The Acrylonitrile Producers Association
Uses and properties
Acrylonitrile is a chemical intermediate used in acrylic fibres, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile) and NBR (nitrile-butadiene-rubber). Approximately 52% of the total EU production of acrylonitrile is used in production of fibres, 15% in production of ABS and SAN resins, 15% in the production of acrylamide and adipronitrile and 18% for other uses. In 2008 the worldwide Acrylonitrile market totalled 4,531,000 million tons(source PCI World Acrylonitrile Report.
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 Cefic European Acrylonitrile Sector Group members have formed the Acrylonitrile REACH Consortium, whereby the member companies are jointly preparing a technical dossier and chemical safety report before the 2010 deadline. Further details are available for interested, legitimate registrants and provisions is being made available to SIEF members to purchase access to the data and make reference to the registration documentation, once complete. The Consortium is managed by TSGE and the Lead Company is Ineos Nitriles.
Specific issues- Exchange non-confidential safety information about the production, distribution and handling of acrylonitrile.
- Promoting the standing of the acrylonitrile industry in a socially responsible manner.
- Informing consumers and those involved in the handling of the product on its properties and functionality.
- Encouraging the safe and proper use of acrylonitrile 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 acrylonitrile 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
IneosDSM
Lukoil Neftochim
Chairman: Ron Koster, DSM Acrylonitrile.
More information/Related documents
- Guidelines for the Distribution of Acrylonitrile (revision 4, July 2009).
- General Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) template for acrylonitrile which can be used as a reference by any company wishing to issue an MSDS for this product.
