Innovation in propylene oxide technology focuses on green and high value
On May 28th, 2025, the (7th) China Propylene Oxide Industry Chain Technology Innovation and Industrial Development Conference was held in Dalian. Experts pointed out at the meeting that the propylene oxide industry is currently facing challenges such as supply structure contradictions and increasing environmental protection pressure. In the future, it needs to develop towards high added value and green development through technological innovation.
Zhang Sidai, director and deputy general manager of China Chemical Industry News Co., LTD., said that propylene oxide, as an important raw material for the downstream of propylene, is of great significance for ensuring the safety of the industrial chain and people's consumption. However, the industry is facing the dual challenges of supply structure contradiction and slowdown in terminal demand. It is necessary to focus on the development path of high-end and differentiation, and optimize energy consumption, environmental protection and safety levels through technological innovation. At the same time, we should strengthen the leading role of enterprises in innovation, promote in-depth integration between the innovation chain and the industrial chain, enhance collaboration in technology, market, talent and environmental protection, avoid homogenized competition, and jointly build a more dynamic industrial ecosystem.
Tu Qinghua, deputy chief engineer of the Petroleum and Chemical Industry Planning Institute, pointed out that China's propylene oxide industry has strong development momentum. By 2024, its production capacity will reach 7.47 million tons, accounting for nearly one-third of the global total capacity, and the self-sufficiency rate will increase to 96%. The direct oxidation of hydrogen peroxide (HPPO) process has become the mainstream technology, with a capacity share of 33.5% in 2024, continuously driving the green transformation of the industry. Future industries should focus on high-end directions, such as electronic-grade propylene glycol, semiconductor-grade solvents and biodegradable materials, accelerate their upgrading towards high added value and low carbonization, and consolidate their dominant position in the global market.
Wu Feike, the general manager of Changzhou Ruihua Chemical Engineering Technology Co., LTD., mentioned that currently, the traditional chlorohydrin method for producing propylene oxide is facing significant environmental pressure. In response, Ruihua Technology has developed three core technologies: the propylene oxide-styrene co-production method (POSM), the isopropylbenzene method, and the isobutane method. It has accumulated over 20 core patents. Provide the industry with an upgrade path that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable.
Zhang Zhichao, the president of Shijiazhuang Porter Inorganic Membrane Separation Equipment Co., LTD., stated that as a globally leading R&D and manufacturing company of sintered metals, the company has a complete global layout, with business covering over 50 countries and two manufacturing bases. It has also achieved multiple successful application examples in the field of fluidized bed hydrogen peroxide, such as Shandong Dongju Chemical and Zhejiang Runtu New Materials.
Li Yiming, a senior engineer at the Beijing Branch of China Global Engineering Co., LTD., stated that the company has made significant progress in the research and development of POSM process technology and engineering optimization. The 27/600,000-ton/year POSM project of Zhejiang Petrochemical, which it has undertaken, has been put into operation, while eight projects including Guangxi Petrochemical and Shandong Zhenhua are in the stage of infrastructure completion or design. In the future, Global Engineering will promote the POSM process towards high efficiency and green development through continuous technological iteration and accumulation of project experience.
This conference is hosted by China Chemical Industry News Co., Ltd. and Changzhou Ruihua Chemical Engineering Technology Co., LTD., and co-organized by Shijiazhuang Porter Inorganic Membrane Separation Equipment Co., LTD.