Published June 2021
Sodium chlorate is a white crystalline inorganic compound produced from salt (sodium chloride) and water in a reaction with electricity. Although not combustible, it decomposes to release oxygen (enhancing the combustion of other substances) and toxic fumes (chlorine). The largest use for sodium chlorate is for the generation of chlorine dioxide, which is used for bleaching chemical pulp. In 2020, this application represented over 90% of total global consumption. Without mainland China, the share of pulp bleaching in the total consumption of sodium chlorate is even higher at about 96%. Mainland China changes the global picture because of its large consumption for the production of fireworks, both through direct use or as potassium perchlorate. Other minor uses include production of potassium chlorate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium chlorite; weed control; and several other smaller applications. Consumption of sodium chlorate will remain closely linked to developments in the pulp and paper sector and the overall production of and demand for pulp and paper products.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of sodium chlorate:
Sodium chlorate demand is also dependent on its preferential use in the bleaching cycle. Hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and ozone can be used in addition to or instead of sodium chlorate in pulp bleaching, and accordingly, technological changes, as well as preferences for the economic advantages of one product over the other, will affect consumption.
The distribution of global production capacity follows the demand from the pulp and paper industry, and accordingly is shifting toward South America and Southeast Asia, where pulp capacities are increasing, whereas traditional pulp producing regions—Nordic Europe and North America—are stagnant.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
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