BARCELONA (ICIS)--Demand for hand sanitisers has added a permanent uplift of 60-70,000 tonnes/year to Europe's isopropanol markets, with ethanol benefitting too.
- Hand sanitisers and disinfectants create up to 60-70,000 tonnes/year new demand for IPA in 2020, or 14-16%
- Renewed appeal of IPA versus ethanol as a feedstock for these products could boost demand further
- Players eye automotive sector and phenol/acetone production to gauge IPA imports from Asia into Europe
- Potential for growth on higher IPA grades (cosmetics, biocide, pharma, electronics) in 2021
- Industrial 99% ethanol becoming short again due to supply issues.
- Could lead to shortages if new wave of pandemic hits
- Ethanol supply - especially in France - may be impacted by poor sugar beet harvest
- Peak demand season for beverage 96% ethanol and good demand from bioethanol fuel may impact industrial 99%
- Ethanol imports may ease industrial 99% shortages
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Clarification: Re-casts headline