Acetaldehyde has a wide range of applications and is a raw material in the manufacture of many everyday products, such as paint binders, plasticisers and superabsorbents in baby nappies.

Acetaldehyde is also used in the manufacture of various types of building materials, fire protection paints, synthetic lubricants and explosives. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used, among other things, in the manufacture of vitamins, sleeping aids and sedatives. Acetaldehyde is also often used as a base when producing acetic acid, which is also a basic chemical with many uses.

In the food industry, Acetaldehyde is used in the manufacture of preservatives and flavourings and occurs naturally in fruit and fruit juices. Acetaldehyde arises naturally during fermentation and is found in low levels in foodstuffs such as milk products, soy products, pickled vegetables and non-alcoholic beverages.