Ethylene is mainly produced from petrochemical-based raw materials, such as naptha, ethane, and propane, which are obtained from the distillation of crude oil. According to BlueQuark Research & Consulting, the global Ethylene oxide market is expected to witness considerable growth during the forecasted period. Factors such as the rising demand for ethylene glycol in various functions, particularly in polyester fibers, PET resins, antifreeze for engines and so forth, are among the major factors expected to improve the growth of the ethylene oxide market in the forecast period. Further, the spreading of the packaging industry with the increasing demand for packaged food and beverages is awaited to increase the need for PET resins. Increasing knowledge amongst users related to plastic wastage is predicted to contribute to the need for PET resins further, which will aid in fueling the growth of the ethylene oxide market in the forecasted period. Furthermore, the increasing demand for detergents, household and industrial cleaners, laundry softeners and so forth is anticipated to develop the ethylene oxide market at a healthy pace. However, the increasing toxic substances of ethylene oxide and growing public health concerns are some key factors predicted to obstruct the growth of the ethylene oxide market. The regulations are implemented by regulatory bodies of various government across the globe to reduce the risk of chemical exposure which will further negatively impact the market growth.

Ethylene oxide is mainly used to make other chemicals, such as ethylene glycol, surface active agents, ethanolamines, glycol ethers, polyols, etc. It is utilized as a sterilant in medical devices and as a fumigant in spices. The product can be used in medical devices, cosmetics, solvents, detergents, antifreeze, textiles, and food and beverages.

There has been fast growth in demand for ethylene oxide in the market. The applications of ethylene oxide are widely diversified into various areas of use. Ethylene oxide is also known as oxirane. Ethylene oxide is a bulk industrial chemical, a colorless, flammable gas or liquid in nature. Ethylene oxide is utilized for a wide range of functions, particularly in various consumer products, non-consumer chemicals, and emissaries. The growth is primarily contributed by its rising application in ethylene glycol and ethoxylates. Ethylene glycol is significantly utilized for manufacturing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin and polyester fiber, further growing the ethylene oxide eto market globally. The demand for polyethylene terephthalate has increased over the years due to the rising usage of PET-based bottles, containers, and other plastic items. According to the manufacturer, it is a strong, lightweight, clear plastic that can be molded into any shape and has wide applications in various end-use industries. An essential global share of bottles of carbonated drinks is made of polyethylene terephthalate, increasing its demand in the food and beverage industry. Packaged drinking water bottles are also built of PET, further augmenting its market and revenue growth. Besides foods, it is also used as a primary packaging material for soaps, shampoos, liquid gels, and cosmetics formulations.

The Asia Pacific is awaited to have the largest share. The rising need for polyester fibers in the region owing to developing textile industries and surging consumer spending is increasing the growth of polyester fiber in the area, which positively favors the global ethylene oxide market for the forecasted period. The rising tour and traveling industry in the region is growing the demand for packaged beverage products, propelling the ethylene oxide market over the forecasted period. The textile industry is a primary end-user industry for ethylene oxide as the derivatives are used for the treatment of a vast variety of natural and synthetic fibers, as precursors for certain compounds providing durable press, light stabilization of spandex fibers, shrink proofing wool, static prevention, and mothproofing, among others. With rising demand, growing investments and improved infrastructure facilities, the request from the sector are likely to increase in the forecast period. Further, favorable demographics and a shift in preference for branded products boost the demand for the textile industry, thus boosting the ethylene oxide market. Ethylene oxide is highly utilized for manufacturing polyester fiber, which has wide application in conveyor belt fabrics, seat belts, and coated fabrics. The rapidly increasing automotive and industrial market will expand ethylene oxide production capacity. The shift in consumers favorably toward a better lifestyle in emerging economies of Asia Pacific, especially in China and India, is raising the demand for polyester fiber, driving the ethylene oxide market. Moreover, on account of the fast-extending healthcare industry, the increase in health consciousness has, in turn, increased the expenditure on medical equipment, which is estimated to propel the growth of the ethylene oxide market in the forecast period. Ethylene oxide is extensively used across various industries to produce solvents, detergents, adhesives, antifreeze, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Ethylene oxide is also found in sterilization services for cosmetics and spices, fumigants, medical device sterilization of surgical equipment, etc. 

In January 2022, SABIC and ExxonMobil announced the startup of Gulf Coast Growth Ventures' world-scale manufacturing facility in San Patricio County, Texas. The new facility operation includes a mono ethylene glycol unit with a capacity of 1.1 million metric tons per year.

In November 2021, SABIC announced the starting startup activities of the Ethylene Glycol Plant - 3 at its producing affiliate, Jubail United Petrochemical Company (United), with an estimated annual production capacity of 700,000 metric tons of monoethylene glycol.

In August 2021, BASF and SINOPEC will stretch their Verbund site, handled by BASF-YPC Co., Ltd., an equivalent joint venture of both companies in China. The partners will expand the manufacturing capacities of ethyleneamines, ethanolamines and purified ethylene oxide, build a new tert-butyl acrylate plant and other products.

The global market key players are BASF SE, Clariant AG, The Dow Chemical Company, and Huntsman International LLC.

Our Global Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Market report delves into the current and future state of the ethylene oxide market across various regions. Also, the study comprehensively analyzes the ethylene oxide market by segmenting based on geography and by derivative (Ethylene Glycol, Ethoxylates, Ethanolamine, Glycol Ethers, and Others (Polyethylene Glycols, Polyether Polyols, etc.)) and by end-use (Building & Construction, Automotive, Packaging, Healthcare and Others (Textile, Agrochemicals, etc.)). The report examines the market drivers and restraints influencing the growth in detail. The study also covers emerging market trends, developments, opportunities, and challenges in the industry. This report also covers an extensively researched competitive landscape section with profiles of prominent companies, their market shares, and their projects.