Symrise Opens New Production Unit in Granada to Ensure Safer Supply of Bio-Based Pentylene Glycol

Symrise has announced the opening of a new production unit at its site in Granada, Spain. The facility is dedicated to manufacturing Hydrolite® 5 green, a high-quality bio-based pentylene glycol produced by its cosmetic ingredients division.

With this step, Symrise is offering its European customers a shorter supply chain for this highly sought-after product, thereby providing reliable supply to the global market.

The new production unit represents a significant investment and is modeled on the company’s existing Hydrolite® 5 green plant in Charleston, USA. The additional capacity will enable Symrise to meet the growing worldwide demand for this unique multifunctional ingredient. Ultimately, consumers will benefit from its improved skin hydration and hair fiber strengthening effects, while formulators gain the ability to create enhanced sensory experiences and boost the efficacy of active ingredients.

By shortening transport routes and thus supply chains within Europe, the new site also helps customers reduce Scope 3 emissions (indirect greenhouse gas emissions). In addition, it creates jobs across various departments, including operations, procurement, and engineering, thereby contributing to the local community. The Hydrolite® 5 green plant sets benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability by recycling and upcycling by-products. These measures underscore the company’s commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable management.

This expansion further strengthens Symrise’s leading position in the production of 1,2-alkanediols and in chemical engineering. The facility operates with a continuous production process to ensure consistent product quality and high energy efficiency. It is equipped with an on-site hydrogen generation system and a closed-loop hydrogen circuit, optimizing hydrogen use while minimizing environmental impact. Its high level of automation not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances process safety.

“As consumers shift toward clean and natural beauty products, the pentylene glycol market continues to grow,” said Yohanna Sander, Vice President Micro Protection at Symrise. “Hydrolite 5 green, as a fully upcycled material, meets expectations for multifunctionality and sustainability. It also brings numerous formulation benefits, including enhancing the performance of other ingredients. With the new production site in Spain, we are closer to our European customers, offering them more convenient access and lower-carbon options. Our advanced technology enables us to limit the carbon footprint of our own operations, thus contributing to a more sustainable value chain.”