Sodium chlorate (NaClO3) is an industrial inorganic sodium salt primarily used in the pulp and paper industry to produce chlorine dioxide, a common pulp-bleaching agent. Other significant applications of sodium chlorate include water treatment and the production of pesticides and herbicides. For instance, in North America, over 90% of sodium chlorate consumption is attributed to its use in paper and pulp processing, while pesticide and herbicide production accounts for just 2% of total sodium chlorate consumption. Consequently, the demand for paper products is a key driver of the sodium chlorate market.
For example, the steady growth of the bleached pulp market in South America prompted Kemira to expand its sodium chlorate production capacity by 10% at its plant in Ortigueira, Brazil, in 2024. Kemira, a global leader in the production and supply of chemicals for the pulp and paper industry, is a major producer of sodium chlorate. Similarly, supported by the growing pulp and paper industry in South America, the Dutch company Nouryon has significantly increased its sodium chlorate production capacity in the region by launching a new facility in Ribas do Rio Pardo, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Nouryon operates its sodium chlorate facilities under the Integrated Manufacturing Model, also known as the Chemical Island model. This process integrates the customer’s pulp mill with the production of sodium chlorate, chlorine dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide. The manufacturing site benefits from reduced transportation costs and incorporates various sustainable solutions and circular economy practices.
Sodium chlorate is also used in smaller quantities in sectors such as oil and gas well drilling, ore processing, medical disinfection, and the production of explosives, dyes, fabrics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Available in both solution and crystal forms, sodium chlorate is primarily produced through the electrolysis of sodium chloride brine, a process that is highly energy-intensive. Therefore, the effective energy management of sodium chlorate manufacturing facilities should be prioritized.
Sodium chlorate: structure of the global consumption, by region
North America remains a key regional market for sodium chlorate, with Canada being the world’s leading exporter of sodium chlorate. In 2023, Canada’s sodium chlorate exports totalled 381 thousand metric tonnes, valued at USD 244.8 million. Other major sodium chlorate-exporting countries in 2023 included France, the United States, and China, with exports valued at USD 44 million, USD 41 million, and USD 40 million, respectively. Interestingly, the United States is a significant importer of sodium chlorate, sourcing about 60% of its total consumption through imports (the U.S. consumes over 800 thousand metric tonnes of sodium chlorate per year). In 2023, U.S. sodium chlorate imports were valued at USD 167 million. Globally, sodium chlorate consumption is approximately 4 million metric tonnes per year.
The use of sodium chlorate in water treatment and agrochemical production raises serious concerns due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment. Excessive sodium chlorate residues in food can pose significant dangers, with a major source of such residues potentially originating from water treated with sodium chlorate-based disinfectants. The sale and use of sodium chlorate in plant protection products and pesticides are banned in the EU. While the risks associated with sodium chlorate use are substantial, they can be mitigated through strict adherence to safety standards and regulations.
Find a detailed analysis of the sodium chlorate market in the in-demand research report “Sodium Chlorate: 2024 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2033”.