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What is Industrial Methylated Spirit?

Commonly known as denatured alcohol, industrial methylated spirit is ethanol that has been treated with additives in order to become poisonous, bad tasting, smelly and nauseating. This is to discourage recreational consumption. In some cases, industrial methylated spirits are also dyed to deter human consumption.

Industrial methylated spirits were created to avoid paying taxes on alcohol. If it cannot be consumed, it is exempt from paying tax. Denaturing alcohol provides a solution to permit legitimate use and manufacture of ethanol for cheap industrial use.

Key properties include:

  • Chemical name: Industrial methylated spirit (denatured ethanol)
  • Chemical formula: C₂H₅OH (ethanol base with additives)
  • Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid (may be dyed depending on formulation)
  • Odour: Alcohol-like, often unpleasant due to additives
  • CAS number: Varies depending on formulation
  • Toxicity: Harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin

ReAgent can supply IMS in a wide range of pack sizes, from small laboratory bottles to 1000L IBCs, ensuring flexibility for all scales of use.

Applications of Industrial Methylated Spirit

Industrial methylated spirit is widely used as a cost-effective solvent, cleaning agent, and fuel substitute across numerous industries:

  • Pharmaceuticals – Used as a solvent and in the preparation of medicinal products
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care – Acts as a solvent in perfumes, hairsprays, and other formulations
  • Printing – Cleans rollers, plates, and machinery parts effectively
  • Laboratories – Used for sterilisation, disinfection, and as a solvent in chemical processes
  • Surface Cleaning – Applied in commercial cleaning products to dissolve oils, greases, and residues
  • Fuel – Serves as a low-cost fuel for camping stoves and spirit burners
    Polishes & Coatings – Acts as a base solvent in the production of polishes, varnishes, and other coatings
  • Paints & Inks – Used as a solvent and thinning agent in manufacturing formulations

Handling and Storage

As IMS is a flammable and toxic liquid, it requires careful handling:

  • Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames
  • Use chemically resistant containers such as HDPE or approved drums/IBCs
  • Avoid skin and eye contact – Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling
  • Do not ingest or inhale vapours, and ensure adequate ventilation

Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed safety and handling instructions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON INDUSTRIAL METHYLATED SPIRIT

You will need to register your interest in this product with The National Registration Unit before we can supply it to you. Please call them on 0141-555-3489 or 0141-555-3586 and they will send you a registration letter or if you wish you can contact them at:

National Registration Unit

Portcullis House

21 India Street

Glasgow

G2 4PZ

The process does not take long and National Registration Unit is normally very helpful.  This product is often referred to by them as ‘industrial denatured alcohol’, or IDA.

Why Choose ReAgent as Your IMS Supplier?

With almost 50 years of experience as a UK chemical manufacturer, ReAgent offers:

  • Bespoke packaging and labelling services
  • High-purity formulations meeting industry requirements
  • Fast, reliable nationwide delivery with ADR-registered couriers
  • Technical support and regulatory guidance to simplify purchasing

ReAgent is accredited to international standards including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and ISO 45001:2018, guaranteeing quality, safety, and environmental responsibility across all operations.

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Industrial Methylated Spirits (Denatured Alcohol) 95% FAQs

  • What types of industrial methylated spirits do you supply?

    We supply industrial methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) at concentrations of 95% and 99%.
  • Are your industrial methylated spirits denatured with methanol?

    Yes, they contain around 3.6% methanol.
  • What is the largest quantity of industrial methylated spirits I can order?

    The largest pack size available online is a 1000L IBC. However, we can supply larger quantities upon request. Please contact us on 0800 9555 798 for a quote.
  • How can I check if industrial methylated spirits are in stock?

    Please contact our team on 0800 9555 798 for stock availability.
  • Is there any specific documentation required to purchase industrial methylated spirits?

    An authorisation letter is required from HMRC to purchase industrial methylated spirits.
  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept all major credit cards, and you can also set up a credit account by speaking to our team.
  • How do I request a quote for a specific quantity of industrial methylated spirits?

    Please contact our friendly sales team, who will be happy to assist you.
  • Can you provide a price list for your industrial methylated spirits?

    Our prices are listed at the top of this page, or you can contact our sales team for a quote. We also offer bulk order discounts.
  • Are there discounts available for bulk orders?

    Yes, bulk orders made online will receive discounts applied during checkout, or you can call our friendly team.
  • Do you provide Certificates of Analysis (COA)?

    Yes, we provide Certificates of Analysis for industrial methylated spirits.
  • What are the specifications of your industrial methylated spirits?

    Please see our specifications here.
  • Do your industrial methylated spirits meet British Pharmacopoeia (BP) standards?

    We do not currently test in accordance with the BP monograph, however, we can carry out testing to specific grades if needed.
  • How can I open a credit account?

    Please get in touch with our team, who will help you open a credit account. You can contact them on 0800 9555 798.

Related resources

photo 1532094349884 543bc11b234d

What Are Methylated Spirits?

Commonly used methylated spirits is a general-purpose alcohol which is not fit for drinking. This is because approximately 10% methanol has been added to it, along with additives such as pyridine, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl

Read More »
photo 1532094349884 543bc11b234d

What Are Methylated Spirits?

Commonly used methylated spirits is a general-purpose alcohol which is not fit for drinking. This is because approximately 10% methanol has been added to it, along with additives such as pyridine, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl

Read More »

What is Industrial Methylated Spirit?

Commonly known as denatured alcohol, industrial methylated spirit is ethanol that has been treated with additives in order to become poisonous, bad tasting, smelly and nauseating. This is to discourage recreational consumption. In some cases, industrial methylated spirits are also dyed to deter human consumption.

Industrial methylated spirits were created to avoid paying taxes on alcohol. If it cannot be consumed, it is exempt from paying tax. Denaturing alcohol provides a solution to permit legitimate use and manufacture of ethanol for cheap industrial use.

Key properties include:

  • Chemical name: Industrial methylated spirit (denatured ethanol)
  • Chemical formula: C₂H₅OH (ethanol base with additives)
  • Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid (may be dyed depending on formulation)
  • Odour: Alcohol-like, often unpleasant due to additives
  • CAS number: Varies depending on formulation
  • Toxicity: Harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin

ReAgent can supply IMS in a wide range of pack sizes, from small laboratory bottles to 1000L IBCs, ensuring flexibility for all scales of use.

Applications of Industrial Methylated Spirit

Industrial methylated spirit is widely used as a cost-effective solvent, cleaning agent, and fuel substitute across numerous industries:

  • Pharmaceuticals – Used as a solvent and in the preparation of medicinal products
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care – Acts as a solvent in perfumes, hairsprays, and other formulations
  • Printing – Cleans rollers, plates, and machinery parts effectively
  • Laboratories – Used for sterilisation, disinfection, and as a solvent in chemical processes
  • Surface Cleaning – Applied in commercial cleaning products to dissolve oils, greases, and residues
  • Fuel – Serves as a low-cost fuel for camping stoves and spirit burners
    Polishes & Coatings – Acts as a base solvent in the production of polishes, varnishes, and other coatings
  • Paints & Inks – Used as a solvent and thinning agent in manufacturing formulations

Handling and Storage

As IMS is a flammable and toxic liquid, it requires careful handling:

  • Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames
  • Use chemically resistant containers such as HDPE or approved drums/IBCs
  • Avoid skin and eye contact – Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling
  • Do not ingest or inhale vapours, and ensure adequate ventilation

Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed safety and handling instructions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON INDUSTRIAL METHYLATED SPIRIT

You will need to register your interest in this product with The National Registration Unit before we can supply it to you. Please call them on 0141-555-3489 or 0141-555-3586 and they will send you a registration letter or if you wish you can contact them at:

National Registration Unit

Portcullis House

21 India Street

Glasgow

G2 4PZ

The process does not take long and National Registration Unit is normally very helpful.  This product is often referred to by them as ‘industrial denatured alcohol’, or IDA.

Why Choose ReAgent as Your IMS Supplier?

With almost 50 years of experience as a UK chemical manufacturer, ReAgent offers:

  • Bespoke packaging and labelling services
  • High-purity formulations meeting industry requirements
  • Fast, reliable nationwide delivery with ADR-registered couriers
  • Technical support and regulatory guidance to simplify purchasing

ReAgent is accredited to international standards including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and ISO 45001:2018, guaranteeing quality, safety, and environmental responsibility across all operations.

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