Salt is inherent in both animal and plant life, existing alongside the inception of life itself. It likely existed in the initial vegetation that provided sustenance to the earliest creatures. Originally, the term "salt" referred to the residue remaining after the evaporation of seawater. Over time, this term was broadened to encompass all substances dissolved in seawater. Chemists later expanded its application to include all compounds resulting from the combination of an acid and a base.

The estimated global market size for purified salt was USD 15.3 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach approximately USD 26.8 billion by 2030. 

Salt is a chemical compound composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl). It is a crystalline structure that is commonly used as a seasoning or preservative in food, as well as for various industrial applications. 

Sodium Chloride (NaCl), now commonly referred to as common salt, serves as an illustration of the most basic form of chemical salt. This compound is a vital component of bodily fluids and plays a crucial role in various essential functions within the body. Additionally, it serves as a key raw material for the production of diverse chemical products.

"Purified salt" typically refers to salt that has undergone a refining or purification process to remove impurities and contaminants. Common impurities in salt include minerals, metals, and other substances that may be present in the natural salt deposits.

Converting normal salt into purified salt typically involves a refining or purification process to remove impurities and contaminants. Here is a basic overview of the steps involved:

  1. Source Selection:  Start with high-quality salt, such as table salt or rock salt. The quality of the source material can affect the ease of purification.

  2. Dissolving the Salt: Dissolve the salt in water to create a solution. This step helps in separating the impurities from the salt crystals.

  3. Filtration: Use a fine mesh or filtration system to remove insoluble particles, sediment, or any larger impurities from the salt solution. This step is crucial for eliminating physical impurities.

  4. Evaporation: Allow the filtered salt solution to evaporate slowly. As the water evaporates, salt crystals will start to form. This step helps to concentrate the salt and remove water-soluble impurities.

  5. Crystallization: Promote the controlled crystallization of salt from the solution. This can be done by cooling the solution or by allowing it to evaporate further. The goal is to encourage the formation of pure salt crystals while leaving impurities behind.

  6. Washing: Wash the salt crystals with clean water to remove any remaining impurities on the surface. This step ensures that the final product is as pure as possible.

  7. Drying: Dry the washed salt crystals thoroughly. This can be done through air drying or using controlled heating methods. The result is purified salt ready for use. 

It's important to note that the specific purification methods can vary depending on the scale of production and the intended use of the purified salt. In industrial settings, additional processes like ion exchange or recrystallization may be employed for more thorough purification.


Purified salt is often used in various industries, including food production, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment, where the absence of certain impurities is crucial. It's important to note that different methods of purification may be employed based on the intended use of the salt.

Purified Salt Market Overview

The estimated global market size for purified salt was USD 15.3 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach approximately USD 26.8 billion by 2030. The market is poised to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.43% from 2022 to 2030. Despite facing intense competition, the global recovery trend instills optimism in investors, leading to expectations of continued new investments in the sector.

The demand for purified salt is primarily propelled by its diverse application areas, with a significant focus on chemical processing. Industrial salts serve as crucial raw materials in the production of caustic soda, chlorine, and soda ash. The heightened demand for these chemicals, particularly in emerging economies such as China and India, is anticipated to drive the consumption of industrial salts. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest market growth, especially in the chlor-alkali industry.

In Europe, the industrial salt market is expected to experience a gradual growth pace as the chlor-alkali industry undergoes a transition with the discontinuation of mercury-based technology for caustic soda manufacturing. Despite the ongoing shift leading to the conversion or closure of manufacturing facilities, the market is poised for resurgence post-transition. The establishment of new manufacturing facilities in countries like Egypt and India is anticipated to enhance the global production capacity of caustic soda, consequently boosting the industrial salt market. Moreover, an increasing number of water treatment projects are expected to drive the demand for industrial salts.

The significance of industrial salts in water treatment is evident, with numerous projects underway globally. In India alone, 27 water treatment projects are either under construction or in the pre-construction stage, utilizing industrial salts for water softening and purification processes. Additionally, the use of industrial salts in de-icing applications is influenced by geographic and regional climatic patterns. Countries experiencing high snowfall accumulate industrial salts to clear roadways, with past instances of salt shortages prompting countries to stockpile more inventories for de-icing purposes.

Market Growth Trend

The global industrial salt market is on the cusp of significant growth, fueled by several key factors that underscore its indispensable role in various industries. The coming years are poised to witness a surge in demand for industrial salt, primarily driven by the extensive manufacturing of caustic soda and chlorine on a large scale. These essential applications, along with the versatility of industrial salt, make it a cornerstone for diverse industries, including agriculture, chemical processing, and water treatment.

Chemical industries worldwide heavily rely on industrial salts, particularly in the production processes of chlorine, caustic soda, and soda ash. The uniqueness of industrial salt lies in its cost-effectiveness, making it the preferred choice for manufacturers when compared to other, more expensive alternatives in the market. This cost advantage positions industrial salt as an unrivaled and essential component for the production of crucial chemicals.

The market's growth is further propelled by the limited alternatives available, with other products being comparatively more expensive and less preferred by many industries. Both local and global manufacturers contribute to the supply chain, offering industrial salts in various forms to cater to diverse industry needs. However, it is crucial to note that the market's price sensitivity, stemming from the extraction of raw materials from natural resources, places a constraint on profit margins for organizations operating within this space.

Water treatment and chemical processing emerge as major growth drivers for industrial salt, with large-scale usage anticipated in these applications in the foreseeable future. The pivotal role of industrial salt in manufacturing chlorine, caustic soda, and soda ash for chemical processing solidifies its position as a fundamental catalyst for industry growth.

The availability of industrial salt in diverse forms further augments market expansion. This versatility not only meets the specific demands of various industries but also contributes to the creation of an extensive product portfolio. As the demand for industrial salt continues to rise, the market's dynamic landscape is set to provide ample opportunities for both existing and new players, marking a promising trajectory for growth in the coming years.