The bio-based 1,3-propanediol (PDO) industry has broad development prospects and the production technology of local enterprises needs to be improved.

​​​​Bio-based 1,3-propanediol (PDO), also known as bio-based PDO, is an important organic chemical raw material. Bio-based PDO appears as a colorless and transparent liquid with a salty taste. It is recyclable, biodegradable, safe, and pollution-free. It has broad application prospects in the fields of pharmaceutical intermediates, PTT fibers, coatings, cosmetics, etc.

The main production method of bio-based PDO is biosynthesis. Compared with traditional chemical synthesis, this method has the advantages of less by-products, mild reaction conditions, less environmental pollution, and renewable raw material sources. Biosynthesis methods include biodiesel conversion method, glycerol conversion method and glucose conversion method. Biodiesel conversion method refers to using biodiesel as raw material and fermentation to obtain bio-based PDO; glycerol conversion method refers to converting glycerol into bio-based PDO under anaerobic conditions; glucose conversion method includes one-step method and two-step method, Dalian, my country Scientific research institutions such as the University of Science and Technology and Tsinghua University have made new progress in the research of the two-step method.

​​​​Bio-based PDO raw materials are rich in variety, including glycerin, biodiesel, palm oil, glucose, corn, yeast, etc. Benefiting from the continuous improvement of bioengineering technology and the continuous increase in raw material output, global bio-based PDO production capacity has rapidly expanded and output has continued to grow. However, in the local market, due to technical barriers, there are few companies in my country with large-scale production capabilities of bio-based PDO, resulting in high production costs and long-term high market prices. This is the main challenge facing the development of the industry.

According to the “2023-2027 Bio-based 13-propanediol (PDO) Industry In-depth Market Research and Investment Strategy Suggestions Report>> shows that bio-based PDO is widely used and is the main raw material for the production of high-performance polytrimethylene terephthalate fiber (PTT fiber). PTT fiber is a new type of polyester spinning polymer. It uses bio-based PDO and terephthalic acid as the main raw materials and is produced through esterification, polycondensation, melting, spinning and other processes. It has good anti-fouling properties and good thermal stability. and other advantages, it has broad application prospects in fields such as decorations and bedding. With the rapid development of downstream industries, the bio-based PDO market space will further expand.

The major global bio-based PDO manufacturers include DuPont, GENENCOR, etc. The main manufacturers of bio-based PDO in my country include Huafeng Group, Chenneng Biotechnology, Tianguan Group, Lixing Chemical, etc. In June 2022, Huafon Group successfully acquired DuPont’s bio-based PDO business.

           Industry analysts said that bio-based 1,3-propanediol (PDO) is widely used in many fields and the industry has broad prospects for development. In recent years, as the prosperity of the bio-based PDO industry has further improved, many chemical companies and related scientific research institutions in my country have laid out research and development tracks. As the technology matures, its production costs are expected to decrease and output will increase.