As polyurethane products see widespread application, the market for polyester polyols is also developing rapidly. According to statistics, the global polyester polyol market reached a sales volume of $5 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach $5.4 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.6% from 2023 to 2029. More and more polyester polyol manufacturers are joining the booming polyester polyol market.
How can you choose a manufacturer suitable for your project under such circumstances? This article will introduce the top 10 polyester polyol manufacturers in the world to help you save time in choosing.
1. Arkema (USA)
Arkema offers standard polyester polyols based on various acids and glycols, with the ability to develop custom grades tailored to your specific needs. These technologies aim to minimize the use of raw materials and ensure safety with products that are 98% solvent-free.
The main application of Arkema polyester polyols are following three areas: elastomers, coatings, and hot melt and adhesives. In elastomer applications, polyester polyols are used in products such as rollers, conveyor belts, wheels for rollerblades, hospital trolleys, and printing process rollers, as well as for under-the-hood automotive components. In coatings, they are utilized to create modern finishes that require durability and a glossy appearance.
2. Stepan (USA)
Stepan is one of the world’s largest merchant producers of polyester polyols. Their polyols are utilized by industry formulators to enhance adhesion, chemical resistance, and abrasion and impact resistance across a variety of surfaces. With Stepan’s extensive geographic reach and technical support, customers can depend on them as a local resource.
Stepan’s polyester polyols find applications in both rigid and flexible foams, polyurethane coatings, and adhesives. For example, their products are used in rigid polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foams, which are crucial for insulation and energy efficiency in the construction industry.
3. COIM (Italy)
COIM is an Italian company that has been developing and producing chemical specialties since 1962. For over 50 years, COIM has been a global leader in producing polyesters and polyols, polyurethanes (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers), and specialty resins for composites and coatings.
Their product line includes polyester polyols with molecular weights ranging from 500 to 5000 Dalton, used in polyurethane production for coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers (C.A.S.E.), imitation leather, and flexible/microcellular foams. These polyurethanes offer high abrasion resistance, excellent elongation, chemical and solvent resistance. High crystallinity polyesters are also available upon request.
4. BASF (Germany)
BASF was founded in 1865 and has grown to become one of the world’s largest chemical producer. Key segments include chemicals (e.g., butanediol, alkylamines), materials (e.g., engineering plastics, polyurethane systems), industrial solutions (e.g., polymer dispersions, performance chemicals), surface technologies (e.g., coatings, battery materials), etc.
BASF offers a range of polyester polyols for flexible foam production, particularly slabstock foam, with various properties including standard polyols, special grades with reduced reactivity, optimized scorching, and lower emissions. For CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers) and footwear applications, BASF provides polyester polyols that enhance mechanical properties and hydrolysis resistance of the final products.
5. LECRON SHARE (China)
Established on January 29, 2003, LECRON Industrial Development Group Co., Ltd. is mainly engaged in the research and development, production and sales of polyurethane and fluorine chemical products. Our main products are PVDF in various grade, polyol blends, polyester polyols, polyether polyol, etc.
We mainly offer modified polyester polyol based on PTA and diol synthesis, polyester polyol synthesized based on phthalic anhydride and diol. They are mainly used in applications like solar energy, refrigerator, pipe, B2 grade polyurethane insulation board and spraying. The main models are as follows:
|
Model |
Hydroxyl Value (OHV) |
Viscosity (Cone Plate) MPAS(25℃) |
Acid Value |
Water Content |
Application |
| LC-5040 | 400±20 | 3000-5000 | ≤1.5 | ≤0.15 | solar energy, refrigerator, pipe |
| LC-5140S | 400±20 | 3000-5000 | ≤1.5 | ≤0.15 | solar energy, refrigerator, pipe |
| LC-5224C | 250±15 | 6000-9500 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.15 | B2 grade polyurethane insulation board, spraying |
| LC-5224 | 240±15 | 2500-4500 | 1.0~2.0 | ≤0.15 | B2 grade polyurethane insulation board, spraying |
| LC-5310 | 315±15 | 2000-3500 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.15 | B2 grade polyurethane insulation board, spraying |
Our company is the first GEM-listed company in China’s polyurethane sector. 20+ years of experience in polyurethane and fluorine chemical production can guarantee the quality of our products. Feel free to contact us if you need polyurethane and fluorine chemical products!
6. Synthesia Technology (Spain)
Synthesia Technology Group, founded in 1964, is a Spanish-based holding company that manufactures and commercializes chemical products, with a focus on polyester polyols and polyurethane systems for thermal and acoustic insulation and various industrial applications. The company is now part of the Irish Kingspan Group, which specializes in high-performance thermal insulation technologies.
They offer a diverse portfolio of polyester polyols with varying acidity, OH values, functionality, molecular weights, and chemical properties tailored for different applications, including CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers), footwear, reactive hot melts, and flexible and rigid foams. Their expertise, advanced manufacturing technology, and extensive know-how speak for their product.
7. Huntsman (USA)
Huntsman Corporation is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of chemical products, headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. They offer high-quality polyester polyols essential for MDI-based polyurethane insulation systems, the market’s most effective insulants by R-value. Their polyols are used in PIR, PUR boardstock, spray polyurethane foam, and pour-in-place applications, including doors, coolers, refrigerators, and commercial freezers.
Their strength lies in utilization of waste PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles as one of the raw materials, which devotes a lot to environment, otherwise the bottles will be sent to landfills or found their way into our oceans.
8. Covestro (German)
Covestro AG is a leading German company specializing in the production of high-performance polymer materials, including polyurethanes and polycarbonates. The company operates through two main segments: Performance Materials and Solutions & Specialties, serving diverse industries such as automotive, construction, electronics, and healthcare.
Covestro polyester polyols as polyurethane building blocks for foams, coatings, adhesives and many other applications. The products are suitable for almost every PU applications with consistent quality, high purity and low volatile content. And it has excellent resistance to chemicals, weathering and UV radiation.
9. BCI Holding (UAE)
Since the early 1990’s Polyurethane has been among BCI Holding’s core businesses. Today, BCI is a regional leader in the production and supply of polyester polyols, polyurethane systems and specialty adhesives and is a globally recognized name in the polyurethane industry. Their main target regions are Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria.
Their polyester polyol product are divided in two series: Purol® brand aromatic polyester polyol for use in the production of rigid polyurethane foam, and Basis® brand aliphatic polyester polyol supplied to the footwear, automotive, bedding and coatings industries. Customizable options make their products more widely applicable.
10. Purinova (Poland)
Headquartered in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Purinova specializes in the production of high-quality polyester polyols and polyurethane systems, catering to a wide range of industrial applications. They mainly offer aromatic polyester polyols providing excellent thermal insulation and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foams.
They are primarily used in the continuous production of composite panels with soft and steel cladding and in the manufacture of one-component assembly foams (OCF foams). In addition, they also provide other polyester polyol version with their patent new technology. New polyester techniques are widely used in rigid polyurethane (PU/PIR) foam, elastic foam (HR/viscoelastic), adhesives, and footwear soles.
By partnering with these top suppliers, you can ensure high-quality polyester polyols you get can meet the rigorous demands of your projects. As the industry continues to evolve, these suppliers are well-positioned to drive advancements and support the growing needs of various sectors including the sectors of your projects.