The production of polyester polyols, a key raw material for polyurethane production in our country, has been increasing steadily, reaching nearly 1.5 million tons in 2024

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Polyester polyols refer to high-molecular compounds whose molecular structure consists of ester or carbonate groups. Polyester polyols possess characteristics such as hydrolytic sensitivity, chemical resistance, high cohesive energy, and high polarity, making them key raw materials for the production of polyurethanes. Depending on the type of carboxylic acid, polyester polyols can be classified into aromatic polyester polyols, aliphatic polyester polyols, mixed-acid polyester polyols, and other types. The molecular structure of aromatic polyester polyols contains rigid benzene ring groups, which can be used to produce flame-retardant rigid polyurethane foam and flame-retardant polyurethane coatings ； Aliphatic polyester polyols can be further divided into unsaturated aliphatic polyester polyols, saturated aliphatic polyester polyols, and lactide-based polyester polyols. Methods for preparing polyester polyols include vacuum dehydration and high-temperature nitrogen dehydration. Vacuum dehydration refers to the traditional method for producing polyester polyols, in which acetate is used as a catalyst, and dicarboxylic acids and diols are used as raw materials; the product is obtained through a polycondensation reaction under vacuum conditions ； The high-temperature nitrogen dehydration method offers advantages such as high production efficiency, short preparation time, and good quality of the final product, and is expected to see wide application in the future. According to the \"In-depth Market Research and Investment Strategy Recommendations Report on the Polyester Polyol Industry for 2025–2029\" released by Newthink Industry Research Center, driven by technological advancements, China’s production of polyester polyols has been increasing steadily, reaching nearly 1.5 million tons in 2024. Polyester polyols are the main raw materials for polyurethanes, accounting for a large portion of their production costs. Polyurethane, also known as polyamino carbonate, is a type of polymer material that features oil resistance, wear resistance, good plasticity, and excellent elasticity. It is widely used in the production of foam materials, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and synthetic fibers. Driven by market demand, the sales volume of polyurethanes in China has continued to rise, reaching nearly 15 million tons in 2024. In the future, as the downstream industries develop at an accelerated pace, the market potential for polyester polyols in China will continue to expand. Attracted by the market prospects, many companies in China have entered the field of research and development as well as production of polyester polyols, including Huafeng Group, Wanhua Chemical, Asahikawa Chemical, Huidede Technology, Skorey, Stepan, Meris New Materials, Huada Chemical, and Ruino Chemical. Huidex Technology focuses on the research, development, production, and sales of polyurethane materials, and its sales volume of polyester polyols has shown a steady upward trend over time. According to Huidede Technology’s semi-annual report, the company’s sales of polyester polyols in the first half of 2025 reached 17,000 tons, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.3%. Industry analysts at Newthink say that polyester polyols have excellent properties, and there is strong demand for them in the production of polyurethanes. In the future, as the downstream industries develop more rapidly, the market size for polyester polyols in China is set to grow further. Through years of development, polyester polyol technology in our country has continued to improve, driving a steady increase in its production. In terms of market competition, there are numerous polyester polyol manufacturers in our country, resulting in fierce competition.