The Methacrylates Sector Group (MSG)
Who we are
Methyl methacrylate is a chemical derived from propylene, but also from butylene and ethylene to a lesser extent. 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. Traditionally, it is used when transparent plastic is needed.
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.
The Group is chaired by Thomas Müller (Evonik Röhm) and includes the following companies: Arkema, BASF, Evonik Röhm, Lucite International, Plazit, Quinn Plastics, Repsol-YPF Quimica.
What we do
The group mainly focuses on
- Promoting the standing of the methacrylates industry (methacrylate monomers and polymethyl methacrylate polymer and sheet, etc.) in a socially responsible manner
- Responding to the regulatory and environmental pressures on the industry
- 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
- Encouraging the safe and proper use of basic methacrylates by developing and publishing appropriate technical information. To that effect, MSG released in 2008 revised versions of the Safe Handling Guidelines for Methacrylic Acid and for their Methacrylic Esters. The users of both methacrylic acid and methacrylic esters should contact their suppliers to receiving these Guidelines.
- Gathering market intelligence for use by members.
REACH
We are 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.
Want to know more?
Check out the library. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
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