The Phenol Producers Association

Who we are

Phenol is mainly used as an intermediate in organic synthesis. In this, phenol essentially serves as a raw material for the production of bisphenol A, phenolic resins, alkylphenols and caprolactam. It is also used for salicylic acid, nitrophenols, diphenyl ethers, halogenated phenols and other chemicals.

Phenolic resins, or phenol-formaldehyde polymers, were the first completely synthetic polymers to be commercialised. Although moulded products no longer represent their most important application, through their use as adhesives they still represent almost half of the total production of thermosetting polymers.

Bisphenol A is a building block for making polycarbonate resins, which are used for structural parts, impact resistant glazing, street-light bulbs, household appliance parts, components of electrical/electronic devices, automotive applications, reusable bottles, and food and drink containers. It is also a building block used to make epoxy resins for coatings, electrical laminants, composites and adhesives.

Alkylphenol is mainly used as a stabiliser for rubbers and plastics, as a surfactant, as an industrial detergent, and in the mining and textile industries.

Caprolactam is a raw material for the manufacture of some nylons.

The Group is chaired by Helmut Schmidt, Ineos Phenol GmbH, and includes the following companies: Borealis Polymers, Domo Caproleuna, Ertisa, Ineos Phenol, Novapex and Polimeri Europa.

What we do

As part of its ongoing remits, the Sector Group is committed to:

Standards for the production, storage, transport and handling of phenol
Toxicology studies on phenol
EU and international risk assessment activities related to phenol and its by-products

Key priorities include:

Organising and funding toxicology projects in collaboration with the US Phenol Panel
Co-ordinating industry's views on health and safety issues, especially those related to the EU and international risk assessment activities
Ensure the safe production and handling of phenol.

Want to know more?

Check out the library. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.