Paracetamol is made in several countries worldwide including Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey, the UK, and the USA. It is synthesized through chemical processes starting from phenol or para-nitrophenol and involves steps like reduction and acetylation. In the European Union, most paracetamol production has historically been outsourced to countries like India and China, but efforts are underway to restart manufacturing in places like France and Ireland. New sustainable methods are also being developed using plant-based or bacterial processes. India has recently developed indigenous technology to produce paracetamol domestically to reduce reliance on imports. Summary of key production locations and methods:
- Major manufacturers are located globally: Argentina, Brazil, China, Europe (France, Ireland, UK), India, Japan, and others.
- Traditional synthesis involves nitration and reduction of phenol-derived compounds.
- Europe had outsourced production to Asia but is investing in renewing local facilities.
- New sustainable methods use poplar trees or engineered bacteria to produce paracetamol.
- India is enhancing domestic production with new technology by CSIR and companies in Karnataka.
This provides a global picture of where paracetamol is made and how production is evolving with a mix of traditional and innovative methods.
