Are you looking for a reliable source of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol? Ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG) are types of alcohol that have industrial applications thanks to their ability to lower the freezing point of water. Their high boiling points also contribute to their versatility.
EG and PG can be useful in various applications, but there are significant differences between the two, and they are not interchangeable. Ethylene glycol is toxic. Ingesting a small amount can lead to severe poisoning and is potentially fatal, causing acute damage to the kidneys and central nervous system.
On the other hand, propylene glycol is generally considered safe. You would have to ingest an extraordinary amount of it very quickly to face any adverse effects. Because of its robust safety profile, proven many times across decades, it is commonly used as a food additive for both humans and animals.
Not all propylene glycol is “food grade,” so it’s crucial to ensure you’re purchasing the right type for your needs. Industrial-grade propylene glycol is generally less expensive and sold in larger quantities. Food-grade propylene glycol is also USP-certified. This stands for “United States Pharmacopeia,” a nonprofit regulatory body that evaluates voluntarily submitted products against science-based quality standards, ensuring that they do not contain harmful levels of contaminants, toxic botanical species, or greater amounts of active/marker compounds than that indicated on the product specification and label.
It’s important to note that propylene glycol is not made from ethylene glycol or vice versa. Although both are ultimately derived from petroleum or natural gas most of the time, they use different raw materials and undergo different processing. Food-grade propylene glycol is produced under rigorous standards to ensure safety for human consumption.
Although they have some similar chemical properties, the distinct safety profiles of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol mean they are used very differently. Here are some of the most common uses for each:
Propylene glycol is good for two years when stored at room temperature in closed containers away from sunlight.
Both ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are available in concentrated or water-diluted solutions. Keller-Heartt offers propylene glycol in both 55-gallon drum and 330-gallon tote sizes. Our offerings include 100% concentrate, 50/50 (50% glycol, 50% water and other), and USP Kosher varieties, among others.
Looking for ethylene glycol? Our selection of heat transfer ethylene includes 100% concentrate and 50/50 solutions in our popular 55-gallon drum size, which combines convenience with the efficiency and savings possible only when you buy in bulk.
Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol need to be manufactured under the highest standards, then stored and shipped correctly to extend their life spans. Keller-Heartt offers you fast, convenient shipping with no tacked-on shipping fees. You pay a predictable, affordable price and save even more thanks to our bulk products.
Adding the right mixture of propylene glycol to a building’s HVAC system can help it work efficiently and protect it against frozen pipes.
Propylene glycol is critical for good ice making. Learn about the types of glycol, the best water-to-glycol ratio, and how to save by buying in bulk.
Learn about food-grade glycol, what it is, and how to properly dispose of it.