With the rise in leisure activities and athleisure consumption, the spandex market is experiencing significant growth. HYOSUNG has maintained its position as the world leader in market share since 2010 after developing Korea's first independently developed spandex, ‘CREORA,' in 1992. Riding on this popularity, HYOSUNG also produces another essential raw material, PTMG (Poly Tetramethylene Ether Glycol). HYOSUNG is the only domestic company with the capability to produce PTMG among spandex production and supply companies. Let's delve into Hyosung TNC's innovative journey to becoming the world leader in PTMG, surpassing even its achievements in spandex.

HYOSUNG’s Proprietary Technology Born from R&D DNA

PTMG is an intermediate used in the production of polyurethane products. It is renowned for its strength, durability, and chemical resistance, making it a notable alternative to plastics and polymers. Due to its ability to implement specific physical and chemical properties, PTMG is utilized in a wide range of products. The quality of spandex, for instance, is largely determined by the proportion of PTMG in its raw material composition, making the use of high-quality PTMG crucial. Additionally, PTMG is essential in the production of TPU and CPU, with demand steadily increasing.

Hyosung TNC, the global leader in spandex, has achieved in-house production of PTMG. Considering environmental impacts, Hyosung TNC is also developing bio-based BDO (Butanediol), a primary ingredient in PTMG, and plans to commence full-scale production by 2026. Unlike fossil fuel-based BDO, which emits carbon and pollutes soil and water during extraction, Hyosung TNC’s BDO is derived from natural sources like sugarcane and corn, reducing carbon emissions by over 90%.

HYOSUNG’s dedication to raw material development goes beyond competitiveness; it is driven by a commitment to innovation and a pursuit of perfection. PTMG is categorized into various grades based on molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, making it crucial to use suitable products for different characteristics and applications. Hyosung TNC has invested approximately six years in related R&D, developing general-purpose products like 1000G, 1800G, and 2000G, as well as Narrow products with narrow molecular weight distribution and Broad products with wide molecular weight distribution. Furthermore, the company has secured the technology to produce special grades and ultra-high molecular weight products. Hyosung TNC operates specialized production lines tailored for both spandex and non-spandex products, ensuring a diverse range of offerings. 

▲ Examples of PTMG Usage Deeply Integrated into Everyday Life

PTMG produced by Hyosung TNC permeates many aspects of daily life, finding applications in a diverse range of fields such as sports equipment, automotive parts, clothing, and accessories. One prominent use is in elastomers like TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), CPU (cast polyurethane), and TPEE (thermoplastic polyester elastomer). TPU, known for its chemical resistance and sustainability, is utilized in shoe soles and electric vehicle charging cables. CPU, celebrated for its abrasion resistance, is ideal for skateboard wheels and high-speed rail pads. TPEE, with its excellent impact absorption and elasticity, is used in automotive constant-velocity joint boots and subway rail pads.

Additionally, PTMG is employed in polyurethane resins for microfiber leather used in car seats, as well as in PUD (polyurethane dispersion) and UV coatings. This wide range of applications underscores PTMG's immense potential and the promising future it holds as a versatile material.

PTMG Blueprint on the Global Stage

▲ Hyosung Chemical (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd. PTMG Production Plant

PTMG's exceptional physical properties and sustainability are anticipated to drive increasing demand across various industries, including packaging, agriculture, and consumer goods. Particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, countries like China and Vietnam are experiencing significant growth in PTMG's key application sectors such as automotive, construction, and consumer goods.

To meet this rising demand, HYOSUNG has steadily established production facilities domestically and internationally. In China, Hyosung Chemical (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd. is actively producing PTMG. Additionally, since 2021, HYOSUNG has been investing a total of RMB 12 billion in building a manufacturing base in Ningxia. Thanks to these efforts, Hyosung Spandex (Ningxia) Co., Ltd. has achieved an annual PTMG production capacity of 100,000 tons, with plans to start operating a second phase of 100,000 tons in the first quarter of 2025. Further expansion will add a third phase of 100,000 tons, bringing the total annual production to 300,000 tons.

Simultaneously, Hyosung TNC has been expanding its PTMG manufacturing capabilities in close collaboration with Vietnam. With the completion of the PTMG plant expansion in Vietnam in 2023, the company now produces over 150,000 tons annually. Furthermore, in April 2024, HYOSUNG announced the construction of a BDO plant in Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu, Vietnam, which is a key raw material for PTMG. This development will establish an integrated production system for BDO, PTMG, and bio-spandex in Vietnam, contributing to stable supply, increased production efficiency, and reduced transportation costs.

Hyosung TNC has demonstrated a premium strategy focusing on high quality and high productivity across the globe. With production capacity reaching the highest levels worldwide, the company aims to manufacture 480,000 tons of PTMG annually by 2025. As Hyosung TNC solidifies its position as the global leader and brings its future vision to reality, we eagerly anticipate its continued success and innovation.