Propylene Glycol FAQ
What makes your product biobased and what is it made from?
Our propylene glycol is manufactured from glycerin, a coproduct produced from vegetable oils during the manufacture of biodiesel or fatty acids. Glycerin is a natural product that contains 100% biobased, plant derived carbon. ADM’s process can also accommodate other natural carbohydrate feedstocks that are also 100% biobased.
How can you be sure that your raw materials and propylene glycol are bio-based?
ADM manages the sourcing of the raw materials through our logistics network to maintain both biobased and kosher integrity.
In addition, ASTM International, a globally recognized leader in international standards, has developed test method D6866 as a way to tell the difference between “new” or biobased carbon versus fossil-carbon containing compounds. This method is able to distinguish the biobased percentage of a compound or mixture. http://www.astm.org/Standards/D6866.htm
How does ADM’s biobased product compare to the petroleum derived propylene glycol?
ADM’s propylene glycol meets the same USP specifications as petroleum based PG. The main difference is the 100% biobased carbon content in our product. Traditionally, propylene glycol has been derived from propylene oxide, a petrochemical intermediate with no biobased content.
Is your product natural?
No. While the raw materials used in the manufacture of ADM propylene glycol are naturally sourced biobased products, propylene glycol itself is not a natural product because of the chemical conversion from one molecule to another.
Is the functionality the same?
Yes. ADM’s propylene glycol has the same molecular structure as petrochemical based PG.
Is the product GMO?
While the raw materials are derived from genetically modified crops, the products themselves are distinct chemicals that go through thermochemical conversion followed by multiple refining steps. Consequently, they do not contain genetic material or protein from the agricultural source. Different countries have different criteria for labeling as GMO, and one should consult your national legislation for labeling purposes.
When you say sustainable, what does that mean? Can I claim that on my product packaging?
Life Cycle Analyses (LCA) studies, endorsed by third parties, show that propylene glycol produced by ADM provides a 61% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to PG derived from petrochemical production. In addition, ADM USP-PG was certified by the USDA as a 100% biobased product when tested by ASTM D6866. When used appropriately, these claims can be used to help customers produce their own LCA and biobased content testing for their products. This includes potential use of the USDA Biobased Labeling program. Different countries have different criteria for using ”sustainable” in marketing materials, and one should consult your national legislation for marketing purposes.
What is your capacity?
The glycols plant in Decatur, IL, has a capacity of 100,000 metric tons or 220 million pounds. Current actual production is running lower than full capacity, but will increase to meet demand. ADM produces propylene glycol that meets both industrial and USP specifications.
Does your propylene glycol contain residual solvents?
ADM’s USP-PG meets or exceeds all specifications set by USP, EP and JP, including limits established for residual solvents.
I’ve heard your process produces ethylene glycol. Is this a concern?
The chemical process used by ADM produces ethylene glycol as a minor coproduct. The ethylene glycol that is produced is separated from propylene glycol through a distillation process. Our product meets or exceeds the specification considered acceptable for excipients set by United States Pharmacopeia for ethylene glycol content. United States Pharmacopeia lists ethylene glycol as a class 2 residual solvent with permitted daily exposure of 6.2 mg/day. USP defines permitted daily exposure as a pharmaceutically acceptable intake of residual solvents.
*for more information, see United States Pharmacopeia, Chapter 467 – Residual Solvents.
Is the production reliable?
Yes. ADM took the necessary steps to insure that reliable production of high quality product would be achieved. To address these concerns, we piloted the necessary design modifications, reviewed and updated our operational safety program and then implemented the improvements at scale to bring the facility online in late March, 2011. Because ADM is committed to safely and reliably producing high-quality, biobased propylene glycol, we took time to ensure our facility was getting the right results, the right way.
Is your product kosher?
Yes. ADM uses only verified kosher sources of feedstock for the production of propylene glycol and has all needed certification throughout our production and transportation to produce propylene glycol that meets kosher requirements.
What is BioPreferred? What is the USDA Biobased Labeling Program? How can the use of ADM Propylene Glycol help me participate in these programs?
The USDA BioPreferredSM program promotes the purchase and use of biobased products by providing trusted verification and making it easy for people to identify renewable natural resource alternatives, as opposed to non-renewable synthetic or petrochemical derived ones. This program supports resourcefulness and self-reliance.
The USDA BioPreferred Voluntary Labeling Initiative is the consumer-focused labeling part of the USDA biobased product program that also includes the Federal preferred purchasing program.
ADM can provide you with validation that our USP-PG is 100% biobased when tested by ASTM D6866. Please call us to find out how we can help you increase the biobased content of your products.
Where can I find more information on this program?
The USDA BioPreferred SM Program has a very informative website:
www.biopreferred.gov.
The information contained herein is correct as of the date of this document to the best of our knowledge. Any recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee or representation as to results and are subject to change without notice. We suggest you evaluate any recommendations and suggestions independently. We disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, and specifically disclaim the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Our responsibility for claims arising from any claim for breach of warranty, negligence, or otherwise shall not include consequential, special, or incidental damages, and is limited to the purchase price of material purchased from us. None of the statements made here shall be construed as a grant, either express or implied, of any license under any patent held by Archer Daniels Midland Company or other parties. Customers are responsible for obtaining any licenses or other rights that may be necessary to make, use, or sell products containing Archer Daniels Midland Company ingredients.
