About us

The Aromatics Producers Association (APA) is a sector group within Petrochemicals Europe, which is another name for the Petrochemicals Programme of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic).

APA represents European producers of aromatics. The main substances in this group, benzene, toluene and the xylenes, are basic chemicals used as starting materials for a wide range of consumer products. Everyday items made with the help of aromatics can be found in the home, workplace and supermarket. They include a diverse range of products such as clothing, pharmaceuticals, computers, paints, vehicle components, cooking utensils, household fabrics, carpets and sports equipment. Products made using aromatics can reduce energy consumption and so have a positive impact on the environment: lightweight plastic components in vehicles and aircraft, for example, and insulating foams in houses and offices are made with the help of aromatics (For more on aromatics and their uses, see What are aromatics? and Aromatics in everyday life).

What we do

The Aromatics Producers Association is committed to developing a co-ordinated approach to health, safety, environment, distribution and technical issues, whilst promoting the competitiveness of the industry.

The Association also conducts work in the technical, toxicological and environmental areas to ensure that European and international regulations on classification and exposure limits for aromatics are based on sound science.

Want to know more?

Our brochure "Aromatics - Improving the Quality of Your Life" (available in six languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch) will tell you, in a nutshell, about the uses and everyday applications of aromatics, and how the industry manages the risks involved in their production and handling.

Should you have any further questions or comments, please use our contact form and you will be sure to hear from us.