Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Mixed Xylene Global Market

Mixed xylene is a colourless liquid that is a mixture of three isomers of xylene. Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is naturally present in petroleum and coal tar. Industrial sources, auto exhaust, and the use of xylene as solvents are the primary contributors to the release of mixed xylenes back as a byproduct. Thus, mixed xylene acts as an important raw material for chemical production like orthoxylene (phthalic-anhydride), metaxylene (isophthalic acid), ethylbenzene (styrene monomer), and paraxylene (terephthalic acid). In this article, we will explore more about mixed xylene, the market, applications, key players, and challenges.

Market In India And Asia-Pacific

·      India – The mixed xylene market in India has experienced substantial growth in recent years due to the increasing demand for solvents and raw materials across various industries. In 2021, the isomers industry dominated the mixed xylene market in India, holding a market share of 85%. Currently, the price of mixed xylene in India ranges between Rs.80.00 – Rs.90.00 per kilogram (approximate).

·      Asia Pacific – Globally, the mixed xylene market has shown a healthy positive compound annual growth rate from 2019-2023. Asia Pacific is the biggest mixed xylene market, with China having a market share, followed by South Korea. The thriving epicentres of polymer production in this area have catalyzed an exceptional surge in growth.

Applications Various Industries

Mixed xylene is a colourless, sweet-smelling liquid that is highly flammable and is primarily used as a solvent in manufacturing adhesives, sprays for agriculture (pesticides), coatings, paints, and leather-related chemicals.

·      Adhesives Manufacturers – Mixed xylene is used as a solvent to dissolve the adhesive ingredients and adjust the viscosity.

·      Agricultural Sprays And Pesticide – Manufacturers use mixed xylene as a solvent to dissolve the active ingredients and help them penetrate the plant tissues.

·      Paint And Coatings Industry – Mixed xylene is used as a solvent to dissolve the pigments and resins and adjust the viscosity of the final product.

·      Leather Chemical Manufacturers – Mixed xylene is used as a solvent to dissolve the tanning agents and other chemicals used in the leather-making process.

Key Market Players

Major players playing a key role in the mixed xylene market include:

·    Total S.A.

·   GS Caltex Corp.

·   Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd.

·   LOTTE Chemical Corporation

Hwatsi Chemical Pvt. Ltd. headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra having its units in Gujarat is one of India’s leading manufacturers of xylene. As per the directory of Volza’s Indian buyers and importers of mix xylene, there are presently 271 active importers of mix xylene in India who import from 196 suppliers. C J Shah And Co. have the largest share of the import market, followed by Sanjay Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd. and Jupiter Dye Chem Pvt. Ltd.

Challenges

Mixed xylene is known to pose several health hazards as it is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. It can cause respiratory tract irritation, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Ingesting larger amounts of mixed xylene can even prove fatal. Due to these risks, the use of xylene is restricted in many industries. Furthermore, the rising concerns regarding the environmental impact of xylene have led to a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives.

Despite these challenges, the mixed xylene market in India is expected to continue its growth trajectory due to its wide range of applications across various industries. One of the primary reasons for this growth is the increasing demand for PET bottles by ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage manufacturers. The concoction of mixed xylene plays a pivotal role in crafting terephthalic acid, the fundamental ingredient in the synthesis of PET monomer and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, which are indispensable in the manufacturing industry.

OFB’s Insight

Challenges associated with mixed xylene may pose challenges to its widespread adoption in certain industries. The health hazards associated with it may too have resulted in stricter regulations on its usage in various industries. As a result, many manufacturers are looking for alternative solvents or raw materials. Yet the mixed xylene market in India is poised for growth, driven by its diverse applications in various industries. The key players in the market too are focusing on expanding their production capacities and investing in research and development to cater to the growing demand for mixed xylene in the country.