Two chlorides, different performance
Both magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are used for dust binding in summer and for melting ice and snow in winter, but the two perform differently. Calcium chloride draws in more moisture. One kg absorbs 1.8 liters of water, compared with one liter for magnesium chloride.
Share of active substance
For dust binding, calcium chloride contains 77 percent active substance, while magnesium chloride contains 47 percent. The difference shows in the bulk bag too. A bag of calcium chloride contains 278 kg of calcium, compared with 120 kg of magnesium in an equivalent bag of magnesium chloride.
- Calcium chloride works from -6 to -40 degrees
- Magnesium chloride loses effect faster in severe cold
- 1 kg of calcium chloride replaces roughly 2.3 kg of magnesium chloride
What does this mean in practice?
Because calcium chloride lasts longer and works across a wider temperature range, you usually need fewer spreading passes to get the same result as with magnesium chloride. That means lower consumption and fewer trips with spreader trucks, which also lowers emissions.
For a fair price comparison, convert to anhydrous product and look at the actual amount of active substance, not just the price per kilo.
The conclusion
Saltimport's sales management points out that calcium chloride comes out better overall on both effect and total cost, even though the purchase price on its own can look higher.
