SODIUM METABISULFITE MARKET ANALYSIS

Sodium metabisulfite, also known as sodium pyrosulfite or disodium, is an inorganic compound comprising sulfur, sodium and oxygen. Its chemical formula is Na₂S₂O₅ and it occurs in a white or yellowish-white crystalline powder. It easily dissolves in water. Sodium metabisulfite is widely used as a food preservative for dried foods such as raisins, potato chips and apples, and also in fruit concentrate juices. It acts as an antimicrobial in food preservation preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria, thus keeping food fresh and safe.

Sodium metabisulfite is used as a reducing agent in the purification of ketones and aldehydes, in the manufacturing of resin and sulfonated oil, for detoxification of cyanide in gold ore processing plants and in the production of photographic chemicals.

Sodium Metabisulfite Market Taxonomy

On the basis of function, the global sodium metabisulfite market is classified into:

• Sanitizing agent
• Preservative
• Cleaning Agent
• Reducing agent
• Floating Agent
• Bleaching Agent

On the basis of grade, the global sodium metabisulfite market is classified into:

• Food
• Technical Grade
• Photo Grade

On the basis of end use industry, the global sodium metabisulfite market is classified into:

• Pharmaceutical
• Water Treatment
• Paper and Pulp
• Food and Beverages
• Photographic Industry
• Others

Sodium metabisulfite is used in wines and beers, as it acts as both a sterilizer and an antioxidant in the process of fermenting wine or brewing beer. It is extensively used in the water treatment industry for purification of water, cleaning water pipes and in reverse osmosis membranes for desalinization equipment owing to its antibacterial property. In the pharmaceuticals industry, sodium metabisulfite is used as an antioxidant additive in injectable medicines and also as a reducing agent in pharmaceuticals.

Sodium Metabisulfite Market Outlook – Increasing Application the Food Industry to be the Major Market Driver  

Asia Pacific and North America are expected to be the most potential markets for sodium metabisulfite manufacturers. Asia Pacific market is projected to witness relatively high growth in terms of value over the forecast period. Rapidly growing food industry coupled with increasing population has boosted the growth of sodium metabisulfite market in the region. This trend is expected to be followed over the forecast period. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research service, the U.S. food and beverage manufacturing industry employed over 1.5 million people in 2015. Over 34,000 food and beverage manufacturing plants are present throughout the region. According to IBEF India, the Indian Personal care products market is expected to reach total revenue of US$ 20 billion by the end of 2025. India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) is a Trust established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce in collaboration with the Government of India with the purpose of promoting and creating international awareness of goods manufactured in India.

Extensive use of sodium metabisulfite in food industry has boosted the growth of sodium bisulfite market, especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. Product plant expansion, developing innovative portfolio are some of the key strategies adopted by the top players in the global sodium metabisulfite market. In 2011, Aditya Birla Chemicals acquired its major competitor, the Chloro Chemicals Division of Kanoria Chemicals based in Renukoot. This will enhance the portfolio of the Aditya Birla Chemicals Business. With this acquisition, the Aditya Birla Chemicals Business ranks as one of the leading players in the chlor-alkali segment in India and has added 129,000 TPA to the existing caustic manufacturing capacity of 105,000 TPA. Some of the major companies operating in the global sodium metabisulfite market include BASF SE, Shandong Kailong Chemical Technology Development Co. Ltd, Solvay, Aditya Birla Chemicals, The Dow Chemical Company, Evonik Industries, Arkema, Qingdao Tianya Chemical Co., Ltd, Hans Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. and Ultramarine India Pvt. Ltd.

Key Developments:

• In March 2017, Hydrite Chemical acquired SERVCO, a specialty chemical company. This will help the company to expand its geographic reach and serve the customers more effectively. This new capacity enables the company to cater the growing demand from customers operating globally in the industrial water treatment, chemical & pharma and textile industry.
• In 2011, Aditya Birla Chemicals acquired its major competitor, the Chloro Chemicals Division of Kanoria Chemicals based in Renukoot. This will enhance the portfolio of the Aditya Birla Chemicals Business. With this acquisition, the Aditya Birla Chemicals Business ranks as one of the leading players in the chlor-alkali segment in India and has added 129,000 TPA to the existing caustic manufacturing capacity of 105,000 TPA.