Ineos has announced the start up of a new Dimethoxymethane (Methylal) plant of its affiliate Paraform based in Mainz, Germany.

Methylal is an additive used in polyacetal and ion exchange resins. Due to its strong solvent power, its low toxicity and low viscosity it is used in a broad range of applications among others aerosols, paint strippers, cosmetics, cleaning agents, PU foams.

Ineos Paraform is a leading manufacturer of formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde and hexamethylene tetramine. The investment in the new Methylal manufacturing process marks an important step as it moves downstream into the acetals market.

"This is an important new investment for our site and customers as we continue to modernize existing plants and invest in new projects to meet our customer needs to supply new markets and create sustainable and profitable growth for our business," said Wolf Haenel, CEO Ineos Paraform.