Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG): Properties, Applications, and Global Market Insights 2025 | Servochem LLC
At Servochem LLC, a trusted name in global chemical manufacturing and supply, we specialise in delivering high-quality industrial chemicals that meet the evolving needs of our clients across diverse sectors. In this article, we take a closer look at Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) — one of the most versatile and widely used chemical intermediates in modern industries. You’ll learn what MEG is, its key properties, major applications, and why it’s essential in products we use every day.
In this article, we’ll explore Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) — one of the most essential industrial chemicals used worldwide. You’ll learn what MEG is, how it’s produced, and why it plays a crucial role across industries such as textiles, automotive, packaging, and construction.
October 24, 2025
What is Mono Ethylene Glycol?
Monoethylene glycol is one type of chemical product used in multiple industrial applications. We also know as MEG chemical but as technically we know as ethane-1,2-diol. Do you know? Mono ethylene glycol comes with a colourless, odourless, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid. When we discuss the chemical properties of MEG, it is classified by four important parameters: chemical formula C₂H₆O₂, molecular weight 62.07 g/mol, boiling point ~197°C, and freezing point -12.9°C.
Production Process of MEG
Nowadays, in 2025, every manufacturer has to know about the production process of Mono ethylene glycol (MEG). It is classified into four parts such as raw material selection, ethylene oxide (EO) production and ethylene oxide hydration and final separation and purification.
🧭 Process Flow Summary
- Ethylene → Ethylene Oxide (oxidation)
- Ethylene Oxide → MEG (hydration)
- Separation → MEG, DEG, TEG
- Purification → Final MEG product
Production of Mono ethylene glycol requires raw material such as Ethylene Main feedstock, usually derived from naphtha cracking or natural gas. Oxygen or air is used for oxidation and water is used for hydrolysis.
⚗️ 2. Ethylene Oxide (EO) Production
Reaction: C2H4+21O2→C2H4O
Process Details:
- Ethylene is oxidized in the presence of a silver-based catalyst at 200–300°C and 1–3 MPa.
- The reaction is exothermic.
- To avoid over-oxidation (which forms CO₂ and H₂O), temperature and oxygen concentration are carefully controlled.
- The output gas mixture contains ethylene oxide (EO), unreacted ethylene, CO₂, and byproducts.
💧 3. Ethylene Oxide Hydration (Conversion to MEG)
Reaction: C2H4O+H2O→HOCH2CH2OH
There are two main routes for EO hydration:
a) Non-Catalytic (High-Temperature) Process
- Direct reaction of EO with water.
- Operates at 200–300°C and 1.5–2 MPa.
- Requires large excess water (up to 20–25 moles of water per mole of EO).
- Produces mainly MEG but also DEG (Diethylene Glycol) and TEG (Triethylene Glycol).
b) Catalytic (Low-Temperature) Process
- Uses an acid or base catalyst.
- Operates at 50–100°C.
- Better selectivity for MEG with less byproduct formation.
🧪 4. Separation and Purification
Separation Steps:
- Evaporation: Remove excess water.
- Fractional Distillation: Separate MEG, DEG, and TEG based on boiling points.
- MEG (bp: 197°C)
- DEG (bp: 245°C)
- TEG (bp: 287°C)
Purified Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is then cooled and stored.
Chemical Properties and Characteristics
| Component | Chemical Formula | Typical Concentration (%) |
| Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) | C₂H₆O₂ | ≥ 99.5 |
| Water | H₂O | ≤ 0.5 |
| Diethylene Glycol (DEG) | C₄H₁₀O₃ | ≤ 0.1 |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | CH₃COOH | ≤ 0.005 |
| Iron (Fe) | Fe | ≤ 0.3 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | Cl⁻ | ≤ 0.2 ppm |
| Ash | – | ≤ 0.001 |
| Specific Gravity @ 20°C | – | ~1.113 |
Applications & Industrial Uses
Nowadays, Mono ethylene glycol uses in multiple industries such as Manufacturing & Production sectors, water treatment and oil, gas & petrochemical industries. MEG chemicals play different roles in different industries
- Manufacturing & Production: Advanced chemical additives and solvents designed to improve process efficiency, quality control, and material performance in industrial production lines.
- Water Treatment & Environmental Management: Specialized treatment chemicals for purification, corrosion prevention, and wastewater management that comply with global environmental standards.
- Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Industries: High-performance solutions for drilling, refining, and processing applications — maximising operational safety and minimising downtime.
MEG vs DEG – Key Differences
Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG) both are essential parts of glycol chemicals both chemicals are used in similar industries but they have different chemical & physical properties additionally, both chemicals come with colourless, odourless liquids. The key difference lies in their molecular composition and DEG contains an additional ether linkage, influencing its performance and end-use.
MEG is primarily used as a raw material in polyester fibres, PET resins, and antifreeze formulations due to its excellent hygroscopic and solvent characteristics. DEG, on the other hand, has a slightly higher boiling point and viscosity, making it ideal for producing plasticisers, lubricants, and cosmetics.
| Property | MEG (Monoethylene Glycol) | DEG (Diethylene Glycol) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₂H₆O₂ | C₄H₁₀O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 62.07 g/mol | 106.12 g/mol |
| Structure | One ether linkage | Two ether linkages |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless, viscous liquid | Colorless, odorless, slightly more viscous liquid |
Safety, Storage, and Handling Guidelines
1. Safety Precautions
Health Hazards
- MEG is toxic if ingested and may cause central nervous system depression or kidney damage.
- Prolonged skin contact may cause mild irritation.
- Inhalation of vapours or mists in high concentrations can lead to respiratory irritation or dizziness.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Get immediate medical attention.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When handling MEG, always use:
- Protective gloves (chemical-resistant type)
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Protective clothing to prevent skin exposure
- Respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate
3. Storage Guidelines
- Store in tightly closed containers made of stainless steel, aluminium, or approved polymer.
- Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidising agents and acids.
- Prevent contamination with water and foreign materials.
- Maintain proper labelling on all containers and drums.
4. Spill and Leak Management
- Stop the source of the leak if it can be done safely.
- Contain the spill using sand, earth, or absorbent materials.
- Collect the absorbed material in suitable containers for disposal.
- Prevent the product from entering drains, watercourses, or soil.
5. Fire and Explosion Hazards
- MEG has a high flash point (111°C) and is not highly flammable, but can burn if heated excessively.
- Suitable extinguishing media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂.
- In case of fire, use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.
Market Trends and Pricing Insights
In the year 2025, Mono ethylene glycol chemical market is growing to much faster compared to other chemical products. Basically, MEG continues to experience dynamic shifts driven by growing demand in textiles, packaging, and antifreeze applications.
When we talk about the Servochem LLC so we closely monitor these developments to deliver consistent quality and competitive pricing for our clients. With sustainability and efficiency at the core of our operations, Servochem LLC remains a trusted partner for MEG supply, offering market intelligence and reliable distribution to help industries stay ahead in this evolving chemical landscape.
How to Choose the Right MEG Supplier
Do you know? How to choose the right mono ethylene glycol supplier for your industry uses basically when you buy MEG chemical so you have to select a reputed supplier has multiple years of experience in manufacturing and chemical supplying. Additionally, suppliers have to provide faster delivery to worldwide. When we talk about Servochm LLC, so we have more than 40+ years of experience in the chemical manufacturing and supplies of monoethylene glycol worldwide delivery within 30 days of shipment.
Mono Ethylene Glycol: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the projected growth of the Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) market in 2025?
The global MEG market is experiencing significant growth. In 2025, the market size is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 49.44 billion, with projections indicating it could reach around USD 84.60 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.15% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034
What factors are influencing MEG pricing trends in 2025?
MEG prices in 2025 are influenced by a combination of supply and demand dynamics, in July 2025, MEG prices in North America declined due to oversupply and muted downstream demand, especially from the PET sector. Conversely, in Europe, prices increased, driven by supply constraints and regional demand shifts
Supplying Mono ethylene glycol to countries
We Export Mono ethylene glycol to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Yemen, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Mayanmar, Taiwan, Cambodia, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Puerto Rica, Trinidad And Tobago, Jamaica, Bahamas, Denmark, Russia, Norway, Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Ukraine, Netherland, Belgium, Greece, Czech Republic, Portugal, Hungary, Albania, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, Finland, Ireland, Croatia, Slovenia, Malta, Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, The Republic Of Congo, Gabon, Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Middle East, Far East Etc.
Servochem LLC, is a well known worldwide exporter of Chemical products, is committed to providing each and every customer with the highest standard of customer service. We deal in Mono ethylene glycol worldwide, offering a wide range of chemical products.