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E-mail:
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Choose GLDA-4Na 47% when higher active content, lower water freight, and concentrated formulations justify more efficient logistics. Choose GLDA-4Na 38% when lower viscosity, simpler handling, broader availability, or lower upfront purchase cost matters more. The correct choice depends on active content, formulation requirements, storage, transport, and total cost per unit of chelating agent.
GLDA-4Na, or tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, is a water-soluble biodegradable chelating agent identified by CAS No. 51981-21-6. Its molecular structure contains carboxyl and acetate groups that bind metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. In detergents and industrial cleaners, this function helps control hard-water minerals, reduce metal-catalyzed oxidation, support cleaning performance, and limit mineral deposits.
The 47% and 38% grades are liquid products with the same basic chelating chemistry but different active-content levels. A 47% product contains more GLDA-4Na solids per kilogram of liquid, while a 38% product contains a greater proportion of water and normally requires a higher addition rate to deliver the same active dosage. This difference affects formulation volume, freight, storage capacity, pumping behavior, and cost per active kilogram.
| Comparison factor | GLDA-4Na 47% | GLDA-4Na 38% |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum active content | 47% | 38% |
| Liquid needed for 1 kg active GLDA-4Na | 2.13 kg | 2.63 kg |
| Water carried per 1 kg active | Approximately 1.13 kg | Approximately 1.63 kg |
| Typical logistics advantage | Lower shipment volume for equal active supply | Lower concentration may reduce upfront price |
| Handling tendency | More concentrated and potentially more viscous | Generally easier to pump and dilute |
| Best fit | Concentrated detergents, large-volume production, freight-sensitive supply | Standard formulations, smaller batches, simpler processing |
| Supplier documentation to request | Assay, pH, density, chloride, color, NTA, shelf life | Assay, pH, density, chloride, color, NTA, shelf life |
I evaluate GLDA-4Na as a formulation aid rather than as a primary detergent builder. Its main role is to bind metal ions before they react with surfactants, builders, preservatives, pigments, or soil deposits. In a laundry detergent, for example, calcium and magnesium from hard water can reduce surfactant efficiency and contribute to fabric deposits; GLDA-4Na helps keep those ions in a soluble complex.
GLDA-4Na is used in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, automatic dishwashing products, all-purpose cleaners, industrial descalers, institutional cleaning products, personal care formulations, and water-treatment systems. It is also used in agriculture as a chelating agent for micronutrients. The manufacturer information supplied by Think-Do Chemicals identifies GLDA-4Na as part of its biodegradable chelant product range and lists liquid packaging in 25 kg plastic barrels and 250 kg IBC tanks, with customized packaging available for some orders.
The product specification for the 47% liquid grade includes a light yellow to yellow transparent appearance, active content of at least 47%, chloride ion at no more than 3%, density at 20°C of at least 1.30 g/cm³, and pH of 10.0–12.0 for a 1% aqueous solution. Buyers should not assume that every 38% product follows the same limits. Each concentration and supplier should be checked against its own certificate of analysis.
The simplest way to compare GLDA 47% vs 38% is to calculate the amount of active material delivered by each liquid grade. The active quantity is determined by multiplying the liquid mass by the assay percentage:
Active GLDA-4Na = Liquid product mass × active content
For example, 100 kg of GLDA-4Na 47% provides approximately 47 kg of active GLDA-4Na. The same 100 kg of GLDA-4Na 38% provides approximately 38 kg of active material. Therefore, equal purchase weights do not provide equal chelating-agent input.
To supply 47 kg of active GLDA-4Na, a formulator would need 100 kg of 47% grade or approximately 123.7 kg of 38% grade:
Required 38% product = 47 kg ÷ 0.38 = 123.7 kg
This 23.7% increase in liquid mass affects tank capacity, batch charging, packaging consumption, freight weight, and warehouse space. The difference becomes more significant when a manufacturer purchases several tons per month.
On an equal-active basis, 1 kg of GLDA-4Na 47% equals approximately 1.237 kg of GLDA-4Na 38%. Conversely, 1 kg of GLDA-4Na 38% equals approximately 0.809 kg of GLDA-4Na 47%. These conversions should be applied to the actual assay shown on the COA when the specification allows a tolerance range.
Formulators should convert liquid dosage by active content rather than replacing one grade kilogram-for-kilogram. If a detergent formula uses 2.0% GLDA-4Na 47% by weight, the active GLDA-4Na contribution is:
2.0% × 47% = 0.94% active GLDA-4Na
To deliver the same 0.94% active content with 38% grade:
0.94% ÷ 38% = 2.47% GLDA-4Na 38%
The revised formula would therefore use approximately 2.47% GLDA-4Na 38%, not 2.0%. The additional 0.47 percentage points must be considered in the water balance, preservative system, viscosity, density, and final product specifications.
| Formula target | GLDA-4Na 47% addition | GLDA-4Na 38% equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 0.47% active GLDA-4Na | 1.00% | 1.24% |
| 0.94% active GLDA-4Na | 2.00% | 2.47% |
| 1.41% active GLDA-4Na | 3.00% | 3.71% |
| 2.35% active GLDA-4Na | 5.00% | 6.18% |
This conversion is especially important for liquid detergents, dishwashing liquids, industrial cleaners, and concentrated institutional products. A direct replacement without recalculation can produce under-dosing with 38% material or excessive chelant addition with 47% material.
Both grades provide the same type of metal-ion control when compared at equal active dosage. The 47% grade does not automatically have stronger molecular chelating performance than the 38% grade; it delivers more active GLDA-4Na in each kilogram of liquid. Performance differences usually result from the active dose, impurity profile, pH, water hardness, contact time, and compatibility with the rest of the formula.
GLDA-4Na is commonly used in alkaline cleaning products because the liquid grades are typically alkaline. The 47% specification described by Think-Do Chemicals gives a pH range of 10.0–12.0 for a 1% aqueous solution. The broader product information describes chelating stability across acidic to alkaline conditions, but every final formulation should be tested at its actual pH because surfactants, preservatives, enzymes, builders, and fragrances can alter stability.
For hard-water control, I would first define the calcium and magnesium load rather than choosing a concentration based only on supplier price. A detergent used in water containing 300 mg/L as calcium carbonate may require a different active chelant level from a product intended for soft municipal water. Conducting a side-by-side test with equal active GLDA-4Na, identical surfactant levels, and controlled water hardness provides a more reliable comparison than comparing equal liquid addition rates.
Manufacturers should consider GLDA-4Na 38% when the formulation has sufficient water capacity and the production site prioritizes easier liquid handling. A lower-concentration product may offer lower viscosity, simpler transfer through existing pumps, and faster incorporation into a water-based batch. These factors can matter for small manufacturers using drums, intermediate containers, or low-shear mixing equipment.
The 38% grade can also fit standard-strength liquid detergents where the additional liquid volume does not create a meaningful packaging or storage problem. If the delivered price per kilogram is substantially lower, the product may remain economical after adjusting for its lower active content. However, the comparison must include the extra quantity needed, not only the price printed on the quotation.
I would also consider 38% when local supply is more consistent or when a plant has already validated the grade in its preservative and viscosity system. Changing concentration can modify total water addition and may affect final density, conductivity, foam behavior, and drying time. A validated 38% process can be preferable to an untested 47% grade if production continuity is the main constraint.
GLDA-4Na 47% is generally more suitable for concentrated detergents, industrial cleaning products, and buyers transporting material over long distances. Because approximately 1.237 kg of 38% product is needed to equal 1 kg of 47% product on an active basis, the 47% grade reduces the liquid mass required for the same chelant supply.
The 47% grade is also useful when formulation space is limited. In a concentrated cleaner, reducing the amount of carrier water can help preserve room for surfactants, solvents, hydrotropes, enzymes, builders, or other functional additives. This does not remove the need for compatibility testing, because higher active content can influence viscosity, mixing order, and localized concentration during batch charging.
For large-volume detergent manufacturers, the logistics benefit can be calculated directly. A plant requiring 4,700 kg of active GLDA-4Na would need about 10,000 kg of 47% liquid or approximately 12,368 kg of 38% liquid. The difference is about 2,368 kg of additional product that must be purchased, transported, stored, and pumped.
The correct purchasing metric is cost per kilogram of active GLDA-4Na, adjusted for freight, packaging, storage, and processing. A practical formula is:
Delivered cost per kg active = (Product price + freight + packaging cost + handling cost) ÷ (Product mass × active fraction)
For example, suppose 47% GLDA-4Na is quoted at $0.90 per kilogram with $0.08 freight and handling, while 38% GLDA-4Na is quoted at $0.76 per kilogram with $0.07 freight and handling.
47% delivered cost per kg active: $0.98 ÷ 0.47 = approximately $2.09
38% delivered cost per kg active: $0.83 ÷ 0.38 = approximately $2.18
Under these assumed prices, the 47% grade has the lower active-material cost despite its higher purchase price per kilogram. The result changes if the 38% grade has a much lower delivered price, if freight is local, or if the 47% grade requires new pumping or heating equipment.
Storage capacity should also be included in the total-cost calculation. If a facility pays for rented tank volume or receives material in multiple small drums, the additional 23.7% liquid mass associated with the 38% grade may increase handling labor and storage expenses. For a reliable buying decision, I recommend comparing both grades using the same annual active requirement rather than the same number of containers.
Concentration affects handling, but the exact viscosity difference must be confirmed from supplier data at a stated temperature. Buyers should request viscosity at 20°C or 25°C, density at 20°C, recommended pump type, and any temperature limits for loading and unloading. A 47% liquid may require more attention to pump selection and line flushing than a 38% liquid, particularly in cold warehouses or narrow transfer lines.
Crystallization or sediment formation should be evaluated through a storage trial rather than assumed from concentration alone. Ask the supplier for minimum storage temperature, freezing or crystallization behavior, recommended agitation, and instructions for restoring uniformity after cold exposure. Think-Do Chemicals lists a recommended storage range of 5–30°C for its GLDA-4Na liquid grade and advises sealed storage away from direct sunlight and incompatible chemicals.
Packaging also affects operating cost. Common liquid formats include 25 kg plastic barrels and 250 kg IBC tanks, while customized 10 kg or 100 kg formats may be available for smaller orders. For continuous manufacturing, IBC delivery normally reduces container handling compared with drums, but the site must confirm unloading connections, cleaning procedures, return policies, and spill-control requirements.
Before approving GLDA-4Na 47% or 38%, I request a current technical data sheet, safety data sheet, certificate of analysis, packaging specification, and sample for laboratory validation. The COA should clearly identify the batch number, production date, assay method, active content, pH test conditions, density test temperature, chloride result, color or appearance, and any stated limits for NTA or other impurities.
A practical procurement checklist includes:
Active content: Confirm whether the specification is a minimum, nominal value, or permitted range.
Assay tolerance: Establish the acceptable deviation for production release and dosage conversion.
pH: Confirm that the result applies to a 1% aqueous solution or another stated test concentration.
Density: Verify the test temperature and use density when converting volume-based additions to mass.
Chloride: Check the maximum limit when corrosion, conductivity, or sensitive equipment is involved.
NTA: Request a declared value or test result when regulatory or customer requirements apply.
Color and appearance: Define acceptable yellow intensity, haze, sediment, and phase separation.
Packaging: Specify drum or IBC material, net weight tolerance, sealing, labeling, and palletization.
Storage: Confirm shelf life, temperature range, transport conditions, and procedures for cold exposure.
Technical support: Request application guidance and a retained sample from the supplied batch.
Think-Do Chemicals describes in-process monitoring, raw-material inspection, and final-product testing as part of its quality-control process. I would still compare each shipment against the agreed purchase specification because supplier capability does not replace incoming inspection. For detergent manufacturers, a retained sample and batch-specific COA provide useful evidence if viscosity, pH, color, or cleaning performance changes during production.
GLDA-4Na is often selected when a manufacturer wants a biodegradable chelating agent for detergents, personal care, or water-treatment applications. EDTA remains technically useful in many systems, but it may be less suitable where biodegradability, environmental positioning, or customer restrictions are important. The better choice depends on metal-ion targets, regulatory requirements, pH, temperature, formulation compatibility, and verified performance data.
MGDA is another biodegradable chelant used in cleaning formulations. A comparison between GLDA-4Na and MGDA should use equal active molar or functional performance bases where appropriate, not simply equal liquid percentages. I would compare calcium and magnesium binding, iron and copper control, pH stability, odor, color, formulation compatibility, cost per active kilogram, and supply continuity before selecting one material.
| Your priority | Preferred grade | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Concentrated detergent or cleaner | GLDA-4Na 47% | More active material with less added liquid |
| Long-distance transportation | GLDA-4Na 47% | Lower liquid mass for equal active supply |
| Limited formulation water | GLDA-4Na 47% | Reduces carrier-water contribution |
| Small production batches | GLDA-4Na 38% | Easier to handle when lower viscosity is confirmed |
| Existing low-shear pumping system | GLDA-4Na 38% | May require fewer process changes |
| Lowest upfront price per kilogram | Evaluate both | Purchase price does not equal active cost |
| Local supply with frequent deliveries | GLDA-4Na 38% may fit | Freight and storage savings can reduce the concentration penalty |
| Large annual active requirement | Usually GLDA-4Na 47% | Freight, storage, and handling differences become larger |
GLDA-4Na 47% vs 38%: How to Choose the Right Concentration depends on active content, dosage conversion, handling, freight, storage, and supplier documentation. For concentrated formulations and large-volume purchasing, GLDA-4Na 47% usually offers a stronger cost-in-use case because it supplies 47 kg of active material per 100 kg of liquid, compared with 38 kg from the 38% grade.
GLDA-4Na 38% can be the better option when lower viscosity, simpler pumping, local availability, or lower upfront purchase cost is more important than reducing shipment volume. I recommend comparing both grades using the same active GLDA-4Na requirement, then validating pH, density, chloride, NTA, color, viscosity, storage stability, and cleaning performance in the finished formula. A supplier such as Think-Do Chemicals should be asked for a batch-specific COA, technical data sheet, safety data sheet, packaging details, and sample before commercial approval.
