Methanol is a chemical used in the manufacturing process of numerous consumer products that we use every day – from polyester carpet fibers to paper products, paints, plywood, windshield washer fluid, plastics and more. It is an essential commodity and a vital part of our global economy.
Methanol is a stable, biodegradable chemical that in small amounts occurs naturally in the environment, breaking down quickly in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It is most commonly produced by reacting natural gas with steam, although methanol can also be made from nearly any organic compound. The current global demand for methanol is approximately 100 million metric tons per year.