1,3 Propanediol (PDO) was discovered over 60 years ago, but wasn’t commercialized until the 1990’s because an economical route for synthesis did not exist. PDO is used to make a polymer called PTT which has similar properties to nylon, but with the added benefits of being more stain resistant, softer, and having improved stretch ability. It can also be used in other applications, including cosmetics, anti-freeze, adhesives, and laminates. Experts are predicting market potentials of PDO in excess of $1 billion. The current market however, is far below this potential because the cost is not low enough to competitively serve many of the large applications envisioned.

Novomer’s ethylene oxide based route to PDO can be the lowest cost process available, which will enable larger market penetration. For more than 10 years, Shell Chemical operated an ethylene oxide based PDO process , using a different catalyst system and chemical intermediate, that was shutdown in 2009. Novomer’s catalyst system has conversions and selectivities in excess of 99% that allows PDO to be used in a range of applications that were previously uneconomical.