United Kingdom Ethylene Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The United Kingdom ethylene market size reached approximately USD 3.98 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.70% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 6.30 Billion by 2034.

Ethylene is a colourless and flammable hydrocarbon which belongs to the alkene series and naturally occurs in ripening fruit, crude oil, coal, and natural gas, among others. It has a distinct sweet and musky odour and is primarily utilised in the production of polyethylene, a primary plastic component.

The growing usage of polyethylene in the construction and buildings sector for the production of pipes, and foam insulators, among others, is one of the major trends favouring the United Kingdom ethylene market growth. Due to its corrosion-resistant and durable properties, polyethylene is primarily utilised in the water supply and drainage pipes. Moreover, it is used to insulate HVAC systems, roofs, and walls as it minimises heat loss and gain and maintains an optimal temperature.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising demand for ethylene as a raw material; growing production of polyethylene; increasing demand for ethylene derivatives; and the development of advanced technologies are positively impacting the United Kingdom ethylene market growth

Jul 28th 2022

The Mitsubishi Chemical Group announced its decision to surge the annual production capacity of SoarnoL™ ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resin by 21,000 tons by 2025 in the UK.

Jul 27th 2022

INEOS launched a Bio-Attributed Ethylene Oxide that acts as a fossil fuel substitute with renewable biomass and delivers 100% greenhouse gas emissions.

Extensive use of ethylene as a raw material

Extensive use of ethylene as a raw material.

Rising production of polyethylene

The rising production of polyethylene due to increasing infrastructural development and surging demand for polyethylene-based consumables are aiding the market.

Increasing demand for ethylene derivatives

There is a rising demand for derivatives of ethylene such as ethylene glycol and ethylene oxide in sectors like medical and textile.

Development of innovative technologies

Key players are developing innovative technologies to enhance the yield of ethylene while reducing carbon emissions.

Rising use of ethylene oxide in the medical sector

There is a rising use of cost-effective and safe ethylene oxide in medical applications to maintain the sterility of medical devices.

High demand for ethylene derivatives

Derivatives of ethylene oxide, such as alkoxylates, are witnessing a high demand in diverse applications, such as cleaning and detergents, construction materials, and automobiles, among others.

United Kingdom Ethylene Market Trends

Increased implementation of the derivative of ethylene such as ethylene glycol into the textile sector is a prominent trend aiding the United Kingdom ethylene market expansion. Ethylene glycol reacts with dimethyl terephthalate to form a polyester which is a cost-effective, lightweight, and durable clothing material.

The rising popularity of ethylene oxide in the sterilisation of medical devices such as surgical kits, heart valves, pacemakers, syringes, and ventilators, among others, to prevent the risk of infections from bacteria and viruses, also boosts the United Kingdom ethylene market. It is used for the effective sterilisation of devices that are sensitive to heat and moisture and cannot be sterilised by the traditional steam sterilisation method.

Market Segmentation

“United Kingdom Ethylene Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Feedstock:

• Naphtha
• Natural Gas

Market Breakup by Application:

• Polyethylene
• Ethylene Oxide
• Ethylene Dichloride
• Ethyl Benzene
• Others

Breakup by End Use:

• Automotive
• Building and Construction
• Packaging
• Textiles
• Others

Polyethylene dominates the United Kingdom ethylene market share due to the rising demand for packaging films and bottles

Polyethylene occupies a significant portion of the market share, owing to its growing usage in the production of packaging films and bottles, among others. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) finds growing applications in the agricultural sector for ropes and fishing nets, due to its high tensile strength.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is utilised in water pipes and hoses, due to its low absorption rate and chemical resistance. Additionally, the growing demand for cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for power cables, due to their high heat resistance and long service life boosts the market growth.

Besides, ethylene oxide is used in the manufacturing of personal care products, household cleaners, and fabrics. The chemical also plays an integral role in the sterilisation of medical devices and personal protective equipment. With the growing focus on sustainability, key players are investing in R&D activities to develop eco-friendly ethylene oxide, further fuelling the United Kingdom ethylene market.

The use of ethylene in the packaging sector is significantly rising due to the growing preference for recyclable packaging solutions in the UK

The packaging sector accounts for a substantial market share, owing to the high demand for recyclable polyethylene (PE) packaging in end-use sectors such as food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others, to contribute to the circular economy.

Moreover, the automotive sector is also expected to witness sizeable growth in the coming years, due to the increased incorporation of PE in automotive parts such as plastic fuel tanks as well as ethylene glycol as a coolant in car radiators to prevent overheating. Meanwhile, in the building and construction sector, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene is widely used due to its favourable properties such as excellent mechanical and chemical strength, resistance to ageing and temperature, and lightweight, among others.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the United Kingdom ethylene market are attempting to boost the sustainability profile of ethylene

Other United Kingdom ethylene market players include SABIC and Chevron Corporation, among others.