Potential Group to Invest R$ 100 Million in New Glycerin Factory in Curitiba, Increasing Production to 100 Thousand Tons Annually.
The Potential Group is taking a significant step in its expansion with the construction of a new glycerin refining factory in Lapa, located in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba. The investment planned for this project is around R$ 100 million. With the opening scheduled for 2026, the new factory is expected to have the capacity to produce up to 50 thousand tons of refined glycerin per year. When integrated with the company’s current capacity of approximately 45 thousand tons annually, the total production will reach nearly 100 thousand tons per year.
Production Capacity Expansion
Currently, the Potential Group accounts for nearly 40% of glycerin production in Brazil, a market where the total annual output reaches 120 thousand tons.
With the investment in the new factory, the company aims to increase its refining capacity and strengthen its position in the national and international markets.
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The expansion will not only allow the group to meet growing demand but also position the company as one of the leading producers and exporters of refined glycerin in Brazil.
Refined glycerin, obtained from biodiesel production, is a valuable byproduct with various industrial applications.
Unlike “raw glycerin” or “yellow glycerin,” which is largely sold abroad and refined in China, the Potential Group refines this product in Brazil.
The refining process achieves a high degree of purity, close to 100%, allowing the use of glycerin in different sectors.
Quality and Applications of Refined Glycerin
According to Robson Rodrigues Antunes, general manager of quality and operations at the Potential Group, refined glycerin has a wide range of applications, spanning the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile industries.
To ensure product quality, the company adopts strict purity standards, following the Pharmacopeias of the United States and Europe.
The refined glycerin produced by the Potential Group is a viscous, transparent, odorless liquid with a naturally sweet taste.
Among the applications of refined glycerin are its use in factories for producing capsules, anesthetics, ointments, antibiotics, syrups, candies, cakes, resins, cosmetics, and products that improve the flexibility of textile fibers.
The company stands out for the quality of its product, which meets the standards required for various markets, expanding its possibilities for use and commercialization.
Impact of the Factory on the Export Market
The Potential Group exports approximately 90% of its refined glycerin production to the external market.
With this, the company contributes significantly to Brazilian exports, representing about 35% of the total exported in the country.
Caique Tossulino, commercial and operations director of BWI, the trading arm of the Potential Group, emphasizes that the strategic location of the plant, about 150 kilometers from the Port of Paranaguá, offers an important logistical advantage.
The proximity to the port reduces export costs, providing a more competitive price compared to factories located in other regions of Brazil.
Currently, the refined glycerin from the Potential Group is exported to over 20 countries, showcasing the global reach of the company and its ability to serve a diverse international market.
Future Perspectives for the Factory
The new factory of the Potential Group will not only expand production capacity and improve the company’s competitiveness in the global market but also has the potential to generate new jobs and foster economic development in the Curitiba region.
With operations expected to start in 2026, the plant represents a strategic investment in innovation and sustainable growth.
The expansion of production and the improvement of refining processes are clear signs of the company’s commitment to excellence and to contributing to the advancement of the chemical industry and Brazilian exports.
The project reflects the Potential Group’s vision to lead in the refined glycerin sector and to consolidate its presence as an important global player.

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