Millennium Chemicals, a Lyondell company, is a leading producer of acetyls.
Acetyls include acetic acid, which is made by reacting carbon monoxide with methanol; and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which is made by reacting acetic acid and ethylene.
Acetic acid goes into the production of VAM, PET bottles, films, paints, plastics and pharmaceuticals. Methanol is used to produce acetic acid and formaldehyde. VAM is used to manufacture paints, adhesives, film packaging and magnetic wire insulation.