Borates in use

Though many may not realize it, we rely on borates virtually every day in a wide range of uses. Borates are in the food we eat, as well as consumer and industrial products as diverse as television screens, fiberglass, cleaning detergents, Silly Putty, ceramic tiles, contact lens solution, and even some cancer treatments.

Glass manufacturers consume the largest proportion of global borate supply to make textile fiberglass, insulation fiberglass and heat-resistant glass, which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The demand picture is especially bright for borates' use in high-tech applications, such as circuit boards, computer screens and flat-screen televisions.

Below is a more complete list of household and commercial products that depend on borates:

• Insulation fiberglass, textile fiberglass and heat-resistant glass
• Detergents, soaps and personal care products
• Ceramic and enamel frits and glazes and ceramic tile bodies
• Agricultural micronutrients
• Other uses including wood treatments, polymer additives and pest control products