South Africa Propylene Glycol Market Overview, 2030

The propylene glycol (PG) market in South Africa has developed steadily over the past few decades, reflecting the country’s industrialization, chemical manufacturing, and regulatory frameworks. In the 1980s and 1990s, demand was mainly for industrial-grade PG used in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) for construction composites, coatings, and adhesives, supporting urban infrastructure development, industrial facilities, and manufacturing projects. By the early 2000s, transportation applications such as automotive coolants, antifreeze, and airport/aviation de-icing fluids began to gain prominence, especially in southern and high-altitude regions with cold winters; PG was preferred over ethylene glycol due to its lower toxicity and environmental compatibility. FCC-grade PG also found applications in food and beverages as a humectant, carrier, and stabilizer in bakery products, confectionery, and beverages, regulated under South Africa’s Department of Health and aligned with SANS food safety standards. During the 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, adhering to South African pharmacopeia and international standards. More recently, bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel production, has gained traction in high-value applications, leveraging South Africa’s renewable energy policies and growing focus on sustainability. Domestic production is concentrated in chemical hubs such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape, while imports from Brazil, China, and Europe supplement high-purity or specialty-grade supply. Overall, the South African PG market has evolved from a volume-driven industrial base to a diversified landscape emphasizing high-value, certified, and environmentally conscious applications across multiple sectors.

According to the research report ""South Africa propylene glycol Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa propylene glycol market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.28% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The South African PG market is shaped by domestic production, feedstock pricing, regulatory oversight, seasonal demand, and sustainability initiatives. Domestic production is concentrated in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape, while imports from Brazil, China, Europe, and India supplement specialty-grade and high-purity requirements. Petroleum-based PG dominates due to cost-effectiveness, high-volume supply, and reliable logistics, serving industrial applications including UPR for construction, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings. Feedstock costs, particularly for propylene and propylene oxide (PO), are closely tied to global crude oil and natural gas prices, impacting local producer margins and contract pricing. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin or renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, mainly serving pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care applications, driven by sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance. Oversight by the Department of Health, SABS, and environmental authorities ensures compliance with safety, labeling, and chemical handling standards. Seasonal demand peaks in winter for transportation and aviation applications, necessitating efficient inventory management and logistics. Distributors, formulators, and integrators are critical in maintaining supply continuity, technical support, and grade certification. Overall, South Africa’s PG market exhibits stable industrial demand, growing high-value certified applications, sensitivity to feedstock pricing, and increasing focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance, creating a competitive and resilient market environment.

In South Africa, propylene glycol consumption spans construction, transportation, food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and other specialty industrial applications. Construction accounts for significant volume, with PG used in UPR resins for composites, coatings, adhesives, and laminates supporting infrastructure development, industrial projects, and renewable energy installations. Transportation applications include automotive coolant, antifreeze, and airport/aviation de-icing fluids, particularly in southern and high-altitude regions; PG is preferred for low toxicity and environmental compliance. Food and beverages utilize FCC-grade PG as a humectant, solvent, and carrier for bakery products, confectionery, beverages, and flavorings, regulated by the Department of Health and aligned with SANS standards. Cosmetics and personal care applications employ PG as a humectant and solvent in lotions, creams, haircare, and personal hygiene products, with growing adoption of bio-based alternatives. Pharmaceutical-grade PG serves as a solvent, stabilizer, and excipient in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, adhering to South African pharmacopeia and international standards. Others include industrial lubricants, heat-transfer fluids, and chemical intermediates, contributing incremental volume and higher-margin niche applications. This diversified end-use profile ensures resilience, balancing large-volume industrial applications with fast-growing, high-value, certified, and sustainability-focused sectors.

The South African PG market is dominated by petroleum-based PG, produced domestically in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape and supplemented by imports from Brazil, China, Europe, and India. Petroleum-derived PG provides cost-effective, high-volume supply for industrial applications including UPR, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings, benefiting from established petrochemical infrastructure and logistics networks. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel and other renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, primarily serving pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care applications where sustainability, regulatory compliance, and green credentials are critical. Bio-PG adoption is supported by South Africa’s renewable energy policies, green chemical initiatives, and increasing consumer preference for sustainable products. Although bio-PG is higher-cost and limited in capacity relative to petroleum-based PG, it is gaining traction in high-value, certified applications. Circular economy practices, including glycol recycling in industrial and aviation applications, further enhance adoption. Petroleum-based PG is expected to maintain the majority of volume, while bio-based PG grows steadily in specialty and sustainability-driven segments.

In South Africa, propylene glycol is segmented into industrial-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and other specialty grades, each serving distinct applications. Industrial-grade PG accounts for the largest volume, serving UPR for construction, coatings, adhesives, automotive coolants, and de-icing fluids; buyers prioritize cost efficiency, reliable supply, and bulk logistics. Pharmaceutical-grade PG, produced to South African pharmacopeia, USP, and international standards, represents a smaller but higher-value segment, used as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations; regulatory compliance, batch traceability, and certification requirements limit new entrants. 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 impacts logistics, packaging, and supply chain planning: industrial PG is shipped in bulk, whereas pharmaceutical and specialty grades are delivered in drums or IBCs. While industrial-grade PG dominates volume, pharmaceutical and specialty grades grow faster in revenue, reflecting South Africa’s demand for high-purity, certified, and sustainability-aligned products.

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