Hexion Announces Adoption of Renewable Methanol to Produce a More Sustainable Product

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hexion Inc. today announced that it 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.”

Compared to conventional fossil fuels, renewable methanol cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95 percent, reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80 percent, and eliminates sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions, according to the Methanol Institute. Renewable methanol is an ultra-low carbon chemical produced from sustainable biomass, often called bio-methanol, or from carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced from renewable electricity.

As part of its strategic sustainability initiatives, Hexion previously announced its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030. Hexion’s commitment encompasses “Scope 1” and “Scope 2” emissions, which are direct and indirect greenhouse emissions from operations and consumed energy. The Company is also reviewing its “Scope 3” emissions, which are those associated with all other aspects of our business. In addition, for two consecutive years, Hexion has received the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award, bestowed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Program, for the Company’s many successes in waste reduction and energy efficiency.

About the Company

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Hexion Inc. is a global leader in thermoset resins. Hexion Inc. serves the global adhesive, coatings, and industrial markets through a broad range of thermoset technologies, performance materials and technical support for customers in a diverse range of applications and industries. Additional information about Hexion Inc., its products and sustainability is available at www.hexion.com.