How Is Personal Care Industry Driving Sodium Sulphate Demand?

Sodium sulphate is widely used in the personal care industry, especially in the production of powdered detergents, which are being extensively used in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin American (LATAM), and African regions. The surging demand for powdered detergents in Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam can be primarily attributed to the macroeconomic growth in these countries. Besides, the shift from hand to machine-based washing of clothes in these countries will facilitate the consumption of this salt in the upcoming years.

Moreover, due to the surging use of glass in construction projects as artificial facades, owing to the recovery of the construction sector in developed countries and mounting investments being made in this sector, the sodium sulphate market will witness a 2.6% CAGR during the forecast period (2019–2024). According to P&S Intelligence, the sale of this compound generated $2,019.3 million in 2018, and this number will rise to more than $2,109.4 million by 2024. Sodium sulphate is used as a fining agent, which helps remove air bubbles from molten glass, in glass production.

At present, the sodium sulphate market is fragmented in nature, with the presence of only a few major players, such as MINERA DE SANTA MARTA S.A., China Lumena New Materials Corp., Nafine New Material Co. Ltd., Xinli Chemical, Sichuan Hongya Qingyijiang Sodium Sulphate Co. Ltd., JSC Kuchuksulphate, Grupo Industrial Crimidesa, and Jiangsu Yinzhu Chemical Group Co. Ltd. Currently, they are undertaking strategic measures, such as product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and geographical expansions, to gain a competitive edge.

Geographically, the APAC region accounted for the largest share in the sodium sulphate market in 2018, and it is expected to retain its dominance in the forecast years. The lead can be primarily credited to the enormous growth in the personal growth sector of China, which uses sodium sulphate as a raw material in the production of bodywashes, shampoos, soap bars, and other hygiene products. Additionally, the increasing consumption of the compound in the textile industry of China will lead to the market growth in the region.

Thus, the soaring demand for powdered detergents in the APAC, LATAM, and African regions and rising use of glass in the construction industry will create a huge requirement for sodium sulphate in the foreseeable future.