Chlorine combines directly with all elements and is almost never found free naturally in the environment. Since its discovery, chlorine manufacturers have used it for a multitude of manufacturing processes. It's most common uses include sanitizing drinking water and swimming pools but a significant amount is used in the many other industrial processes. Paper products, plastics, dyes, textiles, medicines, antiseptics, insecticides, solvents and paints all require the use of chlorine in their production.

Alkali metals are also not found freely in nature. There are six alkali metals and they include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. They're softer than most metals and have only one electron in their outer shell making them the most reactive of all metals when mixed with other elements. Producers of chlorine and alkali have discovered diverse uses for different combinations and they're also good conductors of electricity and heat. When you're looking for a supplier:

1. Determine which suppliers provide the chemicals your manufacturing process requires. Not all chlor alkali industry suppliers manufacture the same chemicals.
2. Consider the location when choosing your chlor alkali suppliers to better manage the difficulties of transport and related costs.
3. An excellent safety record and promotion of their environmental, health and safety strategies within the chloro alkali industry should be considered.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find chloro alkali manufacturers online

Chlorine is often combined with other elements to form many different products used in our every day lives. A good example of this is bleach so if your company produces cleaning products, you'll need to find distributors of chlorine and alkali products who specialize in these types of chemical combinations. If you're company produces building materials for construction, you'll need to find a different type of supplier.

I recommend: Oxychem, a division of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, produces cleaning agents and chemicals used in the production of building materials. Olin Chlor Alkali Products manufactures the key ingredients to many products on the market today so you might find what you need here.

Find the chlorine and alkali makers closest to your company's location

The type of chemical combination you require may limit your choices as to your supplier based on transport expense or requirements, especially if the chemical is more chlorine-based. Choose chlorine alkali makers that have extensive shipping capabilities or have multiple warehouse locations to fill orders.

I recommend: Alfa Aesar is an international supplier and manufacture of chemicals with capabilities to accept and fill orders from North and South America, most of Asia and parts of Africa and the Middle East. Alemark Chemicals, a division of Amsyn, Inc. has multiple warehouses located in Illinois, Texas, West Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey and Michigan.

Check the environmental and safety record of chloro alkali producers

The alkali chlor company you choose as your supplier should be adhering to the strictest guidelines regarding overall safety of the environment, health and be extremely conscious of their role in protecting the public from terrorist attacks. Their safety and security policies should be constantly evaluated and improved.

I recommend: Dow Chemical Company defines itself as a company who has taken a leading role, setting the standard for others to follow, in the protection of the environment and in public safety. ASHTA Chemicals includes within its mission statement clear goals towards protecting their employees, the public, and the environment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Sodium hydroxide is another one of the most common chemicals derived from the chloro alkali industry. It's much easier to store and transport than chlorine.