*Sources: Adapted from [2, 7, 14].*

#### **Table 1.**

*Biotechnological Applications of Biomass*

**3. Routes for glycerol conversion**

*Brazilian annual exports for pure glycerol.*

**Figure 4.**

company. Particularly for 2020, the influence of COVID-19 on the growth of product markets has been reported. Due to decreasing in the world growth, the demand for

The annual production of biodiesel worldwide has increased in the last two decades. As a result, a large amount of the surplus crude glycerol has been generated. Currently, 90% of glycerol is produced from biodiesel [8] through the reaction of transesterification, which produces biodiesel and glycerol at mass ratio of 10: 1,

The glycerol produced from transesterification contains several impurities, such as: water, soaps, fatty acids and their esters, methanol and catalyst, usually sodium or potassium hydroxide. The removal of these impurities is necessary for the application of glycerol in different kind of industries, such as pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics [8]. Glycerol must reach a specific purity depending on its application, and also on the specification of the contaminants that must be removed through more sophisticated separations [12]. For pharmaceutical industries, glycerol must reach USP (United States Pharmacopeia) grade, which contains 99.5% by weight, while for applications in the food industry, the FCC (Food Chemical Codex) grade is required, with 99.7% by mass [13]. In addition, for application in the production of high added-value molecules, the impurities must be removed as they can significantly inhibit bacterial growth and fermentation (biotechnological processes) or

Glycerol can be converted into chemicals by several different reactions, such as oxidation, dehydration, hydrogenation, acetylation, esterification, etherification,

As shown in **Table 1**, several studies have been carried out to convert glycerol into value-added chemicals through catalytic routes. For each reaction, specific homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts were studied as an active phase, which is responsible for promoting the conversion of glycerol. Although glycerol is a promising alternative to reduce the dependence or even replace conventional production of petrochemical products [14], the good selectivity to desired products at high conversions is still a technological barrier. This is due to glycerol hydroxyls to have similar reactivity, unknown reaction conditions and the lack of efficient

fuels decreased momentarily in 2020 and may return more slowly in 2021.

i.e., for every 10 kg of biodiesel, 1 kg of crude glycerol is produced [11].

the activity of heterogeneous catalysts (chemical processes) [14].

ammoxidation, among others, as shown in **Table 1** [7, 14, 15].

**190**

catalysts [7].

*High added-value chemicals from glycerol.*

The production of 1,3-propanediol, acrylic acid and acrylonitrile are promising products from glycerol. 1,3-propanediol has great economic potential and a recent market, which can be expanded using glycerol as raw material, while acrylic acid and acrylonitrile come from consolidated petrochemical processes, which can be replaced by sustainable glycerol processes. In this context, it is important to evaluate the market and economics of these derivatives, in order to define a proposal for a potential process of production of these molecules from glycerol.

Al, P, G and Nb

### **4. Economic analysis**

#### **4.1 Glycerol**

Glycerol is found in the ITC under the codes SH6 1520.00 and 2905.45. SH 1520.00 refers to crude glycerol, water and glycerol lye. These nomenclatures present glycerol with different concentrations depending on the producing company or country and, therefore, the value of the final sale price is different.

The excess of crude glycerol has promoted a continuous decrease in its market value, reaching US \$ 170 / t in 2019. This is one of the main factors to enable the implementation of a process for the production of high added value product. As previously mentioned, the production of 1,3-propanediol, acrylic acid and acrylonitrile are promising products from glycerol. Currently, the industrial production of acrylonitrile and acrylic acid use propylene as raw material, which price was

approximately US \$ 880/t, in 2019 [10]. The price difference between crude glycerol and propylene opens up a great opportunity for the production of these derivatives from glycerol [16]. 1,3-propanediol is obtained mainly from glucose, by fermentative processes, and ethylene oxide, by catalytic routes [17], whose prices, on average, were US\$ 460/ton and US\$ 1200/ton, respectively, in 2019 [10]. Thus, there is a good opportunity for developing an economically competitive and sustainable industry, using glycerol as raw material in an integrated biorefinery.

**Figure 5** shows the exported values and volumes of crude glycerol considering the five largest exporters: Indonesia, Brazil, Spain, Germany and France. The data were obtained using SH6 1520.00, which includes crude glycerol, water and glycerol lye.

The amount of crude glycerol (SH6 1520.00) exported worldwide reached 2.2 million tons in 2019, representing only US\$ 457 million. In **Figure 5a**, it can be seen that Indonesia has the largest export revenue for glycerol, followed by Brazil. Besides these countries, The United States are also a large producer. Germany, Spain and France are also major producers in Europe. Spain has increased its exports considerably, surpassing France and Germany. Due to the great availability of glycerol, there was a considerable drop in prices, represented by the exported values, as shown in **Figure 5b**.

These countries have programs for addition of biodiesel in the conventional diesel due to their strategies for environmental improvement, mainly Indonesia and Brazil. Indonesia represents 26.7% of the world exported value and has the world's daring program for replacing fossil fuel, producing 30% biodiesel in 2020, and an increasing of 40% is expected in the coming years. Brazil will increase domestic consumption by 50% by increasing the percentage of biodiesel in the diesel from 10–15% between 2019 and 2023 [18].

Another SH6 present in the ITC is related to purified glycerol (SH6 290,545), which covers all glycerol that is subjected to different degrees of purification, from the simplest to more complex purification treatment, such as double distilled glycerol. In 2019, purified glycerol was traded at an average of \$ 895/ton.

The global market for purified glycerol was \$ 2.6 billion in 2019. Asia-Pacific represented the largest market, with approximately 35% of the total, followed by Europe, with 29%, and North America, with about 21%. The growth in these regions can be attributed to the growing adoption of healthy eating styles and the expansion of end-use industries. Glycerol sales are forecast to reach US\$ 3.5 billion by 2027, expanding at a 4.0% CAGR. However, due to COVID-19, a severe impact on the glycerol supply chain is expected since the production of biodiesel has been reduced, which may result in the closure of several manufacturing companies.

#### **Figure 5.**

*Exported values and volumes of crude glycerol: (a) Exported values of crude glicerol (million US\$/year); (b) Exported volumes of crude glycerol (thousand ton/year).*

**193**

**Figure 6.**

*Market Prospecting and Assessment of the Economic Potential of Glycerol from Biodiesel*

Europe will be the most affected region, especially in countries such as Italy and United Kingdom, adversely affecting the market growth in the region [19].

billion in 2019. The main exporters of purified glycerol are shown in **Figure 6**.

(**Figure 6a**). Wilmar International, a large producer of biodiesel, has glycerin purification plants in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, Germany has been standing out in the export of purified glycerol, being the second largest exporter in values in 2019, exporting US \$ 236 million, surpassing Indonesia, with US \$ 232 million.

Purified glycerol has been largely commercialized worldwide, reaching US \$ 1.2

Malaysia, since 2012, is the country with the highest exported value and volume

Indonesia surpassed Germany in 2018, but in the following year, it saw a drastic reduction in its numbers, exporting smaller values, in US\$/year. In 2018, there was the highest peak in the export of purified glycerol, reaching a total 1.8 million tons, with a market value of US \$ 1.6 billion. However, it is possible to observe a fall in the values and volumes exported by all countries in 2019, demonstrating the same

Brazil has reduced considerably the imports of purified glycerol, with a 61% drop in the imported volume from 2014 to 2019. This is due to the implementation of new crude glycerol refining plants from 2014, which generated higher quantities of purified glycerol for internal consumption. Besides being a producer, the country has become one of the major exporters of purified glycerol, tripling the exported volume from 2014 to 2019, reaching US\$ 56 million and 126 thousand tons. Comparing the average import and export prices, the country imports a higher cost glycerol, US\$ 1275/ton, while exporting about US\$ 440/ton. This difference can be justified by the different levels of quality and purity of the product, in addition

1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is produced from two main routes: biotechnology, developed by DuPont Tate & Lyle, through genetically modified microorganisms that convert glucose into 1,3-PDO; and catalytic, through the hydroformylation of ethylene oxide over cobalt catalysts at high hydrogen pressures. Another way to obtain this compound is from glycerol, however, still without an industrial plant in operation [21]. 1,3-PDO is used for the production of polyesters and polyurethanes, being polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) the most used, representing 30% of the market. These polymers are widely used in the industry for the production of textile fibers and foam for mattresses, car seats and thermal insulation [22].

*Exported values and volumes of purified glycerol (SH6: 290545): (a) Exported values of purified glicerol* 

*(million US\$/year); (b) Exported volumes of purified glycerol (thousand ton/year).*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93965*

behavior of crude glycerol (**Figure 6**).

**4.2 1,3-Propanediol**

to the continuous increase of its offer in the world [20].

#### *Market Prospecting and Assessment of the Economic Potential of Glycerol from Biodiesel DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93965*

Europe will be the most affected region, especially in countries such as Italy and United Kingdom, adversely affecting the market growth in the region [19].

Purified glycerol has been largely commercialized worldwide, reaching US \$ 1.2 billion in 2019. The main exporters of purified glycerol are shown in **Figure 6**.

Malaysia, since 2012, is the country with the highest exported value and volume (**Figure 6a**). Wilmar International, a large producer of biodiesel, has glycerin purification plants in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, Germany has been standing out in the export of purified glycerol, being the second largest exporter in values in 2019, exporting US \$ 236 million, surpassing Indonesia, with US \$ 232 million.

Indonesia surpassed Germany in 2018, but in the following year, it saw a drastic reduction in its numbers, exporting smaller values, in US\$/year. In 2018, there was the highest peak in the export of purified glycerol, reaching a total 1.8 million tons, with a market value of US \$ 1.6 billion. However, it is possible to observe a fall in the values and volumes exported by all countries in 2019, demonstrating the same behavior of crude glycerol (**Figure 6**).

Brazil has reduced considerably the imports of purified glycerol, with a 61% drop in the imported volume from 2014 to 2019. This is due to the implementation of new crude glycerol refining plants from 2014, which generated higher quantities of purified glycerol for internal consumption. Besides being a producer, the country has become one of the major exporters of purified glycerol, tripling the exported volume from 2014 to 2019, reaching US\$ 56 million and 126 thousand tons. Comparing the average import and export prices, the country imports a higher cost glycerol, US\$ 1275/ton, while exporting about US\$ 440/ton. This difference can be justified by the different levels of quality and purity of the product, in addition to the continuous increase of its offer in the world [20].

#### **4.2 1,3-Propanediol**

*Biotechnological Applications of Biomass*

10–15% between 2019 and 2023 [18].

approximately US \$ 880/t, in 2019 [10]. The price difference between crude glycerol and propylene opens up a great opportunity for the production of these derivatives from glycerol [16]. 1,3-propanediol is obtained mainly from glucose, by fermentative processes, and ethylene oxide, by catalytic routes [17], whose prices, on average, were US\$ 460/ton and US\$ 1200/ton, respectively, in 2019 [10]. Thus, there is a good opportunity for developing an economically competitive and sustainable

**Figure 5** shows the exported values and volumes of crude glycerol considering the five largest exporters: Indonesia, Brazil, Spain, Germany and France. The data were obtained using SH6 1520.00, which includes crude glycerol, water and glycerol lye. The amount of crude glycerol (SH6 1520.00) exported worldwide reached 2.2 million tons in 2019, representing only US\$ 457 million. In **Figure 5a**, it can be seen that Indonesia has the largest export revenue for glycerol, followed by Brazil. Besides these countries, The United States are also a large producer. Germany, Spain and France are also major producers in Europe. Spain has increased its exports considerably, surpassing France and Germany. Due to the great availability of glycerol, there was a considerable drop in prices, represented by the exported values, as shown in **Figure 5b**. These countries have programs for addition of biodiesel in the conventional diesel due to their strategies for environmental improvement, mainly Indonesia and Brazil. Indonesia represents 26.7% of the world exported value and has the world's daring program for replacing fossil fuel, producing 30% biodiesel in 2020, and an increasing of 40% is expected in the coming years. Brazil will increase domestic consumption by 50% by increasing the percentage of biodiesel in the diesel from

Another SH6 present in the ITC is related to purified glycerol (SH6 290,545), which covers all glycerol that is subjected to different degrees of purification, from the simplest to more complex purification treatment, such as double distilled

The global market for purified glycerol was \$ 2.6 billion in 2019. Asia-Pacific represented the largest market, with approximately 35% of the total, followed by Europe, with 29%, and North America, with about 21%. The growth in these regions can be attributed to the growing adoption of healthy eating styles and the expansion of end-use industries. Glycerol sales are forecast to reach US\$ 3.5 billion by 2027, expanding at a 4.0% CAGR. However, due to COVID-19, a severe impact on the glycerol supply chain is expected since the production of biodiesel has been reduced, which may result in the closure of several manufacturing companies.

*Exported values and volumes of crude glycerol: (a) Exported values of crude glicerol (million US\$/year);* 

*(b) Exported volumes of crude glycerol (thousand ton/year).*

glycerol. In 2019, purified glycerol was traded at an average of \$ 895/ton.

industry, using glycerol as raw material in an integrated biorefinery.

**192**

**Figure 5.**

1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is produced from two main routes: biotechnology, developed by DuPont Tate & Lyle, through genetically modified microorganisms that convert glucose into 1,3-PDO; and catalytic, through the hydroformylation of ethylene oxide over cobalt catalysts at high hydrogen pressures. Another way to obtain this compound is from glycerol, however, still without an industrial plant in operation [21].

1,3-PDO is used for the production of polyesters and polyurethanes, being polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) the most used, representing 30% of the market. These polymers are widely used in the industry for the production of textile fibers and foam for mattresses, car seats and thermal insulation [22].

#### **Figure 6.**

*Exported values and volumes of purified glycerol (SH6: 290545): (a) Exported values of purified glicerol (million US\$/year); (b) Exported volumes of purified glycerol (thousand ton/year).*

Comparing to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and butylene terephthalate (PBT), PTT has a high strength, softness and elasticity as differential, and can be used in several segments of clothing, carpets, thermoplastics and monofilaments. 1,3-PDO also has applications in other sectors, such as production of solvents, adhesives, laminates, resins, cosmetics and personal hygiene and cleaning products [17].

North America is the most prominent region concerning the global market of 1,3-PDO, leading the market and having large growth perspective for the coming years. This is due to the high consumption of PTT and the high demand for polyurethane. The 1,3-PDO market in the year 2020 has been valued at US \$ 401.7 million with an estimated growth of US\$ 292.4 million from 2019 to 2024, presenting a CAGR of 11.4%, already considering the impact caused by the COVID-19. North America is responsible for 74% of this growth [23, 24].

1,3-PDO is not an isolated product in the ITC database, being grouped in SH6 2905.39, which contains the group of the heaviest diols, such as butanediols, hexanediols, but does not consider ethylene glycol and 1,2-propanediol, which are found in SH6 2905.31 and 2905.32, respectively. Thus, the analysis of the 1,3-PDO was performed considering also these compounds.

Since 2013, Germany leads exports of diols, exporting US\$ 387 million, which represented 165 thousand tons in 2019, with Merck KGgA and BASF being the main producing companies in the country, mainly of heavier diols. The main world producer of 1,3-PDO is the United States, where DuPont Tate & Lyle is located, which represents the majority of exports of this product in the country. According to the **Figure 7**, the United States was the second most expressive country in the diol market, having exported US \$ 355 million and 176 thousand tons in the same year.

China has been highlighted in the export of diols found in SH 2905.39 since 2013, more than doubling its exports. Until 2019, it handled 96 thousand tons, representing US\$ 161 million. However, the country also stands out as the largest importer since 2013, having imported US\$ 339 million and 220 thousand tons in the last year, as shown in **Figure 8**.

The great representativeness of China in the global scenario is explained by the high demand for diols and their derivatives, including 1,3-PDO, for which it has factories in the country, with emphasis on Zhangjiagang Glory Biomaterial Co., Ltd. and Haihang Industry Company Ltd.

**195**

*Market Prospecting and Assessment of the Economic Potential of Glycerol from Biodiesel*

Acrylonitrile is produced on a commercial scale through ammoxidation of propylene by catalytic routes, using bismuth-molybdenum oxides as catalysts [25]. Acrylonitrile is used in the manufacture of thermoplastics and textile fibers. Its main applications include ABS thermoplastic resin, acrylic fibers, carbon fibers, nitrile rubber, among others [26]. In 2019, acrylic fibers were responsible for most of the use of acrylonitrile, followed by ABS, a thermoplastic resin used in the

*Main importers of diol alcohols, except ethylene glycol and 1,2-propanediol (SH6 2905.39).*

Before COVID-19, growth forecasts for the acrylonitrile market were more promising, showing a 4.3% growth in CAGR for the coming years compared to the US\$ 11.8 billion market in 2019 [27]. However, information released in [28] shows a lesser prospect of growth after the outbreak of the pandemic, forecasting a market of US\$ 10.9 billion in 2020 and forecast to reach US\$ 12.4 billion in 2024, with 2.2% CAGR. The growing demand for acrylic fibers and ABS and composites, such as

**Figure 9** shows the largest exporters of acrylonitrile in the world. Acrylonitrile is isolated in SH6 2926.10. According to the data available at the ITC, 1.6 million tons of acrylonitrile was exported worldwide in 2019, with an average export value of US

The United States is the largest exporter of acrylonitrile since 2013, with US\$ 533 million in 2019. In 2018, the country exported more than 504 thousand tons of the

In 2019, INEOS Nitriles, one of the main producing companies, announced the closure of the plant located in Teesside, United Kingdom, with capacity of 300 thousand tons [29]. With the decline in trade in 2020 due to the pandemic, the withdrawal from the market of this expressive quantity may contribute to a smaller

China, since 2013, is the largest importer of acrylonitrile, with US\$ 484 million in 2019 (**Figure 10**). According to the ITC, the average import price for acrylonitrile this year was US\$ 1622/ton. Between 2014 and 2018, there was a drastic decrease in

In Comex Stat, acrylonitrile is an isolated product with NCM 2926.10.00 [20]. Brazil is an exporter of acrylonitrile, ranking eighth worldwide in 2019 [10]. In 2018, Brazil exported 83 thousand tons of acrylonitrile, representing about US\$ 150 million. Brazil's representativeness in this market is due to the presence of Unigel,

construction, automotive and consumer goods industries.

carbon fiber, are the drivers of the growth of this market.

drop in the value in US \$ /weight of acrylonitrile in 2020 and 2021.

Chinese imports, from 152 thousand to 59 thousand tons.

\$ 1.486/ton, representing a trade of US \$ 2.4 billion.

product, representing 31% of global exports.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93965*

**4.3 Acrylonitrile**

**Figure 8.**

Brazil has no expressiveness in the 1,3-PDO market, which is an isolated product, with NCM 2905.39.20.

**Figure 7.**

*Main exporters of SH6 2905.39 related products.*

*Market Prospecting and Assessment of the Economic Potential of Glycerol from Biodiesel DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93965*

**Figure 8.**

*Biotechnological Applications of Biomass*

products [17].

same year.

last year, as shown in **Figure 8**.

with NCM 2905.39.20.

and Haihang Industry Company Ltd.

*Main exporters of SH6 2905.39 related products.*

Comparing to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and butylene terephthalate (PBT), PTT has a high strength, softness and elasticity as differential, and can be used in several segments of clothing, carpets, thermoplastics and monofilaments. 1,3-PDO also has applications in other sectors, such as production of solvents, adhesives, laminates, resins, cosmetics and personal hygiene and cleaning

America is responsible for 74% of this growth [23, 24].

was performed considering also these compounds.

North America is the most prominent region concerning the global market of 1,3-PDO, leading the market and having large growth perspective for the coming years. This is due to the high consumption of PTT and the high demand for polyurethane. The 1,3-PDO market in the year 2020 has been valued at US \$ 401.7 million with an estimated growth of US\$ 292.4 million from 2019 to 2024, presenting a CAGR of 11.4%, already considering the impact caused by the COVID-19. North

1,3-PDO is not an isolated product in the ITC database, being grouped in SH6 2905.39, which contains the group of the heaviest diols, such as butanediols, hexanediols, but does not consider ethylene glycol and 1,2-propanediol, which are found in SH6 2905.31 and 2905.32, respectively. Thus, the analysis of the 1,3-PDO

Since 2013, Germany leads exports of diols, exporting US\$ 387 million, which represented 165 thousand tons in 2019, with Merck KGgA and BASF being the main producing companies in the country, mainly of heavier diols. The main world producer of 1,3-PDO is the United States, where DuPont Tate & Lyle is located, which represents the majority of exports of this product in the country. According to the **Figure 7**, the United States was the second most expressive country in the diol market, having exported US \$ 355 million and 176 thousand tons in the

China has been highlighted in the export of diols found in SH 2905.39 since 2013, more than doubling its exports. Until 2019, it handled 96 thousand tons, representing US\$ 161 million. However, the country also stands out as the largest importer since 2013, having imported US\$ 339 million and 220 thousand tons in the

The great representativeness of China in the global scenario is explained by the high demand for diols and their derivatives, including 1,3-PDO, for which it has factories in the country, with emphasis on Zhangjiagang Glory Biomaterial Co., Ltd.

Brazil has no expressiveness in the 1,3-PDO market, which is an isolated product,

**194**

**Figure 7.**

*Main importers of diol alcohols, except ethylene glycol and 1,2-propanediol (SH6 2905.39).*

#### **4.3 Acrylonitrile**

Acrylonitrile is produced on a commercial scale through ammoxidation of propylene by catalytic routes, using bismuth-molybdenum oxides as catalysts [25]. Acrylonitrile is used in the manufacture of thermoplastics and textile fibers. Its main applications include ABS thermoplastic resin, acrylic fibers, carbon fibers, nitrile rubber, among others [26]. In 2019, acrylic fibers were responsible for most of the use of acrylonitrile, followed by ABS, a thermoplastic resin used in the construction, automotive and consumer goods industries.

Before COVID-19, growth forecasts for the acrylonitrile market were more promising, showing a 4.3% growth in CAGR for the coming years compared to the US\$ 11.8 billion market in 2019 [27]. However, information released in [28] shows a lesser prospect of growth after the outbreak of the pandemic, forecasting a market of US\$ 10.9 billion in 2020 and forecast to reach US\$ 12.4 billion in 2024, with 2.2% CAGR. The growing demand for acrylic fibers and ABS and composites, such as carbon fiber, are the drivers of the growth of this market.

**Figure 9** shows the largest exporters of acrylonitrile in the world. Acrylonitrile is isolated in SH6 2926.10. According to the data available at the ITC, 1.6 million tons of acrylonitrile was exported worldwide in 2019, with an average export value of US \$ 1.486/ton, representing a trade of US \$ 2.4 billion.

The United States is the largest exporter of acrylonitrile since 2013, with US\$ 533 million in 2019. In 2018, the country exported more than 504 thousand tons of the product, representing 31% of global exports.

In 2019, INEOS Nitriles, one of the main producing companies, announced the closure of the plant located in Teesside, United Kingdom, with capacity of 300 thousand tons [29]. With the decline in trade in 2020 due to the pandemic, the withdrawal from the market of this expressive quantity may contribute to a smaller drop in the value in US \$ /weight of acrylonitrile in 2020 and 2021.

China, since 2013, is the largest importer of acrylonitrile, with US\$ 484 million in 2019 (**Figure 10**). According to the ITC, the average import price for acrylonitrile this year was US\$ 1622/ton. Between 2014 and 2018, there was a drastic decrease in Chinese imports, from 152 thousand to 59 thousand tons.

In Comex Stat, acrylonitrile is an isolated product with NCM 2926.10.00 [20]. Brazil is an exporter of acrylonitrile, ranking eighth worldwide in 2019 [10]. In 2018, Brazil exported 83 thousand tons of acrylonitrile, representing about US\$ 150 million. Brazil's representativeness in this market is due to the presence of Unigel,

**Figure 9.** *The largest exporters of acrylonitrile.*

#### **Figure 10.**

*Main importers of acrylonitrile.*

which allocates a large part of its production for export. Unigel is the only producer in the southern hemisphere of the product with a nominal capacity of 100 thousand tons/year [30].

#### **4.4 Acrylic acid**

Acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propene in gas phase, over bismuth and molybdenum catalysts [16]. However, there is a potential to obtain acrylic acid from glycerol, being a more sustainable alternative to the use of petrochemical compounds [31].

Acrylic acid is applied in the production of polymers, latex, paints, leather finishing and paper coatings, in the textile sectors, in the production of surfactants, among others [32]. Superabsorbent polymers are the most represented segment in the market, being used in diaper production, water treatment and crude oil extraction.

The acrylic acid market may reach US\$ 21 billion in 2027 [33]. In 2019, the volume handled in the acrylic acid market was 6.3 million tons and is expected to reach 8.3 million tons in 2025 [34]. The acrylic acid market mainly covers the Asia-Pacific region, with India and China accounting for 70% of product demand. The market has been driven by the growth of construction sectors, superabsorbent polymers and automobile industries, mainly in China, India and Brazil.

In the ITC portal, acrylic acid and its salts are included in SH6 2916.11. In 2019, world trade reached 774 thousand tons at an average price of US\$ 1100/ton.

**197**

**Figure 12.**

**Figure 11.**

*Main exporters of acrylic acid and its salts.*

*Main importers of acrylic acid and its salts.*

*Market Prospecting and Assessment of the Economic Potential of Glycerol from Biodiesel*

Saudi Arabia has become a major producer and has become the largest exporter of the product since 2015, surpassing China and Germany, selling 195 thousand tons in 2019, which represented US\$ 217 million (**Figure 11**). This is due to the implementation of the new petrochemical complex in the country, which produces large amounts of acrylic acid [35]. Petroleum & Chemical Corporation and BASF SE, located in China and Germany, respectively, are responsible for a large part of the production of acrylic acid in the world and are highly representative of

Taiwan was the largest importer in 2019, a position occupied in previous years by the United States and Belgium. The country imported 77 thousand tons, moving a value of US\$ 71 million (**Figure 12**). China is also a major importer of acrylic acid, occupying the fourth position in the world ranking in 2019, with a large domestic demand for its derivatives. Some of these countries may not be producers, only

Belgium has been the lead in imports of acrylic acid since 2013, losing its position to Taiwan, United States and China in 2019, since it has opened new plants

In Brazil, acrylic acid is found in NCM 2916.11.10. Since 2014, there has been a significant decrease in external dependence on acrylic acid, with a reduction of 80%

in the imported values, reaching 11 thousand tons and US\$ 1293/ton in 2019.

producing acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers [36].

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93965*

the market.

selling acrylic acid.

#### *Market Prospecting and Assessment of the Economic Potential of Glycerol from Biodiesel DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93965*

Saudi Arabia has become a major producer and has become the largest exporter of the product since 2015, surpassing China and Germany, selling 195 thousand tons in 2019, which represented US\$ 217 million (**Figure 11**). This is due to the implementation of the new petrochemical complex in the country, which produces large amounts of acrylic acid [35]. Petroleum & Chemical Corporation and BASF SE, located in China and Germany, respectively, are responsible for a large part of the production of acrylic acid in the world and are highly representative of the market.

Taiwan was the largest importer in 2019, a position occupied in previous years by the United States and Belgium. The country imported 77 thousand tons, moving a value of US\$ 71 million (**Figure 12**). China is also a major importer of acrylic acid, occupying the fourth position in the world ranking in 2019, with a large domestic demand for its derivatives. Some of these countries may not be producers, only selling acrylic acid.

Belgium has been the lead in imports of acrylic acid since 2013, losing its position to Taiwan, United States and China in 2019, since it has opened new plants producing acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers [36].

In Brazil, acrylic acid is found in NCM 2916.11.10. Since 2014, there has been a significant decrease in external dependence on acrylic acid, with a reduction of 80% in the imported values, reaching 11 thousand tons and US\$ 1293/ton in 2019.

**Figure 11.** *Main exporters of acrylic acid and its salts.*

**Figure 12.** *Main importers of acrylic acid and its salts.*

*Biotechnological Applications of Biomass*

which allocates a large part of its production for export. Unigel is the only producer in the southern hemisphere of the product with a nominal capacity of 100 thousand

Acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propene in gas phase, over bismuth and molybdenum catalysts [16]. However, there is a potential to obtain acrylic acid from glycerol, being a more sustainable alternative to the use of petrochemical

The acrylic acid market may reach US\$ 21 billion in 2027 [33]. In 2019, the volume handled in the acrylic acid market was 6.3 million tons and is expected to reach 8.3 million tons in 2025 [34]. The acrylic acid market mainly covers the Asia-Pacific region, with India and China accounting for 70% of product demand. The market has been driven by the growth of construction sectors, superabsorbent polymers and

Acrylic acid is applied in the production of polymers, latex, paints, leather finishing and paper coatings, in the textile sectors, in the production of surfactants, among others [32]. Superabsorbent polymers are the most represented segment in the market, being used in diaper production, water treatment and crude oil

In the ITC portal, acrylic acid and its salts are included in SH6 2916.11. In 2019, world trade reached 774 thousand tons at an average price of US\$ 1100/ton.

automobile industries, mainly in China, India and Brazil.

**196**

tons/year [30].

*Main importers of acrylonitrile.*

**Figure 10.**

**Figure 9.**

*The largest exporters of acrylonitrile.*

**4.4 Acrylic acid**

compounds [31].

extraction.

The decrease in the imported volume was due to the entry of Brazil into the acrylic acid market since 2014. This scenario was influenced by the investments made by BASF and Braskem, which, in 2014, carried out a large acrylic acid production project, adding domestic market and positively influencing Brazil's trade balance. In this sense, there was a considerable increase in the exported value and volume of acrylic acid in the country. In 2014, there were no records of exports of this product in the country, starting in 2015, when it reached the quantity of 7 thousand tons. In 2019, Brazil exported 18 thousands tons with an export value of US\$ 26 million at an average price of US\$ 1466/ton.
