Where does PP (polypropylene) come from?

PP, scientifically known as polypropylene, is essentially a high-molecular material formed by the polymerization reaction of the monomer propylene (C₃H₆). In simple terms, without propylene, there would be no PP. In China, the production of propylene does not rely on just one method. Currently, there are four main production routes: "oil-based, coal-based, PDH, and bio-based", which coexist and each has distinct proportions, processes, and characteristics. Together, they support China's highly self-sufficient PP industry.

I. Oil-based route:

As the most common production method for PP in China, the oil-based route accounts for approximately 50% - 65%, and it is also the path with the most mature technology, the widest range of grades, and the highest quality stability. The entire process is clear and straightforward: crude oil → naphtha → cracking → propylene → polymerization to produce PP.

Relying on the mature petrochemical refining system, the production of polypropylene from oil can meet all kinds of demands ranging from general materials to high-end specialized materials, with strong product consistency. However, its cost is directly linked to international crude oil and propylene prices, and is significantly affected by fluctuations in the global energy market. This is why polypropylene produced from oil was the first to be impacted when geopolitical conflicts led to fluctuations in chemical raw material prices.

II. Coal/Methanol Production Route:

Approximately 25% of the polypropylene produced through coal-based methods is a unique approach characteristic of China's energy sector. It is also a crucial support for ensuring the autonomy and controllability of China's chemical industry chain. Core process flow: coal → gasification → methanol → MTO/MTP (methanol to olefins/methanol to propylene) → propylene → polymerization

Relying on the abundant coal resources in our country, the coal-based production route has overcome the high dependence on crude oil and has a relatively independent cost system. When international crude oil prices fluctuate significantly and overseas raw material supplies are blocked, coal-based polypropylene (PP) can effectively stabilize domestic supply, becoming the "ballast stone" of China's PP industry and also an important source of confidence for the industry to cope with supply chain risks.

III. PDH (Propane Dehydrogenation) Route:

The PDH (propane dehydrogenation) route, which has rapidly emerged in recent years, currently accounts for approximately 10% - 20%. With advantages such as a short process, high investment efficiency, and high purity of propylene, its market share has been continuously increasing. The production chain is extremely streamlined: propane → PDH dehydrogenation → propylene → polymerization

This process does not rely on naphtha cracking. It has fewer process steps, lower energy consumption, and produces products with less impurities and superior quality. It is suitable for large-scale expansion. With the continuous improvement of the domestic propane supply chain, PDH has become a popular choice for new PP projects and is an important driving force for industry growth.

IV. Biobased PP (Bio-PP):

Compared with the top three routes, the proportion of bio-based PP is currently relatively small. It mainly focuses on high-end, low-carbon and environmentally friendly application scenarios, and is an important direction for the green transformation of plastics. Raw material source: Biomass (sugarcane, corn and other renewable resources) → Bio-propane → Polymerization to form Bio-PP

Bio-based PP reduces the consumption of fossil resources at the source and has a lower carbon footprint. It aligns with the trends of carbon neutrality and sustainability. It is mainly used in fields such as new energy, high-end packaging, and environmentally friendly household appliances, which have strict requirements for low-carbon attributes. Its future growth potential is considerable.

From reliance on imports to high self-sufficiency, China's PP industry has established a complete framework featuring "oil-based, coal-based, and PDH" as the three main pillars, complemented by the innovative biological-based route. The three main routes each have their own advantages: oil-based route ensures stability, coal-based route guarantees safety, and PDH route offers speed. Together, they ensure the stable supply of domestic PP. However, it is worth noting that whatever is produced by any of these routes is only the basic PP particles. To meet the strict requirements of high-end scenarios such as automobiles, home appliances, electronics, cables, and new energy, further modification and upgrading - such as enhancing toughness, strength, flame retardancy, and weather resistance - are necessary to become truly high-performance materials that are suitable for end-user demands. As an enterprise deeply engaged in the field of modified plastics, Jushe Chemical has always focused on the research and production of high molecular materials such as PP. Relying on mature modification technologies, it upgrades the basic raw materials into high-performance and customized materials, helping various industries achieve safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly applications.