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Since viable production processes were developed for both, soda ash and sodium hydroxide have competed with each other as the main sources of alkali. The unique economic characteristics of electrolytic processes mean that chlorine and caustic soda must be produced together in a fixed ratio, regardless of the relative demand for these two distinct products; this results in fluctuations in the price of caustic soda, which can make soda ash more or less attractive as an alternative alkali source.
Soda ash and sodium hydroxide have been competing with each other as the main sources of alkali ever since viable production processes for both were developed. The unique economic aspects of electrolytic processes mean that chlorine and caustic soda must be produced together in a fixed ratio, regardless of the relative demand for these two distinct products; this leads to fluctuations in the price of caustic soda, which in turn can make soda ash more or less attractive as an alternative alkali source. Since viable production methods were invented, soda ash and sodium hydroxide have been in competition as the primary raw materials for alkalis. The unique economic efficiency of the electrolysis process means that a fixed ratio of chlorine and caustic soda (i.e., sodium hydroxide) must be produced, regardless of the relative demand for these two distinctly different products. This results in fluctuations in the price of caustic soda, and it also increases the attractiveness of soda ash as a raw material for alkalis to some extent. Unprofessional translation.