Are there emerging alternative production routes for acrylic acid that could disrupt the market?
The commercial hurdle is not just technical feasibility but economics at scale. With the propane-propylene spread narrowing to around 1,700 yuan per tonne, the feedstock cost advantage of propane direct oxidation is shrinking. Unless catalyst lifetimes and selectivity improve dramatically, incumbents with integrated propylene-based units will likely remain cost-competitive for the next decade.
