Caustic soda (flakes/32–50% lye)

industrially produced by electrolysis of sodium chloride solution in the chlor‑alkali process

supplied to the market as:

• high‑purity caustic soda flakes for on‑site solution preparation
• 32–50% aqueous lye for direct dosing

available in multiple packaging types (bags, drums, IBCs, bulk tankers) for small and large users

offered in standard and improved (low‑salt, low‑metal) grades depending on process requirements

Household chemicals industry

Caustic soda flakes and 32–50% lye are core alkaline components in drain openers, oven cleaners, heavy‑duty degreasers and traditional solid and liquid soap manufacture. They enable rapid breakdown of fats, proteins, food residues and other organic deposits, giving home care manufacturers high cleaning efficiency and wide formulation flexibility in line with target performance and safety profiles.

Industrial cleaning industry

In industrial cleaning, 32–50% lye is the standard for preparing CIP solutions, foams and immersion baths for degreasing equipment, tanks, pipelines and floors in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and process industries. Flakes are used where on‑site preparation of solutions at specific concentrations is required. NaOH ensures effective removal of grease, protein and carbonaceous soils, and in combination with surfactants and chelants delivers high cleanliness with controlled impact on equipment materials.

Metallurgical industry

In the metallurgical industry, caustic soda is used for alkaline degreasing of metal surfaces prior to galvanizing, painting and other protective treatments, as well as in selected hydrometallurgical purification and precipitation steps. Solutions based on flakes or 32–50% lye effectively remove oils, cooling emulsions and particulates, providing a clean, active metal surface. It is also applied for pH adjustment and neutralization of acidic effluents from metallurgical operations.

Mining industry

In mining, NaOH is applied for pH control in flotation circuits, influencing mineral surface charge, collector selectivity and overall ore recovery. In hydrometallurgical processes, caustic soda solutions dissolve target mineral phases and support separation of gangue material. Concentrated 32–50% lye simplifies transport and automated dosing, while flakes are preferred at remote mines and plants relying on local solution preparation.

Oil and gas industry

In the oil and gas industry, caustic soda is used to adjust the pH of drilling and workover fluids, improving mud stability, reducing corrosivity and optimizing particle dispersion. In refineries, NaOH solutions are used in caustic washing of gaseous and liquid fractions to remove H₂S, mercaptans and organic acids. It is also applied in wastewater treatment, neutralization of acidic process streams and conditioning of effluents prior to further physico‑chemical treatment.

Paper industry

In the paper industry, caustic soda is a key chemical in kraft pulping, chemical upgrading and partial bleaching of pulp. Controlled use of 32–50% lye governs lignin and hemicellulose removal, fiber quality, stock rheology and final paper strength. Additionally, NaOH is used for pH control in paper recycling systems and in the treatment of process and wastewater streams within the mill.

Textile industry

In the textile industry, NaOH is essential for cotton mercerization, desizing, de‑greasing and fiber preparation before dyeing. Solutions made from flakes or 32–50% lye modify the structure of cellulosic fibers, increasing luster, strength and dye uptake. Accurate control of concentration and processing conditions ensures stable shades, uniform fabric appearance and reproducible results in large‑scale production.

Water treatment industry

In water treatment, caustic soda is widely used for:

• pH adjustment of raw, process and cooling water
• neutralization of acidic wastewater prior to further treatment or discharge
• regeneration of cation‑exchange resins in demineralization systems

Use of 32–50% lye enables direct, automatic dosing with fine pH control, while flakes are employed in smaller plants and installations where on‑site solution preparation is more practical.