Sasol is preparing to take its No. 1 glycol ethers unit in Marl, Germany, offline next quarter for scheduled maintenance, according to market sources familiar with the matter.
A source told that, “The company is expected to shut the unit for maintenance starting October 1, 2025, with operations likely to remain offline until October 31, 2025. However, this information has not been officially confirmed.”
The Marl facility, one of Sasol’s key European operations, has an annual production capacity of 80,000 metric tons of glycol ethers, which are widely used as solvents in paints, coatings, cleaning products, and chemical intermediates. Market participants noted that while maintenance turnarounds are routine, the temporary shutdown could influence regional supply dynamics, particularly if downstream demand begins to strengthen heading into the winter months.
European glycol ethers markets have been under pressure for much of 2025 due to sluggish demand from construction, automotive, and industrial sectors. Ample supply and weak end-use consumption have kept prices subdued, leaving producers struggling to defend margins. Traders suggested that the Marl outage, if confirmed, may provide some short-term balance by tightening supply in Northwest Europe, especially if other producers maintain reduced operating rates in line with weak market conditions.
The duration of the shutdown, scheduled for the entirety of October, will be closely monitored, as any extension could lend further support to prices. However, sources emphasized that the broader outlook for glycol ethers remains dependent on downstream recovery and energy cost movements, rather than on isolated supply interruptions.
For now, the planned maintenance reflects Sasol’s ongoing efforts to ensure operational reliability and efficiency across its European asset base, even as demand-side challenges continue to shape market sentiment.
