Press Release

October 31, 2023

Dow and Evonik announce startup of hydrogen peroxide to propylene glycol (HPPG) pilot plant

Dow and Evonik are proud to announce the successful start-up and operation of a pioneering hydrogen peroxide to propylene glycol (HPPG) pilot plant at Evonik’s site in Hanau, Germany.

  • HYPROSYN® process enables production of propylene glycol without intermediate steps
  • Innovative technology offer flexibility, lower costs, and a smaller environmental footprint
  • Strategic partners aim to meet growing market demand for propylene glycol sustainably

Horgen, Switzerland, and Hanau, Germany. Dow and Evonik are proud to announce the successful start-up and operation of a pioneering hydrogen peroxide to propylene glycol (HPPG) pilot plant at Evonik’s site in Hanau, Germany. Collaboratively developed by Dow, the world’s largest producer of propylene glycol, and globally leading hydrogen peroxide manufacturer Evonik, the plant uses the distinct HYPROSYN® method to enable the direct synthesis of propylene glycol (PG) from hydrogen peroxide and propylene.

“At Dow, we believe in collaborating with our customers and other stakeholders to create, innovate and find solutions to big challenges. So, I am delighted to see this plant become operational through this collaboration,” said Andrew Jones, global business director for Chlor-Alkali Vinyl & Propylene Oxide, Propylene Glycol, at Dow. “With this innovative technology and flexible asset and business model, we are well positioned to meet our customers’ needs and growing market demand.”

“At Evonik Active Oxygens, we put sustainability at the core of futurizing our business. This relies not only on innovative technologies, but also the ability to scale these up and bring them to market,” remarked Michael Träxler, head of Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line. “That’s where excellent strategic partnerships come into play. The startup of this pilot plant in Hanau thus not only represents a major technological milestone in our efforts to make industry more sustainable, it is also a prime example of how cross-company collaboration, like this partnership with Dow, is essential to driving sustainable solutions.”

The pilot plant will demonstrate the benefits of the novel technology. In contrast to the traditional process, where propylene is used to make propylene oxide (PO), which is converted to PG through hydrolysis, the HYPROSYN® process uses a novel catalytic system to generate PG directly from propylene and hydrogen peroxide. The integration of all key reaction stages in a single reactor eliminates the need for additional investments in PO capacity and lowers capital requirements. The process also enables a reduced environmental footprint, e.g., water consumption is reduced to less than 5% compared to conventional PG methods. In addition, existing PG plants can be retrofitted to benefit from this new technology.

Propylene glycol serves as an essential ingredient such as a high-performing additive, intermediate, or initiator in a wide range of applications — including industrial, food and animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Over the next few years, the Dow and Evonik teams will continuously evaluate the plant’s operations and capabilities to scale up manufacturing, in support of growing market demand.

For more information please visit: Dow propylene glycol solutions and evonik.click/hyprosyn

HPPG pilot plant-Startup of Dow and Evonik

About Evonik

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

About Smart Materials

The Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. They are the smart answer to the major challenges of our time: environment, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility and health. The Smart Materials division generated sales of €4.46 billion in 2023 with more than 8,100 employees.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.