Lignosulfonate is widely available on the global market and is sold in various forms, grades, and packaging depending on the intended application. It is typically sourced from pulp and paper byproducts of sulfite pulping operations and can be purchased for use in industries like construction, agriculture, mining, oil drilling, ceramics, and chemical processing.
Common Forms Available for Sale
By Type:
- Sodium Lignosulfonate – most common and cost-effective
- Calcium Lignosulfonate – better for binding and feed applications
- Magnesium/Ammonium Lignosulfonate – niche or specialty markets
By Physical Form:
- Powdered Lignosulfonate
- Easier for dry mixing in construction, feed, and dispersant systems
- Typically spray-dried and packed in 25 kg bags or 1-ton big bags
- Liquid Lignosulfonate
- Used in applications like oil drilling fluids or as a liquid binder
- Supplied in drums, IBC tanks (1000 L), or bulk tanker loads
Packaging Options
| Form | Typical Packaging | Shipping Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 25 kg bags, 500–1000 kg bags | ~22–24 MT/20ft container |
| Liquid | 200 L drums, 1000 L IBC tanks | ~18–22 MT/20ft container |
| Bulk | Tanker trucks or flexi-bags | Custom quantities |
Where Lignosulfonate Is Commonly Sold
Global Suppliers are found in:
- Asia (notably China and India): Competitive pricing, bulk exports
- Europe: High-purity, environmentally certified grades
- North America: Quality-focused, often for construction and oilfields
- South America and Africa: Local supply for agriculture, mining, and dust control
Typical Sales Channels:
- Direct from manufacturers (usually for large or bulk orders)
- Chemical distributors and agents
- Online B2B marketplaces (such as Alibaba, Made-in-China, or TradeIndia)
- Local importers and resellers for smaller regional buyers
Buying Considerations
Before purchasing, buyers should consider:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade | Match with specific application (e.g., concrete, dispersant, binder) |
| Purity/Viscosity | Important for industrial and chemical formulations |
| pH & Moisture | Affects compatibility with other ingredients |
| Certifications | Check for REACH, ISO, RoHS, or food/feed safety compliance if required |
| Minimum Order Qty (MOQ) | Varies by seller; typically 1 ton or more for industrial buyers |
Use Cases Driving Demand
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Construction | Concrete water-reducer / plasticizer |
| Agriculture | Binder in fertilizers & pesticide dispersants |
| Oil & Gas | Drilling mud additive / emulsifier |
| Mining | Flotation agent / dust suppressant |
| Feed Industry | Binder for pellet formation |
Conclusion
Lignosulfonate is a widely traded industrial chemical, available in bulk and customized grades to meet diverse application needs. It can be purchased in both liquid and powder form, and is globally distributed through manufacturers, resellers, and online marketplaces. When buying lignosulfonate, buyers should consider application requirements, quality specifications, packaging, and regional logistics.