Covestro declares force majeure on US MDI

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Covestro has declared a force majeure on methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and MDI-related products in the US effective as of 13 October, according to a company spokesperson.

The spokesperson attributed the force majeure declaration to an unforeseen shortage of raw materials used in the production of MDI.

According to the ICIS Supply and Demand Database, Covestro can produce 320,000 tonnes/year of MDI from its site in Baytown, Texas.

MDI is consumed mainly in polyurethane foams, which account for about 80% of global consumption. Rigid foams, the largest outlet for MDI, are used mostly in construction, refrigeration, packaging and insulation. MDI is also used to make binders, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, coatings and fibres.

Major US MDI producers include BASF, Covestro, Dow and Huntsman.

Thumbnail image shows polyurethane foam, which is made with MDI. Source: Al Greenwood