THE world's leading supplier of catalysts to the methanol market is to showcase its latest development at the World Methanol Conference this month.

Johnson Matthey Catalysts, of Teesside, will present a new generation of catalyst to help manufacturers increase methanol production.

Methanol is a chemical building block used to make many everyday items, including the favourite product of BBC's Changing Rooms, medium density fibreboard (MDF).

The company attended and presented a technical paper at the conference, which was held in Arizona, US, between November 10 and 12.

Frances Lynch, methanol marketing manager at the firm, said: "As the world's leading supplier of catalysts to the methanol industry, Johnson Matthey Catalysts is looking forward to being involved in this influential conference.

"We are continually working to improve the catalysts and technology we produce and this conference gives us the opportunity to meet our customers and showcase our latest technology."

The annual conference is attended by about 200 delegates from across the globe, both methanol producers and suppliers, and provides an opportunity to share the latest technology and advances in the methanol industry.