Sodium chlorite (NaClO2) is a chemical compound used in the manufacturing of paper and as a disinfectant. Sodium chlorite, NaClO2, sometimes in combination with zinc chloride, also finds application as a component in therapeutic rinses, mouthwashes, toothpastes and gels, mouth sprays, as preservative in eye drops, and in contact lens cleaning solution under the trade name Purite. It is also used for sanitizing air ducts and HVAC/R systems and animal containment areas (walls, floors, and other surfaces).
Sodium chlorite may be a white colored, odorless powder which is used within the production of dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is used in bleaching papers, textiles, pulps and it finds use in purification of water. Sodium chlorite is water soluble and slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol. The water purification systems in industries, hospitals, city municipal bodies make extensive use of sodium chlorite. Chlorine dioxide produced from sodium chlorite is FDA approved for water disinfection purposes. Anhydrous variety of sodium chlorite is used commercially, because it isn't hygroscopic and doesn't cake during storage. Acidified sodium chlorite is used widely as an anti microbial agent in hospitals and therefore the food industry.
The global sodium chlorate market reached a volume of 4.3 Million Tons in 2019, registering a CAGR of 4.2% during 2014-2019. The market is further projected to reach a volume of around 5.1 Million Tons by 2025, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.9% during 2020-2025. Sodium chlorate (NaClO3) is an inorganic chemical compound manufactured by the electrolysis of brine (NaCl). A powerful oxidizing agent, sodium chlorate is an odorless, pale-yellow crystalline solid and readily dissolves in water. It is inflammable in nature in pure form and acts as an extreme combustion accelerant in the presence of flammable materials during decomposition. Currently, sodium chlorate is widely used in the preparation of chlorine dioxide which is employed as a bleaching agent in the manufacturing of bleached pulp.
Sodium chlorite is used for on-site production of chlorine dioxide, which is further used as a bleaching agent in paper and straw production. Furthermore, rising demand for the product in paper recycling process is likely to propel growth. The chemical finds application within the food & beverage, pesticides, electronics, and metal processing industries. In food & beverage industry it's used as bleaching, and antimicrobial agent. However, stringent regulations associated with the quantities of the chemical utilized in food items, because of its toxic nature are expected to hamper product demand. Asia Pacific was the most important market shareholder of the worldwide sodium chlorite market in 2016, accounting for 38.7% of the general market revenue in 2016. The rising pulp & paper industry application within the region is predicted to drive the market. The market in North America is expected to be driven by high consumption levels of sodium chlorite for water treatment.
Few Indian major players are as under
Andhra Sugars Ltd.
Excel Industries Ltd.
Hindusthan Heavy Chemicals Ltd.
Sree Rayalaseema Hi-Strength Hypo Ltd.
