Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) is the sodium salt of sulfuric acid and belongs to the family of inorganic salts. In its anhydrous (water-free) form it is a white crystalline powder or granular solid that dissolves readily in water, and it is one of the most widely traded industrial processing chemicals. Its decahydrate form is commonly known as Glauber's salt, while in China the anhydrous product is often referred to as "yuanmingfen" (元明粉). For B2B buyers, anhydrous sodium sulfate is the standard commercial form purchased in bulk for detergent, glass, textile and paper applications.
The difference comes down to water content. Anhydrous sodium sulfate contains no crystal water and is Na2SO4 in its dry, concentrated form, which is what most industrial buyers purchase for transport and handling efficiency. Glauber's salt is the decahydrate (Na2SO4·10H2O), holding ten water molecules per formula unit, so its sodium sulfate content by weight is only about half that of the anhydrous material. Because the anhydrous product costs less to ship per unit of active ingredient and is easier to dose precisely, it is preferred for most industrial processes. Hailei supplies the anhydrous product, which is the typical choice for detergent, glass, textile and paper production.
Weifang Hailei Fine Chemical Co., Ltd supplies three main specifications: 99% powder (high-purity anhydrous sodium sulfate powder), detergent grade, and glass industry grade. The 99% powder offers a minimum Na2SO4 content of 99%, making it suitable for applications that require consistent high purity. Detergent grade is optimized for use as a filler and builder in washing powders and cleaning formulations. Glass industry grade is tailored to the fining and fluxing requirements of glass furnaces. Buyers can select the grade that best matches their process, and detailed specification sheets are available on request.
99% powder is high-purity anhydrous sodium sulfate with a Na2SO4 content of at least 99%, supplied as a fine, free-flowing white powder. This grade is chosen wherever consistent purity and low impurity levels matter for product quality and process stability. It is commonly used in detergent manufacturing, textile dyeing, kraft paper pulping and other applications that need a clean, uniform feedstock. Its fine particle size also helps it dissolve and disperse quickly in process water. As a source factory in Weifang, Hailei can supply this grade in bulk to meet steady production demand.
Detergent grade sodium sulfate is the specification used as a filler and processing aid in laundry and cleaning powder formulations. It acts as a cost-effective bulking agent that helps standardize active-ingredient concentration and improve the flow and filling properties of the finished powder. Sodium sulfate also functions as a mild builder that lowers surface tension and assists in dispersing the surfactant evenly through the product. Because it is inert, non-toxic and compatible with surfactants, it is one of the most widely used fillers in the detergent industry. Hailei's detergent grade is produced to suit high-volume detergent compounding.
Glass industry grade sodium sulfate is supplied for use in the glass furnace batch. In glass manufacturing it acts as a fining agent that helps release gas bubbles and remove small seeds from the molten glass, improving clarity and surface quality. It also serves as a source of sodium oxide (Na2O) that supports melting and fluxing of the batch and promotes more even refining of the melt. Because furnace chemistry is sensitive, this grade is supplied with controlled particle size and consistent composition to support stable melting conditions.
Sodium sulfate is produced through two main routes. Natural sodium sulfate is obtained from mineral deposits and natural brines, typically via evaporation and crystallization. By-product (or synthetic) sodium sulfate is recovered as a co-product of other chemical processes, such as certain fine-chemical reactions and rayon/viscose fiber production that generate sulfate. Both routes can yield material meeting standard industrial specifications after proper purification. From a buyer's standpoint, the key is consistency: a reliable supplier controls purification, drying and screening so every batch meets the agreed specification regardless of the production route. Shandong — and Weifang in particular — is a major inorganic-salt production base, which gives Hailei access to stable raw-material supply.
Sodium sulfate serves a broad range of industries. The largest uses are in detergent manufacturing as a filler, in glass production as a fining agent, in textile dyeing to promote even dye uptake, and in kraft (sulfate) pulp and paper making. It is also used in chemical processing, in some food and feed applications, in water treatment formulations and in other mineral processing operations. Because it is inexpensive, stable and chemically mild, it is a workhorse inorganic salt across many manufacturing processes. Buyers value it for its predictable behavior and wide availability.
In textile dyeing, sodium sulfate is used as an auxiliary that promotes level, even dyeing. It helps drive dye molecules onto the fiber by regulating the ionic strength of the dye bath, which is especially important for reactive and direct dyes on cotton and other cellulosic fibers. The result is more uniform color uptake and fewer shade variations between batches. It is added in controlled amounts based on the dye class, fiber type and liquor ratio. Hailei's 99% powder is suitable for dye houses that need a consistent, low-impurity product.
In kraft pulping, sodium sulfate is an essential make-up chemical in the recovery cycle. It is fed into the recovery boiler to replenish the sodium and sulfur consumed during cooking, helping regenerate the white liquor used to digest wood chips. This closed-loop use keeps the kraft process economical and consistent. The sulfate therefore supports the production of strong packaging paper, linerboard and other kraft products. Buyers for pulp mills typically require a consistent, high-purity grade that dissolves cleanly.
Start by defining your process requirements: required purity, impurity limits, particle size and any downstream sensitivity. Detergent makers typically choose detergent grade for cost-effectiveness, while dye houses and chemical users often prefer 99% powder for purity and consistency. Glass manufacturers should select glass industry grade matched to their furnace batch and fining needs. When in doubt, share your technical specification or end-use with the supplier so the right grade can be recommended. Hailei's team can help map your requirements to one of its standard grades.
For industrial anhydrous sodium sulfate, buyers commonly evaluate purity (Na2SO4 content), moisture, water-insoluble matter, chloride content, iron content, pH and appearance or whiteness. China's national standard GB/T 6009 for industrial anhydrous sodium sulfate is a widely used reference for these test items. A dependable supplier should provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with each shipment stating the measured values against the agreed specification. You can also request third-party testing for critical batches. Confirming test methods and acceptance limits up front helps avoid disputes.
Hailei's headline product is 99% powder, meaning the Na2SO4 content is at least 99%. This high purity matters wherever impurities could harm product quality — for example, trace iron can affect whiteness in detergents, and insoluble matter can cause spotting or equipment wear. A 99% specification gives buyers a clear, measurable target and reduces batch-to-batch variation. For applications with tighter limits on specific impurities, additional requirements can be agreed on a case-by-case basis. Confirm the exact specification and test method with the supplier before ordering.
The most commonly monitored impurities are moisture, water-insoluble matter, chloride, and traces of iron and heavy metals. Moisture affects handling, weighing accuracy and, over time, caking in storage. Insoluble matter can leave residue, cloud solutions or mark finished products. Chloride and iron can influence corrosion or color in sensitive processes. This is why buyers agree on maximum limits for each item in the purchase specification. A controlled production and drying process keeps these impurities within the agreed range.
Sodium sulfate is typically packed in 25 kg or 50 kg woven polypropylene (PP) bags, often with an inner polyethylene (PE) liner to protect against moisture. For bulk users, it can also be supplied in 500 kg or 1000 kg jumbo (FIBC) bags, and in some cases loaded loose in bulk. Palletization and shrink-wrapping can be arranged for export shipments. Hailei can customize packaging to the buyer's needs, including branding and bag marking. Specify your packaging preference when requesting a quotation.
Sodium sulfate should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep bags sealed and off the floor on pallets, and avoid exposure to rain, high humidity or standing water. Although anhydrous sodium sulfate is not highly hygroscopic compared with some salts, moisture can still cause caking and reduce free-flowing quality over time. Store it away from acids and incompatible materials, and follow first-in-first-out (FIFO) rotation for long storage periods.
MOQ and lead time depend on the grade, packaging and destination. As a source factory, Hailei is set up for bulk supply, so buyers can expect competitive minimums — typically starting from one full container load for export orders, though this can be discussed. Lead time is normally confirmed at quotation and depends on the current production schedule, stock availability and shipping distance. Sample or small trial orders may also be arranged. Contact the sales team with your target quantity and port for a specific MOQ and delivery schedule.
Several factors influence the price of sodium sulfate. The main cost drivers are raw-material and energy costs, the production route (natural vs by-product), purity and grade, packaging type, order volume and freight distance. Seasonal demand — for example, winter de-icing for related salts and detergent production peaks — can also move prices. Buying directly from a source factory in a major production base like Weifang often yields more stable and competitive pricing. Request a current quotation with your specification and delivery terms for an accurate figure.
Look for a manufacturer that controls production, quality and logistics rather than a pure trader, since this usually means better price stability and traceability. Ask for the company profile, product specifications, a COA, and if possible samples or a factory visit. Confirm the supplier's export experience, documentation capability, and responsiveness on technical questions. A location in a major inorganic-salt production base such as Weifang, Shandong signals stable raw-material access. Weifang Hailei is a source factory that welcomes buyers to review specifications and samples before placing bulk orders.
Sodium sulfate is a non-hazardous, stable chemical that is straightforward to transport. Domestically it moves by truck or rail; for export, it is usually shipped in containers or break-bulk vessels via major Chinese ports. Since it is not classified as dangerous goods, normal shipping documentation and handling apply, which keeps logistics simple and cost-effective. The ports nearest to Weifang support efficient export to global markets. Hailei can arrange FOB, CIF or other Incoterms according to the buyer's preference.
Sodium sulfate is generally regarded as a low-hazard, non-flammable substance, but standard industrial hygiene still applies. Avoid prolonged skin and eye contact and do not inhale the dust; wear gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask when handling large quantities. Provide adequate ventilation and keep the material away from strong acids, which can release sulfuric acid fumes on contact. In case of contact, rinse the affected area with plenty of water. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be provided with every shipment.
Yes. Hailei can provide samples for evaluation and testing before you commit to a bulk order. Customized specifications — such as adjusted particle size, packaging or specific impurity limits — can often be arranged depending on volume and technical feasibility. Buyers are encouraged to share their target specification and application so the team can confirm whether a custom solution is practical. This step helps ensure the material performs correctly in your process before large-scale purchasing.