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In 2005, almost 5 million metric tons of polyether polyols for urethanes were
produced throughout the world. The largest world market for polyether polyols
is in the production of polyurethane foam, primarily flexible foams and secondarily
rigid foams. The remainder of the polyether polyols are used in a variety of
markets, including microcellular, cast and thermoplastic elastomers; adhesives
and sealants; surface coatings; and polyurethane fibers.
Polyether polyol consumption for flexible foam is the predominant market in
every country or region. However, the share of consumption accounted for by
flexible foam polyol usage varies widely, from almost 75% in China and more
in the Middle East/Africa to 40% in the Republic of Korea. Correspondingly,
the breakdown of total polyol usage varies by region, with Central and South
America having the highest percentage of rigid foam markets and Taiwan having
the highest percentage of nonfoam applications.
The polyether polyol industry is concentrated, although less so than the isocyanate
industry, which tends to have more sophisticated manufacturing processes and
greater capital costs. In the United States, the five largest producers represent
88% of total capacity, and in Western Europe, China and Japan, the five largest
companies account for 88%, 96% and 79% of the business, respectively.
The polyether polyol business is also global. Dow Chemical is the largest
worldwide producer of polyether polyols, with the largest number of plants
and largest capacities in the greatest number of countries. Bayer (after acquiring
Lyondell Chemical) is the second-largest producer, with plants in the United
States, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Other worldwide producers include BASF
and Shell.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of polyether polyols for urethanes:
This report focuses on urethane applications. Polyols for nonurethanes are
discussed in the CEH Polyalkylene Glycols product review.
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