Scientifically known as sodium carbonate, soda ash is an alkali chemical whose employment is expected to
rise over the coming years across various industries owing to its favorable properties, says Transparency
Market Research (TMR) in a research report. The report is titled, "Soda Ash Market - Global Industry Analysis,Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016–2023.
Soda ash is an important raw material employed in the manufacturing of industrial products such as detergents,chemicals, and glass. It is available in three forms – dense, light, and medium. Soda ash is produced syntheticallyfrom limestone and salt through the Solvay process. The report cites a finding of the U.S. Geological Survey, according to which, approximately 30% of the total soda ash in the U.S. is used in the production of glass. Likewise, the demand for soda ash is substantially high in the chemical industry. Soda ash is used to manufacture chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate,photographic chemicals, chrome chemicals, and sodium silicate.
The study further states that as soda ash is employed as an organic builder in detergents and soaps, the rising demand in this industry is expected to bode well for the growth of the global soda ash market. One of the key applications of soda ash is water treatment, where it is used as a water softener by controlling the pH levels. It is also significantly used for making paper.
China is expected to be closely trailed by the U.S. Some of the leading companies in the market are Oriental Chemical Industries,DCW Limited, Ciech SA, FMC Corporation, GHCL Limited, Nirma Limited, Tata Chemicals, and Solvay Chemicals.
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