Methacrylates

The Methacrylates Sector Group (MSG)

Uses and properties

The MSG is a trade group comprising the manufacturers of methacrylic acid, and its basic esters, and poly-methyl methacrylate in Europe, in accordance with Article 22 of Cefic statutes and by-laws.

Methyl methacrylate is a chemical that can be derived from propylene, butylene or ethylene. It is used for the manufacture of polymethyl methacrylate and also for polymer dispersions and other resins. The main applications of methyl methacrylate (MMA) are:

• Cast acrylic sheet production
• Production of moulding and extrusion compounds
• Production of other methacrylate esters
• Production of emulsions / dispersions; solvent polymerisation
• Reactive resins used in coatings, adhesives, dental products, etc

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is mainly used in the construction industry, lighting applications, road signs, automotive and related areas, electronics and consumer-ware.

Methacrylic acid (MAA) is mainly used as a chemical intermediate as well as in paints, adhesives and textile applications.

Ethyl methacrylate (EMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA) and 2-ethyl hexyl methacrylate (2-EHMA) are mainly found in various types of paints and coatings, inks and adhesives.

Issues and regulations

Regulations

• Health: SCOEL / Occupational Exposure Limits, Food Contact material
• Environment: CO2 emissions (benchmarks), Industrial Emissions Directive (BREF)

REACH implementation

MSG is contributing with other US and Japanese producers of methacrylic acid and its basic esters to the activities of joint Methacrylate / Acrylate Industry consortia for the preparation of the registration dossiers within the framework of the REACH legislation.

In that respect, the Sector Group has prepared a Briefing Document for the attention of downstream users. It includes brief descriptions of the current and future REACH activities and will be used as a communications tool for enhancing cooperation between the Sector Group member companies and the users of MAA and its esters.

Specific issues

Promoting the standing of the methacrylates industry (methacrylate monomers and polymethyl methacrylate polymer and sheet, etc.) in a socially responsible manner

Informing consumers and those involved in the handling of these products on their properties and functionalities.

Encouraging the safe and proper use of methacrylates by developing and publishing appropriate technical information

Maintaining a high level of technical understanding by identifying and managing research into health and environmental effects and assessing risks in use

Presenting a positive image of methacrylates to the industry, authorities and the public

Developing a common position on major issues of the industry for presentation to regulators, opinion leaders and other concerned bodies

Developing product stewardship programmes following the Responsible Care principles

Contact/Further information

Paul Teheux, Sector Group Manager
Tel. + 32 2 676 7258

Membership

Arkema
BASF
Evonik Röhm
Lucite International W
Plazit
Quinn Plastics
Chairman: Thomas Müller (Evonik Röhm).

More information

Related documents

• Safe Handling Guidelines for Methacrylic Acid and for their Methacrylic Esters (2008 - available through suppliers)
• Description of the methyl methacrylate manufacturing process via the acetone cyanohydrin route.

Relevant studies

• EU Risk assessments on MAA and MMA
• Toxicology study reports sponsored by MSG, such as the CTL report on MMA skin sensitisation potency (published); the MAA inhalation study; various studies performed at Fraunhofer and CTL.
• PMMA Ecoprofile
• MMA Small Users Guide
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