Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Description

1. Product Overview

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is a versatile polyether compound widely used across multiple industries as a solvent, plasticizer, surfactant, and processing aid. Available in a range of molecular weights, PEG serves critical roles in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial manufacturing, and chemical processing applications. Its key value proposition lies in its excellent solubility, low toxicity profile, and tunable physical properties, enabling precise formulation control. Strategically, PEG is an essential raw material in global supply chains, supporting high-performance formulations and scalable production across regulated and industrial markets.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition:
  • Polyethylene glycol (HO–(CH₂CH₂O)n–H)
  • Derived from ethylene oxide polymerization
• Purity Level / Grade:
  • Industrial grade, pharmaceutical grade, and cosmetic grade available
  • Purity typically ≥ 99% (grade-dependent)
  • Compliance with USP, EP, or other regulatory standards (upon request)
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Form: Liquid (low molecular weight) to waxy solid/flakes (high molecular weight)
  • Color: Clear, colorless to white
  • Odor: Odorless or mild
  • Density: Typically 1.12–1.13 g/cm³ (varies with molecular weight)
  • Molecular weight range: PEG 200 to PEG 8000+
• Packaging Options:
  • Drums (200L)
  • IBC containers (1,000L)
  • Bulk ISO tank containers
  • Bagged flakes or powders for solid grades
• Shelf Life:
  • Typically 24 months under sealed, dry storage conditions
  • Hygroscopic; store in tightly closed containers

3. Core Industrial Applications

Primary Industries:

• Pharmaceuticals and personal care
• Chemical manufacturing
• Textiles and leather processing
• Paints, coatings, and adhesives
• Lubricants and industrial fluids

Operational Use Cases:

• Solvent and carrier in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations
• Plasticizer and binder in resins, coatings, and adhesives
• Lubricant and heat transfer fluid in industrial systems
• Dispersant and surfactant in chemical processing
• Processing aid in textile finishing and polymer manufacturing

Performance & Cost Advantages:
PEG offers superior formulation flexibility due to its wide molecular weight range and excellent compatibility with water and organic compounds. Compared to alternative solvents or plasticizers, it provides enhanced stability, low volatility, and consistent performance across diverse applications. Its multifunctional nature reduces the need for multiple additives, optimizing formulation efficiency and overall production costs.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: Tight molecular weight distribution with batch-to-batch uniformity
• Supply Reliability: Scalable production capacity ensuring uninterrupted global supply
• Logistics Capability: Flexible packaging and bulk shipment options for industrial buyers
• Price Competitiveness: Cost-effective across multiple grades and application segments
• Sustainability Benefits: Low toxicity and environmentally favorable profile in many applications
• Technical Documentation: Full regulatory support including COA, SDS, and pharmacopeia compliance documentation

Positioned as a strategic sourcing material, Polyethylene Glycol enables manufacturers to enhance product performance, streamline formulations, and maintain compliance across highly regulated and industrial sectors.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20MT
• Loading Capacity (MT per container): Approximately 20–25 MT per 20’ container (liquid or solid form, depending on grade and packaging)