Salt, known since antiquity as "white gold," remains a vital element for both industry and everyday life in Europe. The salt industry plays a central role in the economy, meeting critical needs in areas such as chemical production, food supply, water treatment and infrastructure. Based on data from the EU Salt organization, this article examines the sources and uses of European salt, current production capacity, and future prospects.
Key figures in european production
According to the latest data from EUsalt (2023):
Europe is home to 75 companies with 150 production sites, excluding small-scale solar salt operations.
Production capacity stands at 77 million tonnes, with an estimated annual turnover of around 3.9 billion euros.
The industry employs approximately 12,800 people and includes activities beyond production such as refining, trade, storage, and tourism in saltworks and salt mines.
Sources and types of salt in Europe
European salt production relies on four main methods:
Brine Salt – 36%: A saltwater solution extracted by solution mining or from natural brines. It is used mainly in the chemical industry (e.g. for chlorine and caustic soda production), and is produced in Germany, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom.
Rock Salt – 30%: Extracted underground by drilling or mechanical mining. Major producers include Germany, France, Poland, Romania, and the UK.
Vacuum Salt – 21%: The purest form of salt, produced by evaporating purified brine in enclosed systems. Mainly used in pharmaceutical and medical applications, and produced in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Poland.
Solar Salt – 13%: Obtained by evaporating seawater or saline lakes in shallow ponds, mostly in Mediterranean coastal regions like Italy, Spain, and Greece, as well as the Atlantic, Baltic, and Black Sea areas.
The large share of brine and rock salt in European production is primarily due to their ability to be used directly, without energy-intensive processing, offering significant cost advantages especially for industrial use.
Salt consumption in Europe
Salt consumption in Europe reached 51 million tonnes in 2023. Main usage sectors include:
Chemical industry – 50.9%
De-icing – 17.3%
Food and processed products – 7.1%
Water treatment – 6.1%
Animal feed – 4.1%
Other uses – 14.3%
The chart below illustrates the breakdown of salt production by type and consumption by sector in Europe for the year 2023.
Salt demand in Europe is shaped by a combination of external factors including weather conditions, social and dietary trends, geopolitical and economic shifts, as well as fluctuations in energy prices. For example, mild winters reduce the need for de-icing salt, while the move toward healthier diets affects food-related salt consumption. Conversely, growing demand for clean, soft water and emphasis on sustainable resource management is boosting salt use in water treatment. Economic and geopolitical stability or uncertainty also significantly impact the chemical sector, which remains the largest consumer of salt in Europe.
Future trends
EUsalt projects that despite a slight decline in recent years, salt demand in Europe will gradually recover by 2033. Key trends influencing salt consumption include:
Economic recovery in the chemical sector, which is closely tied to energy costs.
Rising consumption of processed foods due to changing eating habits.
Decline in animal feed use, driven by shrinking livestock populations and a shift to plant-based proteins.
Significant growth in water treatment use, due to drought, resource-saving technologies, and demand for increased equipment longevity.
Variable de-icing needs, influenced by changing climate patterns and technological advances.
The strategic importance of european salt
In conclusion, European salt is a stable, multifunctional resource of growing strategic value. As Europe faces challenges such as energy volatility, water scarcity, and food security, the salt industry continues to adapt, invest in technology, and contribute to a sustainable future. Behind a seemingly simple mineral lies an industry with a critical role in Europe's industrial, social, and environmental stability.
Source: THE EUROPEAN SALT INDUSTRY: Navigating Production, Progress and Prospects - EUsalt