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Sodium carbonate is a white crystalline solid that is also known as disodium
carbonate or soda ash. It is a member of the chlor-alkali chemical family and
competes with caustic soda as a source of alkali (sodium oxide) in many processes.
About 70% of world soda ash production is derived from synthetic processes
and 30% is recovered from natural trona deposits and surface brines. Commercial
soda ash is highly purified and is sold in various grades that differ primarily
in bulk density.
Developed countries have higher per capita consumption of soda ash but lower
growth rates than developing countries. However, the end-use patterns are basically
the same for both. Glass production accounts for half of global soda ash consumption,
with commercial and residential construction driving flat glass demand, whereas
consumer packaging trends, recycling and competition from other packaging materials
dictate use in container glass. The second-largest market for soda ash is the
chemicals sector, where it is used as an alkali source in numerous chemical
processes and as a feedstock in the production of sodium chemicals. The third
major use for soda ash is in formulated detergents and cleaners as a builder.
Worldwide, most sodium carbonate is produced synthetically. In the United
States, however, production from natural sources has been the predominant practice
since 1974. Natural sodium carbonate became the only source when the last U.S.
synthetic sodium carbonate plant shut down in January 1986. The United States
has 95% of total world natural capacity. Natural soda ash is also produced
from mining operations in the former USSR, China, Mexico and Kenya.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of sodium carbonate:
World production of soda ash in 2005 is estimated at 42.4 million metric tons,
equivalent to an 89% operating rate. Global consumption is projected to increase
at an average annual rate of 2% over the next five years, reaching almost 46
million metric tons in 2010. The top three exporting regions in 2005 were the
United States, China and Europe.
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