When you think of sodium hydroxide, a strong alkaline chemical used in cleaning, manufacturing, and food processing. Also known as caustic soda, it’s one of the most widely used industrial chemicals in India, powering everything from soap factories to textile mills. It’s not just a chemical—it’s a backbone ingredient in over 20 industries across the country.
India produces and consumes millions of tons of sodium hydroxide every year, mostly in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. These regions are home to the country’s largest chemical plants, where salt brine is electrolyzed to create high-purity sodium hydroxide. Unlike imported grades, locally made sodium hydroxide is cheaper and faster to source, making it the go-to choice for small-scale manufacturers who need bulk quantities for soap making, paper production, or metal cleaning. Many of these plants also supply the food industry with food-grade sodium hydroxide, used to peel fruits, treat olives, or process cocoa—all under strict safety standards.
The demand for sodium hydroxide in India keeps growing because it’s hard to replace. In textile mills, it’s used to treat cotton before dyeing. In aluminum plants, it dissolves bauxite to extract pure metal. Even in wastewater treatment, it neutralizes acidic runoff. And with India’s push for Make in India, more local companies are building their own chemical production units instead of relying on imports. This shift has lowered prices and improved supply reliability. You’ll find sodium hydroxide in everything from drain cleaners sold at local shops to massive industrial reactors in Gujarat’s chemical hubs.
What you won’t find in most articles is how small manufacturers actually use it. A family-run soap maker in Lucknow might buy 50 kg a week. A textile unit in Coimbatore uses 2 tons daily. Both need the same chemical—but their handling, storage, and safety practices are worlds apart. That’s why understanding the real-world context matters more than just knowing the chemical formula.
Below, you’ll find real examples of how sodium hydroxide is used across India’s manufacturing landscape—from the biggest chemical plants to the smallest workshops. You’ll see who supplies it, how much it costs, and what industries depend on it most. No theory. No fluff. Just what’s actually happening on the ground.
Sodium hydroxide is the most heavily used chemical in India, powering everything from soap and textiles to food processing and fertilizers. Learn why this simple compound drives the nation's manufacturing and daily life.