Tuticorin Alkali begins commercial production of ‘green’ soda ash

Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd. (TFL), has announced the commencement of commercial production of ‘green’ soda ash at its plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

The company, a part of Singapore-based AM International, said the breakthrough was achieved by leveraging carbon-capture technology to establish carbon-neutrality in the manufacture of soda ash, adding that it is the “first company in the world” to manufacture carbon-neutral soda ash.

To produce ‘green’ soda ash, TFL set up a CO₂ recovery plant to capture carbon from the biomass used as fuel in its boiler for steam production. Further, TFL uses green ammonia, imported from Egypt, to produce its near-zero soda ash.

Mr. Ashwin Muthiah, Founder Chairman, AM International, ceremonially launched the inaugural production batch of green soda ash at the plant. “The R&D efforts have borne fruit, whereby TFL is able to capture CO₂ from flue gases of bio-mass boiler and reuse it to deliver a near-zero carbon effect, a move towards a circular economy,” he commented.

TFL is the sole producer of soda ash in South India. The company has already tied up with one of the world’s largest MNCs for the supply of green soda ash in the manufacture of detergents, and is optimistic about forging further partnerships.

Also known as sodium carbonate, soda ash is a key ingredient in a wide array of products including laundry detergents and rechargeable batteries.