Caustic soda, commonly called lye or sodium hydroxide, is used in chemical reactions to neutralize acidic materials and to induce chemical reactions. For these reasons, uses for caustic soda are extremely varied. It can be used as a cleanser to dissolve oil and protein deposits. Caustic soda has been used in soap production, paper making, food preparation, chemical analysis and water treatment processes.
Before attempting to locate a caustic soda manufacturing company, there are some questions that you will first need to answer. Having these answers will help in determining which caustic soda suppliers will be the best one for you.
1. Do you need food grade or industrial grade caustic soda?
2. Do you need liquid or solid forms of caustic soda?
3. For what purpose will you be using the caustic soda?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Buy food grade caustic soda for use in industrial kitchens
Food grade caustic soda is often used in commercial kitchens to clean and peel fruits and vegetables. Caustic soda is an essential ingredient when baking authentic German pretzels and gives these pretzels its signature hard crunch.
I recommend: Georgia Gulf Corporation is a caustic soda vendor selling the product in food grade and industrial grade formats.
AAA Chemicals is a food grade caustic soda distributor. Contact them for wholesale pricing.
Voigt Global Distribution Inc. is a caustic soda distributor who offers discounts on bulk purchases.
Determine the form of caustic soda
Caustic soda production companies sell the product commercially in different solid forms such as flakes, pellets, sticks or chips. It is sold in liquid forms in various chemical concentrations depending upon your business needs. Chemical processing, water treatment plants and the pulp and paper industries use the liquid form much more frequently than the solid form of caustic soda.
I recommend: Certified Lye is a caustic soda supplier selling the product in 20 ounce canisters designed for resale and also by the pound.
Cole-Parmer is one of the caustic soda manufacturers making the product in both liquid and crystal forms.
Buy in bulk from caustic soda vendors
Some caustic soda companies will sell the product in bulk. If your business requires 1600 pounds of caustic soda, you will be able to buy it in that quantity at a reduced price over smaller 50 pound drum sales. Caustic soda must be stored and handled in well-ventilated areas so keep that in mind when determining the quantity that you are going to purchase.
I recommend: Caustic soda manufacturers such as
Occidental Petroleum Corporation and
Alfa Aesar sells in bulk so you can buy the product by the 50-gallon drum or larger if needed.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Caustic soda must be stored in air-tight containers as it will absorb moisture from the air.
- Caustic soda is classified as a corrosive material and is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Great care must be taken when transporting and handling the material.
The official source of Caustic Soda is the Caustic Soda page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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