Glycol, particularly food-grade propylene glycol (PG), plays a critical role in the food and beverage sector. Unlike ethylene glycol, which is toxic and unsuitable for food-adjacent environments, propylene glycol is chosen for its lower toxicity, chemical stability, and compatibility with stringent hygiene and safety requirements.
Glycol is typically used as a secondary refrigerant in chilled-water or brine loops. When mixed with water, it lowers the freezing point of the circulating fluid, allowing refrigeration systems to operate safely at sub-zero temperatures without risking freeze-up. This stability is essential for maintaining fermentation temperatures, pasteurisation cooling, cold-chain integrity, and product consistency. Breweries, dairies, wineries, and beverage production facilities routinely rely on PG to maintain precise temperature control across their processes.
However, glycol’s value and broad utility make it a potential target for theft, even within the food and beverage industry. Facilities often store glycol in drums or IBCs that are easy to move, and stock levels fluctuate naturally as systems are topped up or serviced. This creates opportunities for unauthorised removal to go unnoticed—particularly in large plants or multi-tenant industrial estates. One emerging driver is demand in informal markets, including unregulated vape-liquid production, where individuals may seek cheaper or uncontrolled sources of propylene glycol for production of “black market” vape, despite significant safety and legal risks.
For food and beverage manufacturers, this highlights the importance of robust site security controls for industrial chemicals. Best practice includes lockable, access-controlled storage areas; appropriate physical permitter security, clear chemical handling and transfer procedures; contractor supervision; CCTV coverage; and routine inventory reconciliation. Strong controls help protect both product integrity and brand reputation, ensuring that chemicals remain within regulated, legitimate use. In an industry where safety and compliance are paramount, disciplined stewardship of glycol and other processing chemicals is essential.
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