Introdustion – Basic Chemicals Industry Segment:
The chemical industry of Pakistan is diverse with economic significance and huge growth potential, particularly in the basic chemicals industry segment. With local production of approximately 3109 million MT, contributing 0.30% to the GDP during FY23. The substantial growth potential of the chemicals sector can drive Pakistan’s economy towards stability and greatness. Pakistan is a prominent key player in the chemicals sector encompassing all the big industries like pharmaceuticals, basic chemicals, cement, fertilizers, and pesticides. The diversity and vastness of chemicals make them perfect raw materials for complex processes and product development. Zarea Limited serves as a digital platform where you can procure quality industrial chemicals for your business seamlessly.
Comprehensive Overview of Basic Chemicals Industry of Pakistan:
In the previous blog, we have discussed the industrial chemicals and their types. Moving on to the Basic Chemicals Industry segment of Pakistan, its growth potential and its implications. Basic chemicals are among one of the three main categories of industrial chemicals produced in Pakistan playing a crucial role in various sectors for manufacturing further goods and products.
What are Basic Chemicals?
Basic chemicals are mass-produced and sold to the chemical and other industries to produce goods and products for the public. Basic chemicals are used to produce specialty and consumer products from detergents to petrochemicals. Tons of manufacturing processes require the utilization of basic chemicals.
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Classification of Basic Chemicals:
Basic chemicals can be categorized into two types based on their composition and structure: basic organic chemicals and basic inorganic chemicals.
- Organic compounds: Serve as the building blocks for basic organic chemicals. Organic compounds such as ethene, propene, butadiene, benzene, and ethanoic acid are present in the structural makeup of the primary organic compound used to create basic organic chemicals.
- Inorganic compounds: Which do not have carbon-hydrogen bonds, make up basic inorganic chemicals. Common inorganic chemicals include calcium carbonate, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, and others. They are frequently utilized in the production of plastics, fertilizers, soaps, construction materials, etc.
Basic Chemicals: Ideal Raw Materials:
Chemicals are manufactured in large quantities to meet the needs of various industries. They are created and marketed for the manufacturing of additional goods for the general public.
Caustic Soda
Caustic Soda is a widely used raw material in the chemical and diverse manufacturing sectors of Pakistan. It plays a role in producing a wide variety of items such as textiles, paper, soap, leather, detergents, etc. Caustic soda production in FY23 reached around 475,668MT, with higher sales volume and prices in that year.
Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is derived from the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution (Brine). The electrolysis of sodium chloride produces about 1.128MT of pure caustic soda per MT of chlorine. Electrolysis can be conducted using one of three types of cells: mercury cell, membrane cell, or diaphragm cell.
Soda Ash
Soda Ash is an another widely used raw material and fundamental chemical that is extensively manufactured in Pakistan is salt. Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash (Na2CO3), can be found in the market as a white or granular powder in both light and dense forms. Heavy soda ash is frequently used as a primary ingredient in making industrial chemicals, while light soda ash functions as a pH adjuster in numerous industrial procedures.
Sodium chloride, which is the primary source of soda ash, can be turned into sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride by reacting it with ammonia and carbon dioxide. Next, the materials are warmed up in order to create sodium carbonate (soda ash). In the production of ammonia and calcium chloride, lime is also used to react with ammonium chloride. In the fiscal year 2023, the total soda ash production reached around 736,658 metric tons. Soda ash makes up about 0.1% of the basic chemicals industry sector in Pakistan’s Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) industry.
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3)
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a compound made up of sodium cations and bicarbonate anions. It is a crystalline white solid that presents itself as a fine powder. It is frequently employed in drinks, in different industrial procedures such as wool preparation, and for tanning functions. Sodium bicarbonate is frequently used as a primary ingredient in the manufacturing of sodium acetate and sodium carbonate. Moreover, it is utilized for pH adjustment, counteracting acidic waste, and as an absorbent for odors.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) possesses high oxidizing properties but can act as a reducing agent for certain strong oxidants.  It is a colorless viscous liquid that is unstable; on decomposition, it produces water along with oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide’s production capacity clocked in at approximately 42,131MT on June 23. Imports and local production were approximately 20% and 80%, respectively from FY19-23.
The reaction between hydrogen and anthraquinone is catalyzed by palladium to produce hydrogen peroxide commercially. Palladium is filtered out and the remaining solution is oxidized by introducing air through the solution. Hydrogen peroxide produced and is extracted through liquid-liquid columns and is concentrated at the end through vacuum distillation. Hydrogen peroxide has great demand in the industrial segment of Pakistan. It is used in bleaching, sterilizing, and in various manufacturing sectors like textile, paper, healthcare, etc.
Conclusion:
Pakistan’s basic chemicals industry has significant growth potential, driven by the rapidly expanding domestic market and accelerating industrialization. With the right policies and infrastructure by the government, we can reach the highest levels of productivity and quality. The import of raw materials can be reduced if they are produced locally without compromising the quality and yield. As for the basic chemicals sector of Pakistan, which is the driving force behind other industries, it is crucial to invest in research and development to promote the local manufacturing of the basic chemicals. Zarea Limited strives to promote local industries to achieve this vision therefore we offer basic chemicals in bulk for your businesses and large-scale manufacturing needs. Check our website today to learn more!
