This new four-volume study updates the information included in our previous studies on aliphatic polyester polyols and aromatic polyester polyols published in 2019 and includes two brand new reports on polyether polyols and eco-friendly polyols. Data in this report have been extensively revised through a lengthy programme of primary and secondary research during 2022.

This report contains data on the 2022 consumption of aliphatic and aromatic polyester polyols, as well as polyether and eco-friendly polyols, and forecast consumption for 2027 (eco-friendly up to 2032) split by the three major geographic regions (Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific).

Global Share of Consumption of Polyols for Polyurethanes, 2022-2027 (%)

Aliphatic Polyester Polyols

Asia, and China in particular, is by far the largest global producer and consumer of aliphatic polyester polyols, of which the vast majority is used in the manufacturing of PU elastomers for applications such as footwear and synthetic leather.

Production of polyester polyols in Asia Pacific is mainly for captive use by shoe sole resin and synthetic leather resin manufacturers. Additional demand comes from cast elastomers and TPUs, as well as in the manufacture of polyester slabstock.

The production of adipic acid and its availability heavily influences aliphatic polyester polyol production. Adipic acid is one of the most commercially important types of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, with the majority of demand for it coming from the production of industrial fibres, especially nylon 6,6 resin. Most adipic acid production capacity is derived from cyclohexane, and the rest mainly from cyclohexene and uncoupled cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone.

The production of aliphatic polyester polyols was affected by raw material supply issues throughout 2021 and 2022. There were well-reported problems with the availability of MDI, but also glycol-specific issues with the availability of hexane diol and monopropylene glycol (MPG).