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Ethylene oxide: urgent need to extend the industrial chain
China's ethylene oxide (EO) industry and its deep processing sector are currently experiencing rapid growth. The market for EO-derived specialty chemicals is vast, offering significant opportunities for technological upgrades in traditional industries and driving the development of advanced technologies. EO is widely used in various fields such as household cleaning, industrial washing, petrochemicals, metal processing, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, textile printing, rubber, plastics, and papermaking. Moreover, it is increasingly being applied in high-tech areas like nanotechnology and life sciences.
**Accelerating Industrial Restructuring**
In 2006, China’s EO production capacity reached 1.8 million tons, with a volume of goods amounting to 500,000 tons. Although EO itself is not typically imported due to long-distance transport challenges, the import of ethylene glycol derivatives and other fine chemical products has seen a sharp increase in recent years. In 2006 alone, imports reached 4.06 million tons, with an import dependency rate of up to 72.3%. Currently, most of China’s EO is used for producing ethylene glycol and non-ionic surfactants, with about 70% allocated to ethylene glycol production. Compared to developed countries, China still lags behind in the structure, technology, and application of EO-derived fine chemicals, especially in high-value-added products that are largely imported. To address this, the industry should accelerate the development of downstream refined chemical products, enhance technological capabilities, and boost competitiveness. By fully utilizing domestic resources and expanding the application of fine chemicals, China can meet the needs of related industries, adjust the consumption structure of EO, and build a cluster of high-efficiency petrochemical products.
According to China’s development status and international experience, future directions for EO-derived fine chemicals should focus on ethoxylated compounds, ethanolamines, glycol ethers, glyoxal, and potential developments in ethylene amines, piperazine, ethylene carbonate, hydroxyethyl compounds, as well as research into 1,3-propanediol and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate using EO and ethylene glycol as raw materials.
**Building Industry-Academia-Research Synergy**
To achieve industrial upgrading and innovation, the EO industry must center on enterprises while mobilizing broader scientific and technological resources to form a collaborative advantage among industry, academia, and research institutions. A notable example is the Aoke Group, a leading Chinese enterprise in EO derivative products. It has established multiple research platforms, including a provincial-level enterprise technology center, an engineering technology center for deep processing of EO, and a post-doctoral research base. Over the years, Aoke has combined its core technologies with EO-derived products, focusing on polyethylene glycol and applications aligned with national energy, environmental protection, and health goals. The company has achieved significant breakthroughs in R&D, process optimization, and product development in special fine chemicals derived from EO, such as emulsions and emulsifiers. Many of its innovations have received provincial recognition and national patents, with several listed in key programs like the National Spark Program and Torch Program. Today, Aoke produces over 80,000 tons of fine chemical products annually, ranking among the top in China and becoming a strong player in the deep processing of EO.
**Urgent Need for Product Innovation**
For domestic EO companies, innovation is critical. For instance, photovoltaic crystalline silicon cutting fluid is a new green energy product essential for solar cell production. By 2020, China was expected to install 30 GW of photovoltaic capacity, yet the development of cutting fluids remained a challenge. Aoke leveraged its R&D strengths to develop domestically produced cutting fluids, reducing reliance on imports and lowering costs. After years of effort, the company captured most of the domestic market. In 2007, its 30,000-ton-per-year project was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission, securing financial support.
In light of current industry conditions, Zhu Jianmin, deputy chairman of the China Fine Chemicals Industry Committee, emphasized the need for government and enterprise collaboration. He proposed establishing a state-led, enterprise-driven, market-oriented innovation system, fostering strategic partnerships along the EO supply chain, promoting a rational petrochemical structure, and building a sustainable and harmonious industrial ecosystem. This will drive the rapid and healthy development of China’s EO industry.