Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) (2025 Program)

​​This report discusses the process technologies for purified terephthalic acid (PTA), which is primarily used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via esterification with ethylene glycol followed by melt-phase polycondensation. PTA is commercially produced by the oxidation of para-xylene with air followed by purification and recovery/recycle of catalysts and solvents. Production economics for the United States, Middle East, and China under a consistent first quarter 2025 price scenario are also presented.​