Through its broad based membership the Association plays a stimulating role within the global methanol industry by improving communication between the different sectors of the supply chain, as well as establishing and maintaining technical stanndards.
The Association was founded in September 1987 and was officially established by Royal Decree published in Brussels on August 1988.

Membership is open to all companies whose activities involve production of methanol, marketing or distribution (including service companies) or the use of methanol as feedstock in further chemical process or for fuel purposes.

It should be noted that the Association represents all members and not any specific interest group. It can therefore fairly claim to represent all aspects of the Methanol industry covered by its members. Its activities are dedicated to promoting their joint interests.

These objectives are crystallised in the IMPCA Mission Statement :

" To provide an effective means of communication on matters of general and appropriate interest to its Members within the global methanol industry."

" To promote activities of potential benefit to its Members within the global methanol industry."

" To promote, through provision of Student Bursaries or other means as may be appropriate, a greater awareness of the benefits to be derived from the gas based industries of which methanol in particular, by increasing membership and Association links with Universities. "

The Association is governed by the Ordinary General Meeting and is directed by the Board, with day-to-day powers delegated to the Executive Committee. All Member Company Representatives are eligible for election to the Board and subsequently as Association officers. All elected posts are voluntary. All employees of Member Companies can be appointed to the working groups.

In order to ensure compliance with competition laws, Association documents, papers, minutes etc. are reviewed by lawyers in San Francisco and Brussels.