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Phosphates aren’t just chemicals in a lab. They’re naturally occurring inorganic salts of phosphoric acid that show up everywhere from the fertilizer on farms to the drinks in your fridge. Because they’re a vital nutrient for plant and animal growth and phosphate compounds are used in dozens of other industries. Below is a conversational look at how phosphates work behind the scenes, the benefits they bring, and the challenges we must address.
1. Feeding the world – literally
Most of the world’s phosphate production goes into fertilizer. When farmers apply phosphate‑rich NPK fertilizers (which also include nitrogen and potassium), they’re supplying crops with nutrients they can’t live without. These fertilizers help crops develop strong roots and reach maturity sooner, which boosts yields. Phosphates are also added to animal feed, supporting bone and teeth formation in livestock and poultry.
- Keeping food fresh and tasty
Food scientists highly appreciate phosphates because they do a little bit of everything. Sodium and potassium phosphates stabilize pH, bind moisture and prevent oxidation of fats, helping processed meats, seafood and dairy products last longer. They act as emulsifiers, blending ingredients that normally separate think of smooth processed cheese or creamy sauces. Acidic phosphates also react with baking soda to release CO₂, so your cakes and pancakes rise nicely.
Some common examples include monosodium phosphate (MSP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP). Each of these additives helps with emulsification, pH control or moisture retention. Food‑grade phosphates are used throughout the industry — in processed meats, cheeses, powders, bakery items and even sports drinks.
3. Use in cleaning products and personal care
Because phosphates soften water, remove oil and grease, and prevent stains from sticking, they were once widely used in detergents for dishwashers and laundry. Many industrial cleaners still rely on them. In personal care, phosphates help bath salts dissolve, control tartar in toothpastes and act as electrolytes in intravenous fluids.
4. In the construction industry
In construction, phosphates improve asphalt performance, delay cement hardening at depth and strengthen gypsum wallboards. They’re also key ingredients in paints, pigments and dyes, ensuring colour particles disperse evenly. For metalworking, phosphate treatments remove grease and create protective coatings that guard against rust and help paint adhere.
5. Keeping water and pipes running smoothly
Phosphates play a hidden role in water treatment. In boilers, they prevent scale buildup so systems run efficiently; in water softeners, they bind minerals; and inside pipes, phosphate coatings reduce the leaching of lead and iron.
6. In the next generation of batteries
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are one of the fastest‑growing segments of the electric‑vehicle market. LFP batteries already make up about 23 % of the global lithium‑ion market and are expected to grow at a 25 % annual clip through 2030. They offer greater safety, a longer cycle life and lower cost than other cathode chemistries. The market could exceed 1 million tons by 2030, worth up to $5 billion.
7. In fire resistants
Phosphate esters are prized for their fire‑resistant properties. Industries use them as hydraulic fluids and lubricant additives in power plants and hot‑metal processing. Furniture and plastics are often treated with phosphate‑based flame retardants to meet safety standards
Leading phosphate companies
ICL Group – a major phosphate innovator
Israel‑based ICL Group is one of the world’s largest phosphate producers. The company’s food‑grade phosphates are designed to improve texture, taste and shelf life of food products. ICL invests heavily in Industry 4.0 technologies to shorten the path from lab to market and is building new plants (including one in China) to supply regional markets.
OCP Group – securing food supplies with Morocco’s vast reserves
Morocco’s OCP Group is the world’s largest exporter of phosphates and fertilizers. In 2025 it recorded revenues of MAD 52.17 billion (about $5 billion) in the first half of the year, up 21 % from 2024 thanks to higher sales volumes and strong fertilizer prices. Morocco holds over 70 % of the world’s known phosphate reserves; OCP is investing heavily to expand production capacity and in projects that integrate water management and renewable energy. It also uses renewable energy and seawater desalination to secure long‑term production.
The Mosaic Company – a leading producer of concentrated phosphate and potash
U.S.‑based The Mosaic Company is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Through its Mosaic Biosciences platform, the company is developing biological solutions to help farmers improve nutrient use efficiency and crop performance sustainably. Mosaic offers farmers a single source of phosphate, potash and biological products, complementing its core fertilizers business.
Thinking sustainably
Phosphates touch nearly every part of our daily lives. They help plants grow, keep foods fresh, protect our buildings and even power electric cars. Companies are investing in circular production methods and recycled phosphorus streams, but consumers and policymakers also have a role. By supporting phosphate recycling, we can enjoy the benefits of phosphates and at the same time reduce the environmental impact.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.