Methanol is a clear biodegradable liquid petrochemical made usually from natural gas.

Methanol is used to make countless industrial and consumer products such as synthetic textiles, recyclable plastics, household paints and adhesives, foam cushions and pillows, and even common medicines such as ASA (acetylsalicylic acid).

Methanol-based products are increasingly being used as fuel for domestic heating and cooking and can also be used as an efficient transportation fuel.

Markets are expanding for increased methanol use for biodiesel production, dimethyl ether (DME), power generation and other applications. New applications and uses for methanol also continue to grow.

Methanol is also used to manufacture a fuel component that when added to gasoline makes the gas burn more cleanly and produce fewer emissions.

Like most chemicals, methanol must be handled and used with care. For more information about methanol safe handling, see our technical and safety information page.

This page was last updated on September 17, 2009