Chinese scientists have successfully trialed the industrial production of bio-ethylene glycol (bio-EG) from straw sugars, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum or coal. The new method boasts an annual production capacity of 1,000 metric tons, experts report.
Ethylene glycol is a vital chemical with a global annual consumption exceeding 30 million tons, according to Zheng Mingyuan, a researcher at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “In China, where we are both a major producer and consumer, the annual demand surpasses 20 million tons. Ethylene glycol is essential for manufacturing clothing fibers, plastic products such as beverage bottles, and more,” Zheng explained.
Professor He Mingyuan from East China Normal University noted that traditional production methods for EG relied primarily on nonrenewable petroleum or coal, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions and high energy consumption. “Biomass is the only organic carbon source capable of replacing fossil fuels. The advent of new technologies that can transform the energy landscape is promising,” said He, who is also an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
He stressed the importance of effectively utilizing biomass for green and sustainable development, a focus for scientists who recognize its energy potential. “The conversion of living organisms into fossil fuels creates a large carbon cycle. Utilizing biomass directly shortens this cycle, enhancing energy efficiency. For instance, agricultural straw can be used directly, creating a more efficient energy loop,” he said, emphasizing the renewable nature of biomass.
In 2008, a team led by Zhang Tao at the Dalian Institute pioneered the direct catalytic conversion of cellulose to produce EG, a groundbreaking achievement in the field. This technology has since garnered over 40 invention patents, establishing independent intellectual property rights.
“This advancement offers a significant technological solution for upgrading the EG industry and advancing the green chemical sector in China. It holds great promise for environmental protection, meeting China’s dual carbon goals, and supporting sustainable economic growth,” Zhang noted.
Over the past 16 years, the research team has enhanced the long-term stability of the catalyst, broadened the range of raw materials, and reduced production costs, successfully transitioning this innovation from the laboratory to industrial applicability.
Zheng indicated that while the cost of bio-EG produced from bio-based materials remains about double that of traditional coal-based methods, it offers superior purity and quality. The product achieves a purity of 99.9 percent, with ultraviolet transmittance meeting national standards for polyester-grade EG.
“The technical verification at the thousand-ton scale helps address potential challenges in mass production and lays the groundwork for designing industrial plants capable of producing ten thousand tons. This breakthrough indicates that we are now prepared for large-scale industrial production,” Zheng concluded.
