Understanding the Categories of the Chemical Industry

Many businesses in America rely on the chemical industry. The chemical industry, on average, generates over $750 billion in revenue each year, and more than 96% of all manufactured goods rely on the chemical industry in some way. Chemical-based products require special packaging to keep them from becoming damaged during transport and while in storage. The packaging you use to contain chemicals needs to meet all safety requirements. If you aren’t sure what type of packaging you need, you should consider working with a company that will create specialty packaging for your product.

In order to decide what type of specialty packaging you need, you first need to understand the categories of the chemical industry. The chemical industry is divided into several categories. The 3 we will be discussing are:

• Basic/Commodity Chemicals
• Specialty Chemicals
• Consumer Chemicals

Understanding the differences between these chemicals is crucial to determining what category your product falls under. OctoChem can provide packaging for all of these categories.

Basic/Commodity Chemicals

Basic chemicals are mass-manufactured and include petrochemicals, polymers, and basic inorganics. Petrochemicals are products derived from oil, as well as coal, natural gas, and biomass. Many of the basic chemicals available are not sold directly to consumers. Instead, they are often sold in large quantities to clients in other categories of the chemical industry. They are then used as ingredients in manufactured products for consumers. Phosphoric acid is an example of one basic chemical used in many different products, including fertilizer.

Specialty Chemicals

Specialty chemicals are considered so based on their function and performance. Biofuels, pharmaceuticals, dyes and pigments, edible oils, paint, and many other chemicals are considered specialty chemicals. Specialty chemicals are some of the most innovative chemicals on the market. The one thing these products must have in common is they are specifically designed to serve a particular purpose.

Consumer Chemicals

Consumer chemicals include products you see in your local grocery store. Personal hygiene products are the largest contributor to the consumer chemical market. Dental hygiene products, like toothpaste and mouthwash, and fragrances like perfume are all consumer chemicals. The consumer chemical market is massive, and new products are added to the market often. The consumer chemical market is one of the most competitive in the chemical industry.

Transporting and Storing Your Products

If you need a quick and efficient way to transport and store your bulk chemicals, consider working with OctoChem. We provide specialized packaging services that meet current safety guidelines to contain, transport and store your products. Our team is qualified to handle hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and we can help you find the packaging that works for you. We have the greatest specialized product packaging solutions! Contact us today for more information!