The Phenol & Acetone Sector Group
Uses and properties
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 Although moulded products no longer represent their most important application, through their use as adhesives they still represent almost half of the total production of thermosetting polymers.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.
Issues and regulations
RegulationsThe Sector Group is pro-actively managing regulatory and environmental responsibilities on the industry:
- Health: SCOEL / Occupational Exposure Limits, Classification issues
- Environment: CO2 emissions (benchmarks), Industrial Emissions Directive (BREF)
The European producers have launched a consortium to register phenol and derivative substances under the REACH Regulation by December 2010. Substances covered are phenol, acetone, cumene, alpha-methyl styrene, acetophenone, di-isopropyl benzene, CHP and 'high-boiler'. The consortium is managed by REACHCentrum and has indicated that it plans to use the coding system proposed by the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) to classify participants in substance information exchange fora (SIEFs) according to their expected level of engagement.
Specific issues- Exchange non-confidential safety information about the production, distribution and handling of phenol.
- Promoting the standing of the phenol and acetone industry in a socially responsible manner.
- Informing consumers and those involved in the handling of the products on its properties and functionality.
- Encouraging the safe and proper use of phenol by developing and publishing appropriate technical information.
- Exchanging non-confidential safety information about the production and handling of phenol.
- Maintaining a high level of technical understanding by identifying and managing research into health and environmental effects and assessing risks in use.
- Organising and funding toxicology projects, in collaboration with the US Phenol Panels where appropriate.
- Presenting a positive image of phenol and acetone 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 Managertel. + 32 2 676 7258
Membership
Borealis GroupCEPSA Quimica
Domo Caproleuna
Ineos Phenol
Novapex
Polimeri Europa
Rütgers Chemicals
Chairperson: Coral Verge, CEPSA Quimica
More information
- "Safe Handling of Pheno", video available upon request.
