The Propylene Oxide & Glycols Sector Group (PO & Glycols)
Who we are
Propylene oxide is used as a monomer in polymer production and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other substances.
Propylene oxide is used as a chemical intermediate for the manufacture of the following:
- Polyols used in polyurethane foam manufacture for the furniture and automotive industries, and coatings, adhesives and sealants
- Propylene glycol ethers for use as solvents in paints, inks, coatings, resins, cleaners and waxes
- Propylene glycols, which can be used in:
- the production of unsaturated polyester resins, especially in the construction, transportation, automotive and marine industries
- as a solvent in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
- in engine coolants and aircraft de-icers
- Butanediol and related products for speciality resins and solvents.
The Group is chaired by Guillaume Reverchon, DOW and includes the following companies: BASF, Bayer, Dow Europe, INEOS Oxide, LyondellBasell Industries, Repsol-YPF Quimica, Shell Chemicals.
What we do
As part of its ongoing remit, the PO & Glycols Sector Group is committed to:
- Guidelines for the Distribution of Propylene Oxide EN (revision 2, July 2009) - Revision 1 (May 2001) available in DE , ES, FR, IT) (translations of revision 2 in preparation)
- Guidelines for the Handling and Distritrubtion Propylene Glycol USP/EP (pharmaceutical grade monopropylene glycol) revised in March 2009 (USP/EP) available in EN, DE, FR, IT, and ES.
- Toxicology studies for propylene oxide
- EU and international Risk Assessment activities.
Key priorities include
- Organising and funding toxicology projects in collaboration with the US Industry Panels (e.g. the US Propylene Oxide and Glycols 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 distribution and handling of Propylene Oxide and Propylene Glycol USP/EP.
- REACH Regulation - Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals
The sector group members have formed the PO PG REACH Consortium open to any new member, whereby the companies are jointly preparing the REACH dossier in order to complete it in the most efficient and effective manner. The PO PG consortium will facilitate the registration of these substances as required by the regulation. The Consortium is managed by ReachCentrum (consortium manager: Mike Kingsland). For any enquiries about joining please contact ReachCentrum.
Want to know more?
Check out the library and the dedicated propylene glycol website. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
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