Plasticizer Alcohols (C4-C13)

Published May 2024

2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) and n-butanol continue to account for most plasticizer alcohol consumption, with a combined three-quarters of the global total. They are followed by isononyl alcohol and isobutanol. Consumption growth for both alcohols will continue during the next few years. Global demand for n-butanol is a result of the large demand for nbutyl acrylate, acetate and glycol ethers production. World demand for 2-EH is still dependent on di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) plasticizer production and will continue to grow because of demand for nonphthalate dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) plasticizer production.

Demand for plasticizer alcohols in most downstream markets is influenced significantly by general economic conditions. As a result, the demand for plasticizer alcohols largely follows the patterns of the leading world economies. Major end-use markets include construction/remodeling, automotive production and original equipment manufacturing.

The following chart shows the world consumption of plasticizer alcohols:

In 2024, the weakness in the global economy and the Israel-Hamas war have resulted in declines in plasticizer alcohol use in markets such as construction and automotive. Disruptions in transportation and high costs in logistics lead to high inventory and limited production, resulting in a global utilization rate of below 70%.

Plasticizers are the largest end-use market for plasticizer alcohols, accounting for nearly half of world consumption in 2024. Plasticizers will remain the largest application; however, demand for nonplasticizer applications such as acrylate/methacrylate esters, acetate esters and glycol ethers will also grow depending on the regional markets. Therefore, demand for plasticizers will grow less than for plasticizer alcohols in acrylate/methacrylate and acetate esters. Plasticizer-producing regions, such as the United States and Western Europe, are experiencing modest but limited growth rates, while Japan is expected to record a slight decrease in plasticizer consumption. Plasticizers consumed in regions such as the United States, Western Europe, Japan and other Asia will experience modest growth while the plasticizers market in South Asia and mainland China will grow relatively well. World consumption of plasticizer alcohols for plasticizers is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 2.0% during 2024–29.

Consumption of plasticizer alcohols, especially C₆-C₁₃, depends significantly on demand for plasticizers and flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Although some nonplasticizer applications are growing faster, they represent a smaller portion of the consumption of most C₆-C₁₃ alcohols. Plasticizers account for 89% of mainland Chinese consumption of 2-EH, more than 50% of US consumption of 2-EH and over 18% in Western Europe; 2-EH consumption of plasticizers accounts for the majority in most other countries. Large volumes of C₉, C₁₀ and certain linear alcohols are also converted to plasticizers. Solvent/coating applications are the most prominent end use for C₄-C₅ alcohols.

Global demand for n-butanol results from large demand in n-butyl acrylate, acetate and glycol ethers production. World demand for 2-EH still depends on DEHP production, which will continue to grow because of demand for nonphthalate DOTP plasticizer production. In some regions, including the United States, Asia and Western Europe, 2-EH consumption is also dependent on the production of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.

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