Hexion has begun using bio-based methanol in the production of formaldehyde at its Baytown, Texas, manufacturing site. The formaldehyde is then provided to a key customer that leverages bio-benzene to produce methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), ultimately offering a product with more sustainable attributes through significantly lower air emissions compared to those produced with fossil fuel-based methanol.

Depending on the customers' preference, Hexion is in position to further adopt bio-based raw materials into its production processes at various locations throughout its global manufacturing grid. Similar to other sites, Hexion supplies this customer through a pipeline, which further reduces the overall energy intensity of its production processes considering the minimal logistical costs compared to alternative delivery methods, such as truck or rail.

“By leveraging renewable feedstocks, such as bio-based methanol, we are able to provide a solution that fully meets our customers' exacting performance standards and offers additional sustainable benefits,” said Dave Collins, Senior Vice President, Global Formaldehyde, Hexion.

“By using bio-based methanol, Hexion is making an important contribution to achieving the climate goals of its customer industries. In addition, using bio-based methanol, also known as renewable methanol, in our products aligns with our overall sustainability goals, particularly those related to new product development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We remain committed to continuous improvement in all facets of our sustainability initiatives.”