Methanex methodically makes methanol. The world's #1 producer of methanol (also known as wood alcohol), Methanex produces about 9.4 million tons per year from plants in Chile, the US, Canada, Egypt, New Zealand, and Trinidad. Methanol is used to produce acetic acid, formaldehyde, and other chemicals, which are found in products such as adhesives, paints, plastic bottles, polyester, and solvents. Methanol also is used as a blending additive for gasoline called dimethyl ether (DME). It's also used to make methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), which enhances octane and creates cleaner burning fuel, although production has declined because it has been found to be a groundwater contaminant.