Soda ash is one of the basic raw materials for the glass manufacturing industry. It is also used for the production of washing and cleaning products, in metallurgy and chemical industry, among others, to produce certain types of mineral fertilizers as well as dyes and pigments. On a global scale more than one half of the currently produced soda ash is used for the production of glass. Further recipients of soda ash include the soap and detergent producers and the chemical industry. 1/5 of soda is used by other branches of industry.