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
Depending upon the composition and structure, basic chemicals can be classified into two types: basic organic chemicals and basic inorganic chemicals.
- Basic organic chemicals are made of organic compounds as their building units. Ethene, propene, butadiene, benzene, ethanoic acid, etc. are among the organic compounds found in the structural composition of the basic organic compound from which basic organic chemicals are made.
- Basic inorganic chemicals are composed of inorganic compounds i.e. compounds that lack carbon-hydrogen bonds. Calcium carbonate, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc. are among the common inorganic chemicals. They are commonly used in the making of plastics, fertilizers, soaps, building materials, etc.
Basic Chemicals: Ideal Raw Materials
Basic chemicals are produced on a large scale so that they can fulfill the demands of other industries. They are produced and sold for the production of further commodities for public use.
Caustic Soda
Caustic Soda is a common raw material in Pakistan’s chemical and various other manufacturing industries. It contributes to the manufacturing of an extensive range of goods and products like textiles, paper, soap, leather, detergents, etc. The production capacity of caustic soda during FY23 was approximately 475,668MT, with relatively higher volumetric sales and prices during the year FY23.
Caustic soda is basically sodium hydroxide (NaOH) produced from the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution (Brine). The process of electrolysis of sodium chloride yields approximately 1.128MT of pure caustic soda with each MT of chlorine. Electrolysis is carried out by one of the three types of cells i.e. mercury, membrane, or diaphragm cell.
Soda Ash
Soda Ash is another common raw material and basic chemical mass-produced in Pakistan. Soda ash or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) is an anhydrous white or granular powder available in light and dense on the market. Dense soda ash is a common raw material in the production of industrial chemicals whereas light soda ash serves as a pH regulator in plenty of industrial processes.
Sodium chloride – the main precursor of soda ash, when treated with ammonia and carbon dioxide produces sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride. These materials are then heated to produce sodium carbonate (soda ash). Ammonium chloride is also treated with lime in the process to produce ammonia and calcium chloride. During FY23, the overall production of soda ash was recorded at approximately 736,658MT. Soda ash accounts for approximately 0.1% of the basic chemicals industry segment in Pakistan’s Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector.
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3)
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a chemical compound containing sodium cations and bicarbonate anion. It is a white solid that appears as a fine powder but is crystalline. It is commonly used in beverages, in various industrial processes like the preparation of wool, and for tanning purposes. Sodium bicarbonate is a common raw material for the production of sodium acetate and sodium carbonate. Additionally, it is used for pH regulation, neutralization of acidic wastes, and as odor absorbing agent.
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!
