Soda ash, chemically known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), is one of the most consumed inorganic chemicals in the world, with global demand exceeding 70 million tonnes per year and forecast to grow to over 83 million tonnes by 2030.
A safe, versatile compound, it is an essential input across a broad range of industries. Glass manufacturing alone accounts for approximately 60% of global demand, with over 80% of future demand growth driven by renewable energy applications including solar PV panels and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. WE Soda produces natural soda ash from trona ore at our operations in Türkiye and the United States, offering both dense and light grades.
End uses
Glass
More than 60% of soda ash is used in glass production, mainly architectural, automotive and container glass as well as more specialist areas like fibre and borosilicate glass.
Detergents and cleaning
The alkalinity of soda ash makes it a valuable component in cleaning products, softening water, breaking down dirt and adding a gentle abrasive action.
Battery materials
Soda ash is used to purify lithium and convert it into lithium carbonate used in lithium-ion batteries as well as in battery recycling. It is also a key part of the development of sodium-ion battery technology.
Solar glass
The high purity, low iron flat glass used in PV panels requires soda ash in its production. It reduces energy use, improves the workability of glass and helps create the necessary transparency.
Chemicals
Our soda ash products are used in the creation of other useful compounds such as sodium silicate (water glass), caustic soda and sodium dichromate. All used in multiple applications.
Metals and mining
Our products help lower the melting point of impurities, making it easier to separate the metal from its ore. It also improves the quality and strength of metals.
Pulp and paper
Soda ash enhances paper quality by improving brightness and texture. It also reduces the need for more expensive chemicals and waste production.
Water treatment
The alkalinity of soda ash helps reduce the acidity and hardness of water. It prevents the corrosion of pipes and scaling of water systems.
Textile dyeing
Soda ash acts as a fixing agent to permanently bond dyes to fibres such as cotton and linen. It helps ensure bright, wash-fast colours.
Dense soda ash
Dense soda ash has a higher bulk density and a coarser granular structure, making it free-flowing, low dust and efficient to handle and transport. It is the preferred grade in glass manufacturing.
Light soda ash
Light soda ash is a finer particle structure, offering higher reactivity and superior blending properties. It is primarily used in detergent and chemical manufacturing.
