NaOH is a key element in many processes and products. It is typically produced as a 50 percent liquid in water, which is the most convenient and economical form for transporting and handling. Solutions are strongly alkaline and have a high pH. Caustic soda is not combustible, has no flash point, no auto ignition temperature and no explosive limits.

NaOH is manufactured from sodium chloride (salt) typically mined from underground deposits. Water is pumped into a salt vein, and the dissolved salt solution (brine) is pumped out through an adjacent well, piped to the plant, heated, purified and treated for contaminants. This ultra-pure salt solution is then pumped into an electrolytic cell, where it is electrified by direct current as follows: