Imagine tiny molecules dancing in a complex ballet. This is the world of Prefere Paraform. Prefere Paraform resides here in Mainz-Mombach. It stands as a testament to Mainz’s enduring spirit of innovation.
Prefere Paraform has a rich history. It began in 1856. Two brothers, Heinrich and Hermann Dietze, founded a factory. They processed byproducts of wood carbonization. They built upon the tradition of the region’s ash burners. In 1865, their factory merged with others. This merger formed the foundation of the modern Prefere Paraform. The location was strategically chosen. It was near the new Mainz-Bingen railway line.
The company initially focused on wood carbonization. Early products included acetic acid and verdigris. As steel production rose, the need for wood charcoal declined. The company shifted to chemical products. In 1895, Prefere Paraform began producing formaldehyde from methanol. This formaldehyde was first used for disinfection. It also preserved specimens. BASF’s research expanded formaldehyde’s uses. Demand for the chemical grew rapidly.
By World War I, the company held a German monopoly on formaldehyde. They dominated methanol production from wood. This monopoly ended in 1920. Synthetic methanol synthesis began in Leuna. In 1931, Degussa AG took over the financially struggling company. They needed charcoal for sodium cyanide production. In 1934, Prefere Paraform began producing paraformaldehyde.
After World War II, the Mombach plant became a key research site for Degussa. They developed processes for cyanuric chloride in 1947. A process for methionine followed in 1948. The company also created a method for producing trioxane. This was done in partnership with BASF in Ludwigshafen. Hexamethylenetetramine production started in 1947. A large-scale paraformaldehyde plant opened in 1968.
The company faced decline in the 1960s. Some products moved to other sites. Other production lines shut down. The formaldehyde production remained. This included formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, and hexamethylenetetramine. In 1977, they started making cyanates. In 1999, Degussa AG merged with Huls AG. The Mainz site became Methanova GmbH. Methanova was a subsidiary of Degussa-Huls AG.
Hexamethylenetetramine production expanded in 2000. Ineos Group acquired Methanova GmbH in 2003. The company was renamed Ineos Paraform GmbH. In 2012, a large plant for dimethoxymethane opened. This plant used an eco-friendly process. In 2014, a plasma-catalytic exhaust air purification system was installed. This innovative system minimized emissions.
Since July 2019, the company has been known as Prefere Paraform. It is part of the Prefere Resins Group.
Prefere Paraform makes formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, methenamine, and cyanates. They use methanol, ammonia, and urea. Formaldehyde is the largest product. About half is sold in various forms. The rest becomes paraformaldehyde, methoxymethanol, and hexamethylenetetramine. The company ships products to about 50 countries. They use railcars, trucks, and containers. The plant has its own dock in Mainz’s industrial port. Its location offers excellent transport connections.
Looking ahead, Prefere Paraform aims for climate-neutral production by 2050. They are optimizing processes. This commitment ensures a future filled with positive chemistry. Prefere Paraform continues to innovate. It builds on generations of expertise. They remain a leader in methanol derivatives.