PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1878378
PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1878378
Epichlorohydrin Market, with a 5.65% CAGR, is projected to increase from USD 3.081 billion in 2025 to USD 4.057 billion in 2030.
Epichlorohydrin is a colorless chemical compound serving as a critical intermediate in the manufacturing processes for epoxy resins, synthetic glycerin, water treatment chemicals, and various specialty products. Its consumption spans multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, textiles, and electronics, with epoxy resin and synthetic glycerin production identified as the primary demand drivers. The market is further supported by growing consumption from the textile, inks, petrochemical, and paper industries.
Market Growth Drivers
Rising Demand for Epoxy Resins
A significant factor propelling the epichlorohydrin market is the increasing demand for epoxy resins across a diverse range of sectors. The majority of epichlorohydrin produced is utilized in the synthesis of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, a fundamental precursor for epoxy resin manufacture. The construction and building industry is a major contributor to this demand, employing epoxy resins in paints, coatings, flooring, adhesives, and piping systems for various development projects. The expansion of urban infrastructure and residential construction in major economies directly fuels the need for these epoxy-based materials, thereby increasing consumption of epichlorohydrin.
Increasing Consumption of Synthetic Glycerin
The growth in consumption of synthetic glycerin represents a second major driver for the epichlorohydrin market. As the second-largest application for epichlorohydrin, synthetic glycerin production is being stimulated by its widespread use in the pharmaceutical, personal care, and food & beverage industries. In pharmaceuticals and personal care, it is valued as a preservative, solvent, and humectant, providing smoothness, lubrication, and skin moisturizing benefits. The trend of incorporating glycerin into skincare formulations within the personal care goods industry is contributing to its rising demand, which in turn necessitates increased epichlorohydrin consumption for glycerin production.
Regulatory and Health Constraints
The growth of the epichlorohydrin market is tempered by the compound's associated health hazards. Workers in manufacturing plants are at risk from exposure, as inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with epichlorohydrin can cause damage to internal organs and have corrosive effects. Furthermore, the substance has been classified as a possible carcinogen by the European Chemicals Agency. These health concerns have led to stringent regulatory oversight, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's permissible exposure limit of 5 ppm per day for workers. These regulations pose a restraint on production volumes by necessitating rigorous safety controls.
Product Offerings
The market features offerings from several key international chemical companies. Olin Epoxy produces epichlorohydrin as a chemical intermediary, with a significant annual production capacity exceeding 450,000 metric tons from its facilities in Germany and the United States, positioning it as a global leader. Hanwha Chemical of South Korea manufactures epichlorohydrin within its Chemical Division, producing it in a chlor-alkali form for use in paper strengthening additives and epoxy resins. In the United States, Ashland Inc. supplies liquid epichlorohydrin under its Crepetrol and Kymene brands, which are designated for applications in epoxy resin and glycerol production.
Geographical Outlook
Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region is the dominant contributor to the epichlorohydrin market and is anticipated to maintain this position. Market growth is largely driven by the rising consumption of paints and coatings in both developed and developing economies. Rapid urbanization and increasing urban population density are generating substantial demand for residential and infrastructure development projects. This growth in construction activity makes the use of paints and coatings inevitable, bolstering demand for the epoxy resins used in their formulation. The presence of major paint manufacturers in the region is expected to further stimulate the epichlorohydrin market, given its integral role in the production of epoxy-based paints and coatings.
North America
The North American market is projected to experience significant growth, particularly from its textile industry. Epichlorohydrin is employed to modify carboxyl groups in wool, enhancing the moth resistance of the resulting garments. It is also used in the production of protein-modified, wool-like fibers that exhibit affinity for acid dyes and resistance to mold and insects. Beyond natural fibers, epichlorohydrin is utilized in the preparation and dyeing of synthetic fibers, including those made from polyolefin, polyacrylonitrile, and polyvinyl alcohol. Additionally, it is a key component in the manufacture of anti-static compounds, textile sizings, and anti-wrinkle agents. The broadening applications of epichlorohydrin within the regional textile industry are anticipated to be a primary driver for market expansion in North America.
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