Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; Tokyo; www.sdk.co.jp) has decided to commercialize 1,3-butylene glycol (1,3-BG), which is mainly used as raw material for cosmetics. SDK will finish installation of facilities to produce 1,3-BG in its Oita Complex by the end of 2019, and plans to start sale of the product in April 2020.
1,3-BG is mixed into many kinds of cosmetics as moisturizing component. Due to rapid growth in Asian demand for cosmetics, the demand for 1,3-BG is expected to increase 10% every year.. In addition, SDK will realize production of 1,3-BG with quality good enough to be used as an ingredient in cosmetics by utilizing its unique technology. At its Oita Complex, SDK will practice integrated production of 1,3-BG from ethylene.