Italy Propylene Glycol Market Overview, 2030

The Italian propylene glycol (PG) market has evolved steadily over the last several decades, reflecting Italy’s industrial growth, petrochemical development, and regulatory frameworks. Demand first expanded in the 1960s and 1970s, driven mainly by industrial-grade PG for unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) used in construction composites, coatings, and adhesives, supporting infrastructure projects, urban expansion, and the manufacturing sector. During the 1980s and 1990s, transportation-related applications such as automotive antifreeze, coolant formulations, and aviation de-icing fluids gained significance, particularly in northern regions with colder winters; PG was preferred over ethylene glycol due to lower toxicity and environmental considerations. FCC-grade PG also became common in food and beverage applications as a humectant and carrier for bakery products, confectionery, and beverages, regulated under the Italian Ministry of Health and aligned with EU standards. In the 2000s and 2010s, demand in pharmaceuticals and personal care increased, with USP-grade PG serving as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, meeting European Pharmacopeia requirements. More recently, bio-based PG has emerged, produced from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel and other renewable feedstocks, in line with Italy’s sustainability and renewable chemical policies. Imports from Germany, Spain, and other EU producers supplement domestic production, particularly for high-purity and specialty grades. Overall, Italy’s PG market has transitioned from a commodity-driven industrial focus to a diversified landscape emphasizing high-value, regulatory-compliant, and sustainability-aligned applications across multiple end-use sectors.

According to the research report, “Italy propylene glycol Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Italy propylene glycol market is anticipated to add to more than USD 30 Million by 2025–30. The Italian propylene glycol market is shaped by feedstock availability, cost, regulatory oversight, seasonal demand, and sustainability trends. Domestic production is concentrated in petrochemical hubs such as Porto Marghera, Ravenna, and Priolo, while imports from Germany, Spain, and other EU countries supplement supply, especially for high-purity or specialty grades. Petroleum-based PG dominates the market, providing cost-effective, high-volume supply for industrial applications such as UPR, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings. Feedstock costs, particularly propylene and propylene oxide (PO), are closely tied to global crude oil and natural gas prices, impacting producer margins and contract pricing. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts from biodiesel or other renewable sources, is a growing niche, particularly in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food sectors, where sustainability and regulatory compliance drive demand. Regulatory oversight by the Italian Ministry of Health, ANSES-equivalent EU agencies, and REACH compliance governs production, handling, and labeling. Seasonal fluctuations in demand, especially for automotive and aviation de-icing, necessitate careful inventory and logistics management. Distributors and formulators act as buffers for smaller customers and provide certification and quality assurance. Overall, the Italian PG market is characterized by stable industrial demand, growth in high-value certified applications, sensitivity to feedstock pricing, and increasing emphasis on sustainability and compliance, creating a dynamic and competitive environment for both domestic and international suppliers.

In Italy, propylene glycol consumption is spread across construction, transportation, food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and other specialty applications. In construction, PG is used primarily in UPR for composites, coatings, adhesives, and laminates, supporting urban infrastructure projects, industrial facilities, and renewable energy installations such as wind turbine blades. Transportation demand includes automotive coolant and antifreeze formulations as well as airport and aviation de-icing, particularly in northern regions; PG is favored for its lower toxicity and environmental compliance. The food and beverage sector uses FCC-grade PG as a humectant, solvent, and carrier for bakery products, confectionery, flavorings, and beverages, compliant with Italian Ministry of Health and EU food safety standards. Cosmetics and personal care applications leverage PG for humectant and solvent properties in lotions, creams, and haircare products, with increasing adoption of bio-based or sustainable alternatives. Pharmaceutical-grade PG is employed as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, meeting European Pharmacopeia and USP standards. Others include industrial lubricants, heat-transfer fluids, and chemical intermediates, providing incremental demand and higher-margin niche opportunities. This diversified end-use profile balances high-volume industrial applications with fast-growing, high-value sectors, ensuring market resilience in Italy’s PG landscape.

The Italian propylene glycol market is dominated by petroleum-based PG, produced domestically and imported from Germany, Spain, and other EU countries, supplying high-volume, cost-effective PG for industrial applications such as UPR, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings. Petroleum-derived PG benefits from established production infrastructure, integrated feedstock supply, and reliable logistics, forming the backbone of industrial demand. Bio-based PG, produced from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel or other renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, with demand primarily in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care sectors where regulatory compliance, sustainability, and clean-label credentials are important. Italy’s renewable chemical and bioeconomy policies support bio-PG adoption, despite higher production costs and limited capacity relative to petroleum-based PG. Circular economy initiatives such as glycol recycling in industrial and airport de-icing operations further promote the adoption of bio-based or blended PG. Petroleum-based PG is expected to maintain the majority of volume, while bio-based PG gradually expands in high-value, sustainability-driven applications, supporting Italy’s environmental and regulatory objectives.

In Italy, propylene glycol is segmented into industrial-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and other specialty grades, each with distinct applications and market dynamics. Industrial-grade PG represents the largest volume, serving UPR for construction, coatings, adhesives, automotive coolants, and de-icing fluids; buyers prioritize cost, reliability, and logistics, sourcing either in bulk domestically or via EU imports. Pharmaceutical-grade PG, produced to USP or European Pharmacopeia standards, is a smaller but high-value segment, used as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations. Compliance with regulatory requirements, batch traceability, and certification requirements ensures quality and limits entry. The “others” category includes dipropylene and tripropylene glycols, industrial heat-transfer fluids, lubricants, and chemical intermediates, often commanding higher margins due to technical specifications. Grade segmentation affects supply chain, logistics, and packaging: industrial PG is shipped in bulk via rail or truck, while pharmaceutical and specialty grades are delivered in drums or IBCs. While industrial-grade PG dominates in volume, pharmaceutical and specialty grades grow faster in revenue, reflecting Italy’s demand for high-purity, certified, and environmentally compliant products. The market balances a high-volume industrial backbone with premium, high-value specialty applications driven by regulatory, sustainability, and end-user requirements.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Propylene Glycol Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By End Use
• Construction
• Transportation
• Food & Beverages
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Source
• Petroleum-based
• Bio-based

By Grade
• Industrial Grade
• Pharmaceutical Grade
• Others Show more