The human race has been a consumer society from its beginnings and will most likely continue to be so until the end of time. Certain consumer products are essential for sustaining human life, while others help to advance our lifestyles and homes in different ways.  A dishwasher for instance uses only 10 litres of water while doing the dishes by hand amounts to ten times more. A fridge conserves 750 kg of food per person every year that would otherwise go bad.

But what does this have to do with Pure Trade Africa and the Chemical Supply Industry?

Although hidden from view, personal products and home electronics are full of components that rely on commodities as raw materials. These raw materials can include copper, lithium, tin, silver, gold, nickel and aluminium to name a few, and they can be found even in the simplest products. But without the chemical products and reagents that suppliers like Pure Trade Africa supplies to metal, agricultural and energy commodity producers, these innovative products would not exist.

For instance, when mined less than 1% of the sourced ore is copper. The chemicals and reagents that Pure Trade Africa supplies to its clients are then used to transform that ore into sheets of 99.99% pure copper called cathodes. These are ultimately made and integrated into the products and appliances we use every day in our homes.

Where Metals and Minerals Are Used In Modern Homes

• Copper: Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwaves, and dishwashers all contain copper wiring, while electric kettles embrace copper heating elements.
• Zinc: Used in rubber, fluorescent bulbs and different kinds of paint.
• Nickel: Found in stainless steel kitchen appliances such as pots and pans, sinks and taps.
• Silver: Used in solar panels, electrical motors and photography.
• Iron: Used in plastics, cutlery, braai stands, magnets and fitness equipment.
• Borax: A mineral used to make fibreglass, cleaning agents, ceramics, corrosion inhibitors and fertilisers.
• Aluminium: Used in doors, windows, roofing, insulation, packaging and food processing.

From niche to mainstream, the use of SpanAfrica chemicals across multiple industries has given rise to several everyday products that power modern homes and provide value to our lives.  So the next time you’re wondering what chemicals have ever done for you, just take a walk around your home. You’re sure to find answers all around you.