What Is Ethylene Used For?

Ethylene is primarily used in the production of plastics, chemicals, and agricultural applications. It’s the backbone of various manufacturing processes and plays a crucial role across industries.

This guide outlines the most common uses of ethylene to show how you can leverage it in your operations. You’ll also learn about some lesser-known specialized applications that showcase ethylene’s versatility.

WestAir supplies ethylene across California and Arizona.

Manufacturing and Chemical Production

The manufacturing sector is the largest consumer of ethylene gas, with polyethylene production leading the way. As the world’s most common plastic, polyethylene accounts for around 60% of global ethylene demand.

Manufacturers use ethylene to create countless products, such as:

• Food packaging
• Shopping bags
• Industrial containers
• Medical devices

With this in mind, polyethylene is an indispensable material in modern manufacturing.

Beyond polyethylene, ethylene is a building block for many other chemical compounds. For example, chemical manufacturers convert ethylene into ethylene oxide, which is essential for producing industrial cleaners, detergents, and automotive antifreeze.

Construction and Building Materials

The construction industry relies heavily on ethylene-derived products. This compound is crucial in producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most widely used construction materials.

PVC products manufactured using ethylene include:

• Pipes
• Window frames
• Flooring
• Siding

PVC materials offer durability, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness that make them popular choices in both residential and commercial construction.

The insulation industry also leverages ethylene-based products. Polystyrene, created through ethylene-derived styrene, provides effective thermal insulation in buildings and packaging materials.

Agricultural Applications

In agriculture, ethylene functions as a natural plant hormone that regulates growth and development. Commercial farmers use ethylene to control the ripening process of various fruits and vegetables.

The perfect example is banana ripening rooms, where controlled exposure to ethylene gas ensures uniform ripening of fruit shipments. This process lets suppliers deliver consistently ripe produce to market.

Greenhouse operators also utilize ethylene to increase crop yields, particularly in cucumber cultivation. The gas promotes the development of female flowers, leading to higher fruit production.

Industrial Processes and Specialty Applications

Besides the above applications, ethylene’s usability extends to specialized industrial processes. For example, manufacturing facilities use ethylene in the production of industrial solvents, particularly ethylene dichloride.

In refrigeration systems, ethylene serves as an effective refrigerant gas for low-temperature applications. Its thermal properties make it suitable for specific cooling requirements in industrial settings.

The medical field used to rely on ethylene as an anesthetic agent, though this application has largely been replaced by modern alternatives. Still, the gas continues to find use in medicine. For instance, ethylene oxide is used to clean and sterilize various items like:

• Drugs
• Hospital equipment
• Reusable medical items

Explore Ethylene’s Versatility

Ethylene’s diverse use cases make it an invaluable industrial gas in modern commerce and manufacturing. From creating everyday plastics to enhancing agricultural production, ethylene continues to play a vital role in numerous industries.

Understanding these applications helps businesses make informed decisions about their industrial gas needs. The widespread use of ethylene underscores its importance in maintaining efficient operations across various sectors.

Professional gas distributors work closely with businesses to ensure a safe and reliable ethylene supply for these critical applications. A partnership with a reputable vendor supports continued innovation and productivity in manufacturing, agriculture, and other essential industries.

Lawrence Haynes

Currently serving as Marketing Director at WestAir Gases & Equipment in San Diego, CA Lawrence leverages his expertise in industrial gas solutions and equipment marketing. With a proven track record in cross-industry marketing strategy, he brings a specialized experience in content development, marketing automation, and partner relations to the industrial gas sector.