The Global Ethylene Oxide Market size is expected to reach $48.2 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 4.6% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2022, the market attained a volume of 29,316.3 Kilo Tonnes, experiencing a growth of 2.7% (2019-2022).
North America is a significant producer of EO, with several manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada. The region benefits from its access to ethylene, a primary feedstock for EO production. Therefore, the North American region registered $7,939.3 million revenue in the market in 2022. The demand for EO in North America is driven by various industries, including healthcare, automotive, personal care, textiles, and chemicals. The healthcare industry is a significant consumer of EO for medical equipment sterilization. Some of the factors impacting the market are increasing demand in healthcare, growth of consumer products and personal care industry, and lack of safety concerns.
The demand for EO in the healthcare sector has steadily increased due to its critical role in sterilizing medical equipment and supplies. With the ongoing focus on healthcare infrastructure and the production of medical devices, EO remains a critical sterilization method. EO is widely used in the healthcare industry to sterilize medical equipment and supplies. Its effectiveness in killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including spores, makes it a preferred method for ensuring the safety of medical devices. As these markets develop, the need for EO in healthcare is expected to grow. EO is considered a reliable and validated sterilization method, meeting the stringent safety and regulatory standards required in the healthcare industry. Additionally, Ethylene oxide is used to produce ethoxylated textile chemicals that enhance fabric softness, reducing skin irritation and improving comfort in clothing. As consumers seek softer and more comfortable textiles, the demand for EO-based softeners persists. EO derivatives are sometimes used as solvents and carriers in the fragrance industry, contributing to the formulation of perfumes and colognes. Consumer preferences for quality, performance, and safety in everyday products influence the consumer and personal care industry’s demand for EO. As a result, EO and its derivatives continue to find widespread use in consumer goods, contributing to the development of the market.
However, Ethylene oxide is also classified as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP), and its emissions are subject to environmental regulations. Managing and reducing emissions of EO to comply with these regulations is an ongoing challenge. Negative perceptions of EO’s safety risks can lead to public opposition to EO-related facilities and products. Advocacy groups and concerned communities may push for stricter regulations or alternatives. The transportation of EO is a complex and potentially hazardous process. Ensuring the safe shipment of EO, especially across long distances, is a critical concern.
Application Outlook
By application, the market is categorized into ethylene glycol, ethoxylates, ethanolamines, polyols, and others. In 2022, the ethylene glycol segment held the largest revenue share in the et market. The hydrolysis of ethylene oxide to produce ethylene glycol is an efficient and high-yield process. It allows for the conversion of a significant portion of the ethylene oxide into ethylene glycol, resulting in a favorable production efficiency. The hydrolysis process allows for the production of high-purity ethylene glycol. After the purification and separation steps, the final product can meet the stringent quality and purity standards required for various applications. Ethylene glycol is a versatile compound used in various applications, including antifreeze, coolant, deicing agent, and as a raw material in the production of plastics and resins. The use of ethylene oxide as a starting material in the production of ethylene glycol has become more environmentally friendly over the years due to improved process efficiency and the implementation of pollution control measures.
Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the market is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2022, the Asia Pacific region led the market by generating the highest revenue share. The Asia Pacific region, particularly China and India, has witnessed rapid industrialization and urbanization. This growth has increased the demand for products that use EO or its derivatives, such as textiles, consumer goods, and construction materials. Asia Pacific is a global hub for textile and apparel manufacturing. EO is used in textile processing and finishing, making it a key component in this industry.
The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Akzo Nobel N.V., BASF SE, Shell plc, Clariant AG, The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Corning Ltd.), Exxon Mobil Corporation, Formosa Plastics Group, LOTTE Chemical Corporation (LOTTE Corp.), Huntsman Corporation, and SABIC (Saudi Arabian Oil Company).
Scope of the Study
Market Segments covered in the Report:
By Application (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million, 2019-2030)

  • Ethylene Glycol
  • Ethoxylates
  • Ethanolamines
  • Polyols
  • Others


By Geography (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million, 2019-2030)

  • North America


o US
o Canada
o Mexico
o Rest of North America

  • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Russia
o Spain
o Italy
o Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific


o China
o Japan
o India
o South Korea
o Singapore
o Malaysia
o Rest of Asia Pacific

  • LAMEA


o Brazil
o Argentina
o UAE
o Saudi Arabia
o South Africa
o Nigeria
o Rest of LAMEA
Companies Profiled

  • Akzo Nobel N.V.
  • BASF SE
  • Shell plc
  • Clariant AG
  • The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Corning Ltd.)
  • Exxon Mobil Corporation
  • Formosa Plastics Group
  • LOTTE Chemical Corporation (LOTTE Corp.)
  • Huntsman Corporation
  • SABIC (Saudi Arabian Oil Company)


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