Glycerin, glycerol, or vegetable glycerin is one of the most versatile chemicals found in various industries. This makes it essential to understand its applications, structure, and how it is sourced. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about vegetable glycerin, its chemical composition, and how it compares to related substances like propylene glycol.
While it might seem like just another ingredient on product labels, the role of vegetable glycerin is more substantial. So, what is vegetable glycerin used for? In food, it’s a humectant, retaining moisture. In cosmetics, it’s a skin softener, and in pharmaceuticals, it acts as a solvent or sweetening agent.
The Chemical Structure and Function of Vegetable Glycerin
Glycerin’s chemical formula, C3H8O3, represents three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and three oxygen atoms. Its structure allows it to act as a humectant, drawing water from the air to maintain moisture in products. This feature is particularly useful in industries where moisture retention is key, such as skincare or food production.
Although glycerin and glycerol are often used interchangeably, there is a slight technical difference between the two. Glycerin refers to the commercial product containing 95% or more glycerol, while glycerol is the pure chemical compound. However, for most practical purposes, the terms can be used synonymously.
The Use of Vegetable Glycerin in Industries
Vegetable glycerin is a versatile substance used in various industries, including the food industry as a thickening agent and sweetener. As well as in skincare as a moisturizing agent. It helps retain moisture in processed foods, making it a popular ingredient in lotions, soaps, and creams. In pharmaceuticals, it enhances the texture of cough syrups and elixirs and can mask bitter flavors. In e-cigarettes and vape liquids, it is used as a base, providing a thicker, more substantial vapor compared to propylene glycol, which provides a thinner vapor.
CheMondis and Glycerin
CheMondis is a prominent Marketplace for sourcing chemicals like glycerin. Offering an extensive selection of Suppliers, CheMondis connects Buyers of the chemical world with top-rated Suppliers. Whether you’re seeking vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol, CheMondis allows businesses to find the best sources at competitive prices.
Our platform allows for easy comparison between Suppliers, offering various grades of glycerin suited for different industries. CheMondis has become a valuable resource for companies in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries looking to streamline their supply chain.
Glycerin is an indispensable ingredient across multiple industries due to its chemical versatility and ability to maintain moisture. From food products to cosmetics, its applications are vast and essential. By understanding its structure, function, and the importance of finding reliable Suppliers. Businesses can ensure they are sourcing the best vegetable glycerin for their needs.
The chemical industry is an ever-changing network of raw materials, processing, and logistics. As a Supplier or a Buyer, understanding the shifts in demand for specific substances is crucial to staying competitive and ensuring smooth operations. At CheMondis, we’ve recently analyzed a notable trend—a surge in the demand for certain key chemicals from Q1 to Q2. While these shifts might seem subtle at first, they reflect deeper trends in industrial activity and demand change.
This demand change shows important shifts in the market demand curve for several essential chemicals. In this blog article, we’ll dive into the substances that saw increased demand. Furthermore, we will explore the substances that might help to detect the underlying factors driving these shifts. By understanding these changes in demand, Suppliers and Buyers of the industry can better prepare for future fluctuations. Which allows them to focus on emerging opportunities.
Key Substances with Increased Demand Between Q1 and Q2
Urea, a nitrogen-based compound, experienced a significant increase in demand from Q1 to Q2. As one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers globally, the market demand curve for urea closely follows agricultural cycles, showing spikes during the planting season, which generally begins in Q2. The increased demand for urea in Q2 can be attributed to its critical role in improving crop yields. Farmers rely heavily on this compound to meet global food production needs. Changes in demand for urea could also be tied to sustainable farming practices .This shift reflects the broader demand change in agricultural chemicals.
Propylene Glycol, widely used in antifreeze, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives, saw a sharp change in demand between Q1 and Q2. This reflects broader shifts in the market demand curve, which may be influenced by both seasonal trends and industrial recovery after the global pandemic. The increased demand in Q2 can be linked to its use in cooling and antifreeze solutions, particularly as warmer months approach. The recovery of the personal care and food industries is driving demand for propylene glycol. Due to consumers turn to processed foods and cosmetics. This demand change highlights how industries are responding to both economic recovery and seasonal needs.
Glycerol (or glycerin) saw one of the sharpest increases in demand from Q1 to Q2. Widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries, glycerol’s change in demand is indicative of a larger market trend toward sustainability and health-conscious products. Glycerol’s rising demand curve in Q2 reflects its critical role in moisturizing creams, medicinal syrups, and as a biofuel product. Moreover, as consumers continue to prioritize self-care and health, the market demand curve for glycerol has shifted upward, reflecting sustained interest in products that use glycerol.
Potassium Hydroxide, used in producing soaps, detergents, and alkaline batteries, also saw a steady demand change from Q1 to Q2. The hygiene and cleaning industries are driving this demand as consumer priorities have shifted towards cleanliness and sanitation during and after the global pandemic. Its use in batteries and energy storage solutions also highlights how the market demand curve is evolving as industries move toward greener technologies. The growing focus on sustainability is a major driver of this change in demand. It positions potassium hydroxide as an increasingly vital commodity in the modern industrial landscape.
What Does the Market Demand Curve Show?
The market demand curve for these substances shows how industrial activities, consumer behavior. Additionally seasonal factors interact to shape overall demand. In the case of urea and Propylene Glycol, the curve may reflect sharp increases during Q2 as sectors like agriculture and manufacturing hit their peak production cycles. Moreover, for glycerol and potassium hydroxide, the demand curve suggests sustained growth, driven by post-pandemic recovery and the global shift toward sustainability.
What Does Change in Demand Mean for Businesses?
For the businesses of chemical industry who are reliant on these substances, understanding the change in demand and shifts in the market demand curve presents both opportunities and challenges. The rising demand for chemicals can lead to increased revenue for Suppliers who are prepared to expand their customer and product portfolio base. However, higher demand may also lead to supply constraints or price increases.
Strategies for Navigating the Market:
1. Monitor Demand Changes:
Staying informed about shifts in the market demand curve will help businesses anticipate fluctuations and make proactive adjustments to their procurement strategies.
2. Diversify Supply Chains:
Diversifying Suppliers and establishing reliable partnerships are critical for mitigating the risks associated with supply chain disruptions. CheMondis helps you establish a relationship with trusted partners in the chemical industry.
3. Invest in Sustainable Solutions:
As sustainability becomes a driving force in the global market, investing in green technologies and sustainable practices is essential. Businesses that respond to the change in demand for eco-friendly chemicals will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape. You can add sustainability information to your products on CheMondis and let the Buyers know that you are contributing to a more sustainable future.
The surge in demand for urea, propylene glycol, glycerol, and potassium hydroxide from Q1 to Q2 reflects deeper market trends. Hence, understanding these demand changes and what the market demand curve shows, Suppliers and Buyers of CheMondis can better prepare for fluctuations and capitalize on opportunities. The increased focus on sustainability, post-pandemic recovery, and seasonal cycles are key drivers of this demand shift.
At CheMondis, we continue to monitor these trends closely to help businesses stay agile and informed. As industries evolve, understanding the change in demand for key chemicals will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in this dynamic market.
Worldwide, there are more than 1,500 known applications for glycerin. That’s an impressive number, and it’s what prompted us to take a closer look. In this article, we’ll touch on the properties of glycerin, its production, and its industrial applications. Plus, we’ll dive into how biodiesel production is affecting glycerin prices.
Glycerin, or glycerol, is officially defined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) as Propane-1,2,3-triol. It falls into the category of polyols, which are organic compounds featuring multiple hydroxyl groups, making them key players in various organic reactions.
This sweet-tasting, colorless, and odorless alcohol (at low concentrations) is non-toxic. It melts at 18°C and boils at 290°C. To put it simply, glycerin is an organic mix of sugar and alcohol.
Glycerin’s versatility makes it invaluable across many industries. It’s used in pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, cosmetics, and even in the production of explosives. Its ability to attract water means it’s often used in skin and hair care products for its moisturizing properties. In the food industry, it’s a sweetener and preservative, while in pharmaceuticals, it’s used in cough syrups, elixirs, and expectorants.
The production of glycerin has a fascinating connection with the biodiesel industry. Biodiesel production has ramped up significantly over the past decade as the world seeks renewable energy sources. A byproduct of biodiesel production is glycerin, which has led to a surplus in the market. This surplus has driven glycerin prices down, making it more accessible for various uses but also challenging for producers who rely on glycerin as a revenue stream.
This glut in the market due to biodiesel production has created an interesting dynamic. On one hand, it has reduced the cost for industries that use glycerin, fostering innovation and expanding its applications. On the other hand, it poses economic challenges for producers who need to find new ways to balance their books.
Industrial Applications of Glycerin
Glycerin’s versatility and safety make it a staple in numerous industries. Let’s explore some of its key applications:
In the pharmaceutical industry, glycerin is valued for its non-toxic and hygroscopic properties. It is used as a solvent, sweetener, and preservative in various medications, including cough syrups, elixirs, and suppositories. Its moisturizing qualities also make it a popular ingredient in lotions and creams, where it helps to keep the skin hydrated.
Food Industry
As a food additive, glycerin plays several roles. It acts as a sweetener, a humectant (which helps maintain moisture), and a solvent for flavors and food colorings. You’ll find it in products ranging from baked goods and confections to beverages and processed meats. Its ability to retain moisture also makes it valuable in extending the shelf life of foods.
Pharmaceutical and Personal Care
The cosmetic industry relies heavily on glycerin for its moisturizing and emollient properties. It’s a common ingredient in skincare products, hair care formulations, and oral care items like toothpaste and mouthwash. Glycerin’s ability to draw moisture from the air and into the skin helps to keep skin soft and hydrated.
In industrial settings, glycerin serves as a lubricant, antifreeze, and plasticizer. It is used in the production of resins, plastics, and other materials where its properties enhance flexibility and durability. Additionally, glycerin is a key ingredient in the manufacture of explosives such as nitroglycerin.
Glycerin is used in the tobacco industry to keep products moist and enhance the flavor. It helps prevent tobacco from drying out and becoming harsh to smoke.
The textile and leather industries use glycerin in various processes to soften and preserve materials. It helps to keep fabrics flexible and leather products from becoming brittle.
Glycerin’s multifaceted applications highlight its importance across diverse sectors. Its role as a byproduct of biodiesel production means that while its availability might fluctuate with energy market trends, its significance in industrial applications remains steadfast.
E-cigarette Liquid
Vegetable glycerin withpropylene glycol, is one of the common components of e-cigarette liquid. The glycerin produces the aerosol when heated with an atomizer, delivering nicotine to the consumer.
Anti Freezing Agent
Due to its minimum freezing point temperature, glycerin was used as an anti-freezing agent for automotive applications before being replaced by ethylene glycerin. Its freezing point is around −38 °C, corresponding to 70% glycerin in water. Also glycerin is a common compound of solvents for enzymatic reagents in labs.
Chemical Intermediate and Solvent
Glycerin is used as a chemical reagent in the synthesis of nitroglycerin for the production of dynamite. Further, it is a building block in the polymer production of alkyd resins and polyurethanes for use in paints and coatings.
Glycerin is also a raw material to manufacture different types of chemical intermediates, including solvents, plasticizers and surfactants. Besides that, glycerin can dissolve polar and nonpolar substances, making it a possible solvent to be used in many industries with different applications.
Production of Glycerin
Glycerin is produced by hydrolysis, saponification or transesterification of triglycerides. Triglycerides sources are commonly plants, like soybeans, and animals, such as tallow. Glycerin from triglycerides is produced worldwide on a large scale. The quality (parameters of purity) can vary from producer to producer depending on the production process.
Post-purification can be achieved by treatment with activated carbon to remove organic impurities, alkali to remove unreacted glycerin esters, and ion exchangers to remove salts. High purity glycerin (> 99.5%) is obtained by multi-step vacuum distillation.
Glycerin can also be produced by various routes from propylene, which is a three-carbon petrochemical compound with double bonds. The most relevant process includes propylene chlorination. A variety of glycerin products with different purities are currently supplied by multiple companies on CheMondis.
The standard of living around the world has risen. Especially in developing countries, a new growing demand for pharmaceuticals and personal care products has evolved. Thus, resulting in larger international consumption amounts of glycerin.
Although the overall consumption of glycerin has continuously risen prices are on the low. One of many factors may be the increase of biodiesel production, also known as the bio-diesel-revolution.
Glycerin is a byproduct in the production process of biodiesel. Although the glycerin produced in the biodiesel process is of low quality (80% purity), and still contains contaminants like soap and water, it still can be used for pharmaceutical or technical grade products. In order to do so, the produced glycerin must undergo a post-purification process (as mentioned above).
For the last two decades, biodiesel production in Europe has increased continuously. This trend can possibly be linked to the European Union directive from 2003, “Transport Biofuels Directive 2003/30/EC”, which promotes the use of biodiesel as an alternative to fossil fuels (petrol/diesel).
According to the directive, EU member states were obliged to replace 5,75% of all transport fossil fuels with bio fossil fuels by 2010. Many other governments outside of the European Union have introduced similar agendas to promote the use of biodiesels.
For instance, the “Brazilian Biodiesel Technology Development Program”. Although the European Union failed to achieve the targeted 5,75% by 2010, the production of biodiesel has risen.
During 2016 producers within the European union processed around 12 million tons of biodiesel according to the European Biodiesel Board. In Germany alone, around 3 million tons of biodiesel were produced. This makes Germany the largest producer of biodiesel in the European Union.
Followed by France, the Netherlands, and Spain which each produced between 1-2 million tons of biodiesel in 2016. Ultimately a high production of biodiesel leads to an increase in glycerin availability. Driving prices down, although the overall international glycerin demand is rising.
In a Nutshell
Glycerin is an organic mixture of sugar and alcohol. It can be produced by hydrolysis, saponification or transesterification of triglycerides. Quality can vary from producer to producer depending on the production process. Glycerin has many industrial applications.
Leading to a continuously rising glycerin demand. Low glycerin prices can (but not only) be linked to the increase in biodiesel production.
Now it is up to you
What is your experience with glycerin? Have you bought or sold it on CheMondis? What do you think of directives that promote bio-diesel production? And what other information could be relevant when discussing glycerin? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Thank you for taking the time to read the CheMondis Blog.
