Ethylene glycol is produced from ethylene, via the intermediate ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide reacts with water to produce ethylene glycol This reaction can be catalyzed by either acids or bases or can occur at neutral pH under elevated temperatures. The highest yields of ethylene glycol occur at acidic or neutral pH with a large excess of water. Under these conditions, ethylene glycol yields of 90% can be achieved. The major byproducts are the ethylene glycol oligomers diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol.
End-uses for MEG range from clothing and other textiles, through packaging to kitchenware, engine coolants, and antifreeze. Polyester and fleece fabrics, upholstery, carpets, and pillows, as well as light and sturdy polyethylene terephthalate drink and food containers, originate from ethylene glycol. The humectant (water-attracting) properties of MEG products also make them ideal for use in fibers treatment, paper, adhesives, printing inks, leather, and cellophane.
MEG is a colorless, odorless liquid with a syrup-like consistency.
۵۵% of MEG is used to make polyester fibers. 25% of MEG is used in polyethylene terephthalate – or PET – packaging and bottles.
Shell opened one of the world’s largest MEG plants in November 2009 at its integrated refinery and petrochemicals hub in Singapore. The plant has an annual capacity of 750,000 tons.
Annual output from the MEG plant in Singapore could produce over two million tons of polyester, enough to make 6.7 billion polyester shirts – more shirts than there are people in the world.
MEG is produced from ethylene via ethylene oxide, which in turn is hydrated by using either a thermal or catalytic production process.
Global demand for Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) is strong with the market worth $25 billion and expected to grow 6% annually to 2024. This is especially due to the increased production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the demand for polyesters in the Asia Pacific. Demand is strongest in China where approximately 70% of the world’s MEG output is consumed.
