The largest use for Sodium Sulfate (Na2SO4) also known as Glauber's Salt is as filler in powdered home laundry detergents, consuming approx. 50% of world production. This use is waning as domestic consumers are increasingly switching to compact or liquid detergents that do not include sodium sulfate.

Another formerly major use is in the Kraft process for the manufacture of wood pulp. Organics present in the "black liquor" from this process are burnt to produce heat, needed to drive the reduction of sodium sulfate to sodium sulfide.

The glass industry provides another significant application for sodium sulfate. Sodium sulfate is used as a fining agent, to help remove small air bubbles from molten glass. It fluxes the glass, and prevents scum formation of the glass melt during refining.

Sodium sulfate is important in the manufacture of textiles, it helps in "levelling", reducing negative charges on fibers so that dyes can penetrate evenly.

Application
In the Kraft pulp manufacturing process, Sodium Sulphate is used to make up sodium and sulphur levels during the recovery of the cooking liquor. SQM is the main producer in South America. This product is obtained as a by-product of Sodium Nitrate. Production capacity is 75,000 metric tons per year.

Main uses:
Detergents, pulp and paper, glass and textiles. In the Kraft pulp manufacturing process, Sodium Sulphate is used to make up sodium and sulphur levels during the recovery of the cooking liquor.

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