Salt and its Applications

Food Grade Salt

Salt is as important to humans as air and water. People need salt in their daily diet in order to live. Since the human body isn't capable of producing its own salt, we depend upon the various sources of salt in food to ensure our necessary daily intake.

In Europe, around 3% of all salt produced is food grade salt. The average intake of salt across European countries is 8g per day and 10g per day in warmer southern countries. About 75% of these 8g are consumed through foods and the other 25% is added by cooking and at the table.

De-Icing Salt

All over Europe, people use salt during the winter to keep their roads free of snow and ice. The effective use of de-icing salt during this period is essential for both the private and the public sector: it ensures that transport is not effected (neither by delays nor by accidents) and that, by reducing the risk on accidents, roads can be safely used.

Salt, however, is not only used in times of extreme cold, snow and ice.

Salt for the Industry

Salt is an essential product for our industries. Its compounds make it one of the most important materials the chemical and other industries; more than 50% of chemical products depend on it. It is also used in the manufacturing process of thousands of other products including glass, paper, rubber, and textiles. Salt is also used in water softening systems in both industrial installations and private homes.