An efficient conversion of biomass-derived ethyl lactate to 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) over CuO was investigated. Among the catalysts we tested, CuO, Cu2O and Co showed excellent catalytic activity for the conversion of ethyl lactate to 1,2-PDO in water, and CuO was more active and gave the best result. The 1,2-PDO yield of 93.6% was achieved when Zn acted as a reductant. The results indicated that in situ formed hydrogen by the oxidation of Zn in water is more effective than gaseous hydrogen, which failed to produce the 1,2-PDO from ethyl lactate. From a practical point of view, the present method may provide a useful route for the production of 1,2-PDO from ethyl lactate. (C) 2015 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.