The largest use for acetic acid is the manufacture of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which is a mature product with growth around GDP levels. The fastest growing outlet for acetic acid is its second largest derivative, purified terephthalic acid (PTA), which is being driven by the boom in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle resins and polyester fibre. 
Global demand for acetic acid is forecast by consultants to grow at 3-4%/year. Growth is much higher in Asia, pulled by strong demand in China. India is also seen as a country where there could be strong acetic acid demand growth in the future.
Acetic acid technology is perhaps the most diverse of all major industrial organic chemicals. However, methanol carbonylation has become the dominant acetic acid process, accounting for over 65% of global capacity.
Acetic acid is a clear, colourless, mobile liquid with a pungent odour and acidic taste. It is a weak, corrosive and flammable acid which reacts violently with oxidants and bases.
Acetic acid
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Acetic acid
Uses and Outlook
The largest use for acetic acid is the manufacture of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which accounts for one-third of acetic acid consumption. With its end use markets in adhesives, textiles, paints and paper, the VAM market is mature with growth around GDP levels. However, there are strong growth areas for VAM such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier resins, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymers and polyvinyl butyral (PVB).
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Acetic acid
Process Technologies
Acetic acid technology is perhaps the most diverse of all major industrial organic chemicals. No other large volume chemical can claim the varied feedstocks and production approaches acetic acid can. However, methanol carbonylation has become the dominant acetic acid production technology, accounting for over 65% of global capacity.
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