Nalco To Commence Trial Zeolite Output At Orissa Unit This Month

As part of its diversification plans, the state-owned National Aluminum Company (Nalco) would start trial production of zeolite in its newly built Damanjodi plant in Orissa later this month.

Zeolite is an eco-friendly formulation used in the manufacturing of detergents. Currently, most of the detergent manufacturers are using sodium tri-poly phosphate (STPP) as the key formulation, which adversely affects the environment.

According to sources, the Damanjodi plant was built in the technical collaboration with the Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute, Bhavnagar (Gujarat). The cost of the plant, which has a capacity of 10,000 tonne per annum, is Rs 24.10 crore.

The sources said, "We foresee a roaring overseas market for Zeolite and we are also pursuing with the ministry of environment for introduction of a legislation banning STPP."

Nalco plans to export most of the Zeolite produced from this plant to countries such as Japan, France and other European countries as there is not much demand for the formulation in those countries.

An official said, "Japan has already banned STPP completely and most of the European countries have phased it out. There is an urgent need to enact laws against such harmful substance."

For developing Zeolite technology, the company has won awards from World Intellectual Property Organisation in 1998 and National Research and Development Organisation in 1997.

Zeolite softens the wash water by reducing calcium and magnesium concentrations, while at the same time enhancing detergent performance. It increases the efficiency of bleaching agents and supports the foam suppressing action of soaps.