — both in volume and production capacity — and will likely remain the highest-growth region through 2030. China’s integrated propylene oxide-MPG plants are shifting global trade dynamics, offering economies of scale that are hard to match elsewhere.

 

Scope Notes:

• Forecast covers 2024 to 2030 .

• Revenue is tracked in USD million , volume in kilotons , CAGR in %.

• Segment-specific CAGR data is available upon request.

• Bio-based MPG is not treated as a standalone segment, but as a sub-trend within each grade/application.

Bottom line: this market may look commoditized on the surface — but when you dig into grade sensitivity, regional nuances, and application-specific preferences, the segmentation reveals deep strategic levers.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The monopropylene glycol market is evolving beyond its commodity status. Between 2024 and 2030, innovation is less about new molecules and more about smarter sourcing, greener processes, and downstream customization. With pressure mounting from regulators and sustainability-minded clients, producers are exploring upgrades across the value chain — from feedstock selection to end-use performance enhancements.

Bio-Based MPG Moves from Niche to Viable Alternative

For years, bio-based MPG was a premium product priced out of most industrial applications. That’s changing. Newer technologies are making it cost-competitive — especially in Europe, where carbon taxes and REACH regulations are pushing companies to decarbonize inputs.

Emerging routes include:

• Hydrogenolysis of glycerin , a byproduct of biodiesel

• Fermentation of sugars or lactic acid

• Catalytic conversion of sorbitol and glucose

What’s interesting? Several players are not just piloting bio-MPG plants — they’re shifting procurement policies to favor blended MPG grades (partial fossil, partial bio). This opens a middle lane for formulators who want sustainability gains without overpaying for full bio-content.

 

Refining and Purification Tech Is Getting Smarter

On the processing side, there’s strong interest in energy-efficient distillation and membrane separation techniques. As pharma and food sectors demand ultra-high-purity MPG, manufacturers are investing in continuous purification units with real-time monitoring.

In USP-grade facilities, inline analytics are now being paired with digital twin simulations to maintain tight compliance with FDA and EMA standards. The payoff is simple: lower rejection rates and faster batch release — especially critical for pharmaceutical exports.

 

Antifreeze Blends and Functional Fluids Are Being Reformulated

MPG-based antifreeze and heat transfer fluids are undergoing a refresh. New blends include:

• Low-viscosity MPG formulations for colder climates

• Corrosion-inhibited MPG for HVAC and geothermal systems

• Extended-life MPG blends for data centers and solar thermal systems

Also, some OEMs are bundling pre-mixed MPG coolants with their equipment — creating captive demand and reducing aftermarket variability.

This may sound tactical, but for HVAC service companies or renewable plant operators, the difference in fluid longevity can drive real cost savings.

 

Digital Supply Chains and ESG Reporting Are Now Strategic

Suppliers of MPG — especially large chemical players — are now embedding sustainability scoring , origin traceability , and CO2 footprint data into their bulk chemical sales platforms. One European chemical distributor has already rolled out a “green index” for glycols, influencing buyer decisions in tenders.

MPG is often part of complex blends — in paints, pharma, or food. So knowing the source and process of every batch is no longer optional. Buyers are demanding QR-coded safety sheets, digital emissions profiles, and circularity metrics baked into contracts.

 

Partnerships and Vertical Integration on the Rise

A few key trends here:

• Resin manufacturers securing long-term supply of industrial MPG

• Biofuel companies integrating downstream into MPG to monetize glycerin

• Pharma firms partnering with MPG producers for dedicated excipient lines

One global pharma CDMO even launched an internal initiative to switch 100% of its MPG supply to bio-based by 2027 , citing both ESG compliance and competitive differentiation.

Bottom line: this market isn’t innovating loudly — but it’s innovating everywhere. From quieter, cleaner distillation columns to glycerin valorization in bio-refineries, MPG is moving from background solvent to strategic ingredient .

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

Unlike heavily fragmented commodity markets, the monopropylene glycol (MPG) landscape is dominated by a handful of strategically integrated players. These companies control not just production capacity but also upstream feedstock access (mostly propylene oxide) and downstream customer networks. The real competition lies not in price, but in grade consistency , logistics agility , and sustainability commitments .

Dow Chemical

Dow is one of the largest global producers of MPG, leveraging its captive propylene oxide (PO) capacity. What sets Dow apart is integration — from PO production all the way to customized MPG solutions for pharmaceuticals and industrial applications. They’ve made early moves in life cycle carbon accounting , offering customers transparency in emissions profiles across MPG grades.

In 2024, Dow piloted a regional bio-MPG line in North America, aimed at personal care manufacturers seeking low-carbon solvents.

 

LyondellBasell

A major force in both North America and Europe, LyondellBasell supplies industrial and USP-grade MPG, typically for resin, antifreeze, and food-grade customers. Their edge lies in scale and logistics — particularly across the U.S. Gulf Coast and Western Europe. While they haven’t led the bio-MPG transition, their pricing discipline and regional reliability make them a preferred supplier in high-volume markets.

They’re currently exploring strategic partnerships in Asia to co-locate PO and MPG units near growing demand hubs.

 

BASF

BASF brings deep chemistry and wide product reach to the table. Their MPG products are positioned as part of broader value-chain solutions — especially for heat transfer systems , paints , and composites . BASF's low-toxicity fluid portfolio includes MPG blends tailored for sensitive applications like food processing plants and electronics cooling.

What’s unique is BASF’s commitment to digital supply chains . Their MPG buyers can access sustainability dashboards and forecasted carbon impact scores as part of procurement.

 

Huntsman Corporation

Huntsman has built a strong reputation for pharma-grade and food-grade MPG . They serve several major multinationals in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries. While not the largest in volume, Huntsman focuses on batch traceability, purity consistency, and regulatory support — making them a high-trust partner for highly regulated sectors.

They’ve also made selective investments in glycerin-to-MPG technology , particularly for EU and Japan-based clients seeking bio-attribution.

 

Shell Chemicals

A newer but growing presence in MPG, Shell is using its PO and EO production backbone to scale its glycol offerings. Shell’s key angle is bio-feedstock certification — allowing customers to purchase MPG with verifiable green credentials without altering product specs.

Shell has also entered supply agreements with renewable diesel producers to explore glycerin derivatives as a feedstock source.

 

ADM (Archer Daniels Midland)

Among bio-based producers, ADM stands out. They manufacture MPG derived from plant-based glycerin , positioning it as a clean, renewable alternative to petroleum-based glycols. ADM’s MPG isn’t just sustainable — it meets USP and FCC specs, making it viable in pharma and food.

Their customer base includes cosmetic brands , natural food companies , and niche resin formulators aiming for green certifications.

ADM is one of the few players openly pushing for complete bio-based parity in MPG by the end of the decade.

 

Benchmark Snapshot

Company	Strengths	Strategic Differentiator
Dow	High capacity, vertical integration	Carbon footprint analytics, global scale
LyondellBasell	Efficient distribution, price stability	Feedstock security in volatile markets
BASF	R&D depth, application support	Digital procurement + eco-labeling tools
Huntsman	Regulatory-grade MPG	Traceability + pharma compliance
Shell	Strong PO backbone	Bio-certified MPG entry strategy
ADM	100% bio-based MPG	Sustainability-first value proposition

Bottom line: This market rewards credibility and consistency . Players who can guarantee quality, offer decarbonized alternatives, and manage feedstock volatility are the ones getting long-term contracts. And with sustainability moving from a marketing buzzword to a procurement requirement — expect bio-based leaders like ADM and hybrid players like Shell to gain more ground.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Regional demand in the monopropylene glycol market isn’t just about volume — it reflects the interplay of regulation, industrial structure, and evolving product preferences. From a regional strategy perspective, each major geography is writing its own MPG narrative. While Asia Pacific continues to lead on scale and growth, Europe is quietly driving the sustainability shift, and North America is emerging as a premium-grade hub.

 

Asia Pacific: Growth Engine with Manufacturing Muscle

No surprises here — Asia Pacific dominates the global MPG market in both production capacity and consumption . China alone contributes a large portion of global output, thanks to its integrated propylene oxide and derivative plants. A surge in composite materials , automotive components , and electricals has cemented UPR — and by extension, MPG — as a key raw material.

India and Southeast Asia are also picking up pace. Construction-led demand for polyester resins , coupled with increasing HVAC installations , is driving MPG consumption in both industrial-grade and functional fluid applications.

That said, oversupply remains a risk in China — especially if demand from construction slows. Still, with new industrial corridors and urbanization projects in India, demand visibility through 2030 looks solid.

 

North America: Pharma, Food, and High-Purity MPG

The U.S. and Canada don’t consume the largest MPG volumes globally — but they lead in USP-grade and FCC-compliant applications. This region is home to major pharmaceutical, beverage, and personal care producers that require tight specifications and regulatory documentation .

Demand is sticky, margins are better, and customers value traceability and sustainability declarations . The recent shift toward digital ESG reporting has also pushed U.S. buyers to ask suppliers for GHG metrics and supply chain transparency .

There’s also a growing aftermarket for MPG-based antifreeze and heat transfer fluids , especially as the region modernizes HVAC systems in commercial and residential buildings.

What’s becoming clear is that in North America, MPG isn’t just a solvent — it’s an audit-proof ingredient.

 

Europe: Regulatory Pressure Driving Bio-Based Adoption

Europe’s MPG market is highly regulation-driven . REACH compliance, carbon footprint disclosures, and growing scrutiny of petrochemical derivatives have made the region a testing ground for bio-based MPG . Germany, France, and the Netherlands are leading adoption — particularly in cosmetics , food , and pharmaceuticals .

At the same time, industrial uses (resins, coolants) remain stable, supported by recycling mandates and building energy efficiency regulations that favor glycol-based heat transfer fluids.

Notably, several European municipalities now restrict ethylene glycol in public HVAC systems — creating direct pull for MPG.

 

Latin America: Emerging but Under-Developed

Brazil and Mexico lead MPG adoption in Latin America, mostly in automotive , construction , and agri-industrial sectors. However, the region lacks integrated production capacity and relies heavily on imports — mostly from the U.S. and Asia.

This dependency creates pricing volatility. Yet, cosmetic and food sectors in Brazil are showing interest in bio-attributed MPG , especially for export-compliant formulations.

Investment is trickling in, but infrastructure gaps and currency risks remain real barriers.

Middle East & Africa (MEA): Niche Applications, Nascent Scale

MEA is a small but growing market for MPG — largely driven by infrastructure development , climate-focused building systems , and growing pharma hubs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

There’s potential in industrial-grade MPG for antifreeze , especially in district cooling systems , which are expanding in urban centers across the Gulf.

Africa, meanwhile, remains underpenetrated — due to limited local formulation capacity and regulatory bottlenecks. That said, South Africa’s food and beverage sector offers a modest but stable niche for food-grade MPG.

 

Summary Table – Strategic View by Region

Region	Key Drivers	Growth Outlook
Asia Pacific	UPR demand, construction, automotive	High (Volume and Capacity Expansion)
North America	Pharma, food, ESG compliance	Moderate to High (Value-Driven)
Europe	Bio-based shift, regulation	High (Premium and Sustainable MPG)
Latin America	Automotive, import-led	Moderate (Logistics-Dependent)
MEA	Cooling systems, pharma	Emerging (Targeted Niche Demand)

Bottom line: Asia owns the scale, Europe drives the green transition, and North America commands the high-purity premium. For suppliers, this means tailoring not just product specs — but also carbon metrics, documentation, and regional positioning strategies.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The monopropylene glycol market touches a surprisingly wide range of industries — but how it’s adopted and valued varies significantly by sector. Some end users prioritize price-per-kilogram , while others are laser-focused on compliance, purity, or traceability . Understanding these dynamics is key for suppliers looking to defend margins or introduce bio-based variants.

1. Construction and Infrastructure

This segment is among the largest consumers of industrial-grade MPG , primarily through its role in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) used for construction composites. Think fiberglass panels, cladding, and structural elements. The demand isn’t for MPG itself, but for the resin performance it enables — thermal stability, tensile strength, and smooth curing.

Most construction players don’t buy MPG directly — they depend on resin formulators, who are highly sensitive to feedstock quality. These buyers want consistent viscosity , good reactivity , and low moisture content in their MPG supply.

If MPG supply is off-spec, resin curing gets messy — which, in building materials, translates directly into structural risk.

 

2. Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

In pharma, MPG plays a critical role as a solvent, stabilizer, and carrier for oral syrups, injectables, topical creams, and even inhalants. The difference here? Regulatory oversight. Buyers in this segment require USP-grade MPG , batch-level traceability , and compliance with FDA/EMA pharmacopeia standards .

Formulation scientists are particularly focused on:

• Low aldehyde content

• High clarity and odor neutrality

• Tight microbial controls

This isn’t just chemical buying — it’s pharmaceutical sourcing. And any deviation in spec could delay product launches or trigger recalls.

 

3. Food and Beverage

Food-grade MPG serves as a carrier for flavorings , a moisture stabilizer , and an anti-caking agent . It's commonly used in baked goods , processed meats , frozen desserts , and energy drinks . The buyers? Food technologists and procurement teams who juggle both cost efficiency and regulatory approval .

That said, this segment is also where consumer perception comes into play. With demand rising for "clean label" ingredients, food companies are increasingly exploring bio-based MPG options — not for performance, but for marketing compliance.

 

4. Personal Care and Cosmetics

This is where monopropylene glycol’s humectant properties shine. It retains moisture in lotions, shampoos, serums, and deodorants. End users in this space need:

• Dermatologically safe formulations

• Compatibility with essential oils and actives

• Minimal skin irritation risk

Smaller brands, especially in Europe and North America, are switching to bio-attributed MPG to meet sustainability targets. In fact, several cosmetics startups now make "bio-based MPG" a marketing point on their product labels.

 

5. Automotive and HVAC

MPG is widely used in antifreeze , coolants , and heat transfer fluids . Fleet operators, commercial HVAC service providers, and OEMs favor MPG over ethylene glycol due to its low toxicity profile . It’s especially important in:

• Data center cooling systems

• Residential heat pumps

• Airport de-icing

Here, it's all about lifecycle performance — corrosion resistance, thermal efficiency, and freeze point suppression.

 

6. Industrial and Chemical Manufacturing

These users employ MPG in coatings , adhesives , textile lubricants , and cleaning solutions . For them, MPG is a functional carrier or intermediate. The focus is on supply security , cost per ton , and ease of handling . Regulatory compliance is relevant — but not as critical as in pharma or food.

Use Case Snapshot

A regional pharmaceutical CDMO in South Korea recently transitioned 100% of its MPG sourcing to a certified bio-based supplier. The move was driven not by cost, but by the company’s 2030 ESG goals and growing demand from EU-based clients for “green excipients.” The supplier offered full LCA (life cycle assessment) documentation and batch-level sustainability scoring. As a result, the CDMO secured a multi-year supply contract with a German pharma brand looking to green-label its oral therapies. For the CDMO, this wasn’t just a formulation change — it was a business win.

Bottom line: For industrial users, MPG is a functional commodity. For pharma, food, and beauty — it’s a high-stakes ingredient. Suppliers that offer traceability, compliance, and optional bio-based variants are best positioned to grow share across these premium segments.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

 

Opportunities

Recent Developments (Past 2 Years)

• Dow announced plans to expand bio-based MPG trials at its Texas facility, targeting formulation customers in personal care and food.

• ADM launched a new bio-based MPG line derived from glycerin at its Illinois facility, with commercial shipments beginning Q1 2025.

• BASF rolled out a digital product passport pilot for MPG, offering customers batch-specific CO2 footprint and traceability data for procurement audits

• LyondellBasell entered a partnership with a Southeast Asian partner to explore PO and MPG production integration, aiming at cost reductions and faster access to growing ASEAN markets.

• Huntsman received regulatory clearance for new USP-grade MPG production lines in Belgium, set to support increased pharmaceutical exports to the EU and Asia. [Source: Huntsman Investor Relations – https://www.huntsman.com/investors/news-releases]

 

Opportunities

• Bio-Based MPG Commercialization Is Reaching Critical Mass As production methods mature and demand for sustainable ingredients rises, bio-based MPG is moving beyond niche into mainstream supply chains — especially in Europe and North America.

• Rising Demand in Personal Care and Pharma Opens Margin Expansion Premium-grade MPG for skincare, injectables, and oral drug delivery offers significantly higher margins, especially when coupled with traceability and regulatory compliance services.

• HVAC and Renewable Cooling Systems Create Long-Term Use Cases The shift toward environmentally safe heat transfer fluids in commercial HVAC, solar thermal, and data center cooling offers long-term, stable demand for MPG formulations.

 

Restraints

• Feedstock Price Volatility Remains a Strategic Risk Propylene oxide prices — tied to oil — directly impact MPG margins. Supply shocks or refinery disruptions can ripple across global contracts, especially for smaller buyers.

• Limited Bio-Based Production Capacity Outside the U.S. and Europe While demand is growing, scalable bio-MPG manufacturing is still geographically concentrated. This limits adoption in Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia where logistics inflate costs.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 3.1 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 4.2 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.1% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Grade, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Grade	Industrial Grade, USP/Pharmaceutical Grade, Food Grade
By Application	Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Antifreeze & De-icing Fluids, Food & Beverage Additives, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics, Functional Fluids
By End User	Construction & Infrastructure, Automotive & Transportation, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Food & Beverage, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Industrial & Chemical Manufacturing
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., France, China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE, South Africa
Market Drivers	- Growing demand for low-toxicity heat transfer fluids - Expanding pharmaceutical and food-grade MPG consumption - Shift toward sustainable, bio-based chemical inputs
Customization Option	Available upon request