Polyol is a type of alcohol which contains multiple hydroxyl groups. Green polyols are derived from polyurethanes and polyethylene terepthalate. Bio polyols or Natural oil polyols (NOPs) are derived from oils such as canola oil, castor oil, coconut oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, palm oil, and soya bean oil. Increasing cost of petrochemical feedstock, public desire, and regulatory pressure for environment friendly products, which reduce the carbon footprint are the major growth drivers of green and bio polyols market. The demand for green and bio polyols is majorly due to its requirement in several industries such as packaging, construction, automotive, furniture, and bedding. Green and bio polyols are mainly utilized for the synthesis of polyurethane, which is further used for making coatings and foam. Furniture and construction industry is expected to increase the growth of green and bio polyols.

Green and Bio Polyols-Market Taxonomy

Based on Raw Materials, the green and bio polyols market is segmented into:

Natural Oils and Their Derivatives

Sucrose

Carbon Dioxide

Recycled Polymers

Others

Based on Product type, green and bio polyols market is segmented into:

Polyether Polyols

Polyester Polyols

Based on Application, green and bio polyols market is segmented into:

Foam

Polyurethane Rigid Foam

Polyurethane Flexible Foam

Coatings

Adhesives

Elastomer

Sealants

Others

Based on End-use industry, green and bio polyols market is segmented into:

Furniture and Bedding

Construction or Insulation

Automotive

Packaging

Coatings

Capet backing

Textiles and clothes

Pipes and fittings

Electronics

Others

Polyether polyols has more demand than polyester polyols, as polyether polyols can be effectively used in production of plastic products. Also, polyurethane foam has more demand as it is used for making mattresses and spray–on foam for thermal insulation for buildings.

Green and Bio Polyols Market Outlook

North America is the largest market for green and bio polyols, owing to the demand from various furniture, interiors, construction, and automotive industry. For instance, the major automotive OEMs such as Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler has invested approximately US$ 2.7 billion in USA, which in turn will significantly benefit the green and bio polyols market. Furthermore, the demand for materials that are recyclable or obtained from less polluting sources having low carbon impact has led to the substitution of crude-based polyols by green and bio polyols.

In Europe, there is a significant demand for green and bio polyols due to increasing regulatory pressure for sustainable solutions. The demand for health and comfort are driving the use of polyurethane in furniture industry which in turn is increasing the demand for green and bio polyols.

Asia pacific is the fastest growing green and bio polyols market. This can be attributed to the easier availability of raw materials, land, equipment, and skilled & cheap labor cost. The rapidly growing economies such as China and India are spending on sustainable products such as green and bio polyols. The rapid growth in electronic industry is also a major contributor for green and bio polyols. According to the union budget of 2017-18, the government of India plans to spend US$ 538.62 million on urban infrastructure development, leading to increasing demand for green and bio polyols in India.

In Latin America, Middle East, and Africa, the burgeoning growth in construction and automotive industry is leading to the rapid demand for green and bio polyols.

Key Developments:

For instance, in October 2018, Covestro launched thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) containing polyether carbonate polyols based on CO2 technology. This new product lowers carbon footprint than conventional ones, and helped close the carbon cycle. This new product has helped Covestro to expand its product portfolio in global market.

In March 2016, Mitsui Chemicals & SKC Polyurethanes’ (MCNS) formed new joint venture for manufacturing bio-polyol and joint venture called as Vithal Castor Polyols (VCP), in India. VCP manufactures bio polyols castor oil with annual capacity of 8000 tonnes.

For instance, in August 2015, BASF SE launched new bio-based Polyol for Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) free* 2K Polyurethane applications. The product is sold under the name Sovermol. This new product has helped BASF SE to expand its product portfolio in global market.

For instance, in May 2017, Cargill Inc. acquired Arkansas (U.S.) based BioBased Technologies. BioBased Technologies manufactures soybean-based polyols to create more sustainable products for their consumers. This acquisition is expected strengthen its portfolio into applications beyond the foam market, such as elastomers, sealants, coatings, binders and adhesives.

The companies are adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies to sustain their market positions. The key manufacturers in green and bio polyols are Arkema S.A., Bayer AG, BioBased Technologies LLC, BASF SE, Cargill Inc., The Dow Chemical Company, Stepan Company, Emery Oleochemicals (M) Sdn Bhd, Jayant Agro-Organics Limited, Global Bio-chem Technology Group Company Limited, Johnson Controls Inc, Cargill Inc., Global Bio-Chem Technology Group Co. Ltd., Jayant Agro Organics Ltd., and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.