Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormSolid (powder/granules) and aqueous solution
Industry PositionFood Additive (inorganic salt; firming agent where permitted)
Market
Aluminium sulfate (INS 520; E 520 in the EU) is an inorganic salt used as a firming agent in certain regulated food applications, while global production and trade are largely driven by higher-volume industrial uses (notably water treatment and paper). Codex GSFA lists the additive and its functional class, but currently shows no Codex provisions for aluminium sulfate, so permitted uses are primarily determined by national and regional regulations. UN Comtrade-based trade data for HS 283322 indicate exports are led by China and Turkey, with additional significant exporting activity from European producers, and importing concentrated in a mix of North American and European markets. The market is non-seasonal (year-round chemical production) and is sensitive to regulatory changes around aluminium exposure, plus buyer specifications that control impurities for food-grade supply.
Major Producing Countries- 중국Top global exporter for HS 283322 (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023), indicating significant industrial production capacity.
- 터키Top global exporter for HS 283322 (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023), indicating substantial production and regional supply role.
- 스웨덴Among leading exporters for HS 283322 (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023), consistent with notable European production/export capacity.
- 독일Among leading exporters for HS 283322 (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023), consistent with notable European production/export capacity.
- 스페인Among leading exporters for HS 283322 (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023), consistent with European production/export activity.
Major Exporting Countries- 중국Largest exporter by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 터키Second-largest exporter by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 스웨덴Among top exporters by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 독일Among top exporters by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 스페인Among top exporters by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Major Importing Countries- 멕시코Top importer by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 미국Among top importers by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 프랑스Among top importers by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 오스트리아Among top importers by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 우크라이나Among top importers by trade value for HS 283322 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Supply Calendar- China:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecIndustrial chemical production and exports occur year-round (non-agricultural seasonality).
- Turkey:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecIndustrial chemical production and exports occur year-round (non-agricultural seasonality).
- Europe (e.g., Sweden, Germany, Spain):Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecYear-round production; intra-regional trade supports nearby markets due to bulk logistics.
Specification
Major VarietiesAluminium sulfate, anhydrous (Al2(SO4)3), Aluminium sulfate hydrate (commonly encountered as Al2(SO4)3·18H2O), Aluminium sulfate, aqueous solution (liquid grade)
Physical Attributes- White powder, shining plates, or crystalline fragments; odourless
- Freely soluble in water; insoluble in ethanol
- Acidic aqueous solutions (food-grade monographs specify pH criteria for solutions)
Compositional Metrics- Food additive identity: aluminium sulfate (CAS 10043-01-3; INS 520) with chemical formula Al2(SO4)3
- Food-grade assay commonly specified on an ignited basis (JECFA monograph: not less than 99.5%)
- Common buyer specification dimensions include pH of solution, loss on ignition, and limits for specific impurities (e.g., fluoride, lead, selenium) per JECFA specifications
Grades- Food additive grade conforming to FAO/WHO JECFA specifications (Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications)
- Industrial/technical grades for non-food uses (typically governed by buyer specification rather than Codex/JECFA food additive monographs)
Packaging- Moisture-protective bags or liners for solid product to limit caking from humidity
- Bulk or intermediate containers for industrial supply; aqueous solution commonly shipped in liquid-compatible containers (buyer/logistics dependent)
ProcessingNon-perishable, but hygroscopic behavior can drive caking and flowability losses if exposed to humidity; moisture control is a key handling requirementFor food use, conformance to impurity limits and identity tests in JECFA specifications is a primary procurement requirement
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Inorganic chemical manufacture → quality testing to food-grade specifications (when applicable) → packaging (moisture-controlled for solids) → distributor/ingredient supplier → food processor use where permitted by regulation
Demand Drivers- Regulatory-permitted niche demand for firming functionality in specific processed foods (jurisdiction-dependent)
- Broader industrial demand (e.g., water treatment) can influence operating rates, availability, and pricing for shared production assets
Temperature- No cold chain required; store dry and protected from moisture to prevent caking and handling issues
- Aqueous solutions are typically handled at ambient temperatures with standard chemical storage precautions appropriate to acidity
Shelf Life- Chemically stable for extended periods when stored dry in sealed packaging; quality risks are primarily physical (caking) rather than spoilage
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighThe most material trade risk for aluminium sulfate as a food additive is regulatory and consumer-health scrutiny around aluminium exposure: Codex GSFA lists INS 520 but currently shows no Codex provisions for aluminium sulfate, and EU risk assessment notes authorised uses are limited to only a few products with exposure probably near zero. Any tightening of permitted uses or maximum levels, or changes in labelling/consumer expectations, can quickly shrink demand for food-grade volumes and raise compliance costs.Treat food use as jurisdiction-specific: maintain an up-to-date regulatory map (Codex GSFA, EU authorisations, national rules), qualify alternative firming systems where feasible, and document exposure/usage justification aligned with authorised uses.
Food Safety MediumFood-grade supply is sensitive to impurity control (e.g., heavy metals and specific inorganic contaminants) and identity specifications; non-conforming lots can lead to rejections, recalls, or loss of customer approvals.Procure against FAO/WHO JECFA specifications (identity tests, assay, and impurity limits) and require routine certificate-of-analysis plus periodic third-party verification.
Market Access MediumBecause Codex GSFA currently has no provisions for INS 520 aluminium sulfate, buyers relying on Codex-aligned additive listings may face additional justification or may avoid the additive entirely in export-oriented formulations.Where Codex alignment is required, assess whether alternative aluminium salts or non-aluminium firming systems are authorised for the target food category, and confirm destination-country additive permissions early in product design.
Input Cost Volatility LowManufacturing economics can be exposed to volatility in upstream inorganic chemical inputs and energy costs, which can affect delivered costs for both industrial and food-grade product streams.Use dual sourcing across regions where possible and set contract terms that clarify impurity requirements, audit rights, and substitution rules under force majeure or input shocks.
Sustainability- Upstream environmental footprint linked to aluminium value chain inputs (mining/refining for aluminium sources) and bulk chemical manufacturing energy use
- Effluent and spill management considerations due to acidity and sulfate loading in downstream handling contexts
Labor & Social- Worker health and safety risks in bulk chemical manufacturing and handling (acidic materials, dust exposure, industrial hygiene)
- Consumer and public-health sensitivity around aluminium-containing food additives, driving reputational and regulatory scrutiny even where authorized uses are limited
FAQ
Does Codex set maximum use levels for aluminium sulfate (INS 520) in foods?Codex GSFA Online lists aluminium sulfate (INS 520) and its functional class, but it states there are currently no Codex provisions for aluminium sulfate. In practice, allowed uses and limits are set by national or regional regulations rather than Codex for this specific additive.
What is aluminium sulfate’s main food additive function?FAO/WHO JECFA and Codex GSFA Online identify aluminium sulfate (INS 520) as a firming agent. In the United States it is also listed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice under 21 CFR 182.1125.
What specifications typically matter for food-grade aluminium sulfate?The FAO Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications (JECFA monograph) provides the core benchmarks for food-grade material, including identity tests, a high assay on an ignited basis, pH criteria for solution, and explicit impurity limits (for example, limits for fluoride, lead, and selenium). Buyers commonly use these monographs as the starting point for purchase specifications and certificates of analysis.
What is the biggest risk to using aluminium sulfate as a food additive in formulations?The biggest risk is regulatory and consumer-health scrutiny around aluminium exposure. EFSA’s 2018 re-evaluation notes aluminium sulphates (E 520–523) are authorised only in a few specific products in the EU and that exposure is probably near zero, meaning permitted use is narrow and can change with policy updates or public perception.