Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose engineered for European-standard external thermal insulation systems. Better water retention than HPMC at low temperatures. The preferred choice for cold-climate construction.
| Property | HEMC | HPMC |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-temperature water retention | ✓ Excellent | ~ Moderate |
| Bio-degradation resistance | ✓ High | ✗ Lower |
| EN 998-1 ETICS suitability | ✓ Recommended | ~ Acceptable |
| Google Ads competition | ✓ Very Low | ✗ High |
If you're manufacturing ETICS/EIFS base coat or exterior plaster, you may have encountered these issues.
Standard HPMC loses water retention below 10°C, causing cement hydration failure and weak adhesion in winter construction.
HPMC’s methylcellulose backbone is susceptible to microbial attack in damp conditions, reducing shelf life and on-wall durability.
Inadequate workability and poor sag resistance in exterior renders leads to surface cracking, delamination and costly repairs.
European specifiers increasingly require HEMC (not HPMC) for ETICS formulations. Using HPMC may limit your ability to supply EU projects.
Wind and sun exposure on facades reduces HPMC-based mortar open time, making application difficult for installers working on large areas.
Insufficient long-term adhesion between base coat and EPS/XPS boards leads to system failure — delamination is the #1 ETICS defect.
HEMC (also known as MHEC in Europe) is specifically designed for exterior wall systems and cold-climate construction.
Maintains excellent water retention down to 5°C, ensuring proper cement hydration even in winter construction conditions.
Hydroxyethyl groups provide higher resistance to enzymatic and microbial attack. Longer shelf life and better on-wall durability.
Higher yield stress and thixotropic behavior prevents material slumping on vertical surfaces — critical for thick base coat application.
Recommended by EN 998-1 for ETICS base coat formulations. The preferred cellulose ether for European specifiers and architects.
Understand the key differences to choose the right cellulose ether for your formulation.
Our HEMC/MHEC meets the key European requirements for construction chemicals.
Rendering & plastering mortar with inorganic binders. HEMC is the recommended cellulose ether for ETICS base coat.
ETICS with expanded polystyrene (EPS) as insulation. Base coat adhesive with HEMC meets adhesion & water retention requirements.
European Technical Assessment. Our HEMC helps ETICS system manufacturers achieve CE marking for their complete systems.
Cellulose ethers are classified as natural polymers under REACH Article 2(9) — exempt from registration. Full SDS provided.
Specifically engineered for exterior wall systems and cold-weather construction applications.
Primary application. HEMC provides superior adhesion to EPS/XPS boards, excellent water retention for full cement hydration, and crack resistance for long-term durability.
Maintains water retention and workability at temperatures as low as 5°C. Essential for Nordic, Central European and high-altitude construction sites.
Anti-sag performance for thick render application, enhanced bio-resistance for long-term exterior durability, excellent compatibility with lime and cement.
For facade tile installation in varying weather conditions. Extended open time and strong adhesion compensate for wind and temperature fluctuations.
Enhanced bond strength and shrinkage compensation for structural and non-structural concrete repairs in outdoor environments.
Used as thickener and water retention agent in mineral facade paints. Better mildew resistance compared to HPMC for exterior exposure.
Custom viscosity available. Also compatible with MECELLOSE, WALOCEL and Tylose MHEC specifications.
| Grade | Viscosity (mPa.s) | Key Feature | Recommended Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| EM 20K | 10,000 – 25,000 | Smooth workability, easy troweling | Thin-layer exterior plaster, skim coat |
| EM 30K Best Seller | 25,000 – 35,000 | Balanced performance, universal use | ETICS base coat, cement render, facade plaster |
| EM 40K Popular | 35,000 – 45,000 | High water retention, anti-sag | ETICS base coat (thick layer), exterior putty |
| EM 60K | 50,000 – 65,000 | Maximum sag resistance | Thick render, vertical repair mortar |
| EM 80K | 65,000 – 80,000 | Highest viscosity, premium adhesion | Winter mortar, demanding ETICS systems |
Standard quality parameters. Full TDS, COA and SDS available upon request.
| Product Name | Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC / MHEC) |
| Also Known As | MHEC, Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose |
| CAS Number | 9004-65-3 (cellulose ether family) |
| Appearance | White to off-white free-flowing powder |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 5% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 5% |
| Methoxy Content | 20% – 26% |
| Hydroxyethoxy Content | 5% – 12% |
| pH Value (2% solution) | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Viscosity Range | 12,000 – 80,000 mPa.s (Brookfield RV, 2% solution, 20°C) |
| Gel Temperature | 65°C – 80°C (higher than HPMC) |
| Particle Size | 90% pass through 100 mesh |
| Bio-Resistance | High (hydroxyethyl modification) |
| Safety Certification | FDA compliant, REACH exempt (polymer) |
| Packaging | 25 kg/bag, multi-layer kraft bag with PE inner liner |
| Container Loading | 20 GP: ~12 tons | 40 HC: ~24 tons |
| HS Code | 39123900 |
Direct manufacturer with full quality control. No middleman, no compromise.
Most Chinese factories produce only HPMC. We have separate production lines and R&D specifically for HEMC/MHEC, ensuring consistent quality for European applications.
Our MHEC grades are equivalent to Dow WaloCel, Ashland Natrosol, Shin-Etsu Metolose and Tylose MHEC. Cross-reference data available for direct substitution.
Direct from manufacturer to your plant. Competitive pricing for bulk orders. Flexible MOQ (1 ton standard, smaller trial orders accepted).
Our technical team understands EN 998-1, EN 13499 and ETAG 004 requirements. We can recommend the optimal grade and dosage for your ETICS system.
200g–500g free samples shipped via FedEx/DHL within 7 days. Test with your formulation before committing to a bulk order.
Our products are made from high-standard, pure, refined cotton, and we have stable raw material suppliers.
✅ Comprehensive TDS & Brochure – Get in-depth technical details about our HEMC.
✅ Free Sample (200g or 400g per bag) – Test our high-quality HEMC in your formulations.
✅ Fast & Reliable Delivery – Shipped via FedEx or DHL straight to your door.
✅ Expert Support – Assistance with formula adjustments and technical guidance.
Available in:
• 500kg/Pallet (4 bags/ layer) • 600kg/Pallet (4 bags/ layer) • Customized packaging
*Notes:Please make sure Michem MHEC products are sealed and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or fire sources.
Feedback from European and global ETICS system producers who upgraded from HPMC to our HEMC.
HEMC (hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose) uses ethylene oxide instead of propylene oxide for modification. This gives HEMC higher gel temperature, better bio-degradation resistance, and superior water retention at low temperatures. HEMC is often called MHEC in European markets.
In most cases, yes — HEMC can directly substitute HPMC with similar viscosity grade. However, we recommend testing with a free sample first, as slight dosage adjustments may be needed. Our technical team can provide substitution guidelines.
Standard MOQ is 1 ton. For trial orders, smaller quantities are negotiable. Free samples (200g–500g) are always available via FedEx/DHL.
Yes. Cellulose ethers (including HEMC) are classified as natural polymers under REACH Article 2(9) and are exempt from registration. We provide full SDS documentation for compliance.
For standard ETICS base coat (3-5mm), MHEC 30K or MHEC 40K is most commonly used. For thicker applications (5-8mm) or demanding substrates, MHEC 60K is recommended. Contact our team for specific recommendations.
Tell us your application and target standards. We'll send free HEMC samples + cross-reference data within 3 days.
We will provide professional solutions to you promptly!
