Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP, E452i) · Sequestrant, Dispersant & Water Treatment Polyphosphate

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP, E452i) is a polyphosphate widely used as a sequestrant and dispersant. In food processing, SHMP is used to bind metal ions, manage water hardness and support stability in applications such as beverages, dairy systems, seafood processing and certain formulated foods where polyphosphates are permitted. In industrial use, SHMP is valued for hardness control, dispersion and scale management in water treatment and process chemistry. Atlas Food Additives supplies SHMP in food-grade and technical-grade options (as required), supported by documentation, quality control and global logistics.

Function: Sequestrant (chelating), dispersant and hardness-control polyphosphate
Typical format: White powder or granules; readily soluble for many dosing systems
Key feature: Improves stability by binding metal ions and controlling hardness/scale in process systems

Polyphosphate permissions, maximum use levels and labelling rules vary by country and food category. Atlas provides documentation support; customers remain responsible for confirming regulatory compliance and declarations for their destination markets.

Product overview

What SHMP does in food and industrial formulations

SHMP is used primarily for sequestration and dispersion. By complexing calcium, magnesium, iron and other metal ions, it can help improve stability, reduce precipitation and manage scale-forming tendencies. In food systems, sequestration can support beverage stability and reduce metallic off-notes in some formulations. In processing systems, SHMP can support water hardness management and help keep insoluble particles dispersed.

Key characteristics

  • Chemical name: Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP).
  • Food additive reference: Often associated with polyphosphates (E452i in some systems).
  • Functional roles:
    • Sequestration (chelation) of metal ions,
    • Hardness control and stabilization of aqueous systems,
    • Dispersion of particles and prevention of agglomeration in specified systems.
  • Typical appearance: White powder or granules.
  • Solubility: Soluble in water; dissolution rate depends on grade and particle size.
  • Compatibility:
    • Used alone or in blends with other phosphates to tailor performance,
    • Works in systems where controlling calcium/magnesium is important for stability or processing.

Atlas can support grade selection and application guidance for food processors and industrial users requiring SHMP for sequestration and stability control.

Indicative specification points

Specifications depend on grade (food vs. technical), destination requirements and customer standards. Typical quality control points include:

  • Assay / purity: expressed as P2O5 content or equivalent; confirmed on COA.
  • pH (solution): controlled for consistent functionality and process behavior.
  • Insoluble matter: limited for clarity and stability in aqueous solutions.
  • Moisture: controlled for storage stability and flowability.
  • Heavy metals and contaminants: within applicable limits for the intended use grade.
  • Particle size / bulk density: defined to match dosing, dissolution and handling needs.

Each lot is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and specification sheet. For food-grade supply, additional documents may include allergen statements, GMO status (where applicable), origin declarations and Halal/Kosher certificates depending on the selected manufacturer.

Applications

SHMP applications in beverages, dairy, seafood processing and water treatment

SHMP is selected where metal-ion binding, hardness control and dispersion are required. It can support stability and processing performance in food applications and is widely used in industrial water treatment and process formulations. Use levels and permitted categories vary by market, so application trials and regulatory checks are essential.

Food and beverage applications (where permitted)

  • Beverages and syrups: helps manage metal ions and hardness-related instability in certain formulations.
  • Dairy and dairy-style systems: used in some applications to support stability and manage mineral interactions.
  • Seafood processing: sometimes used in phosphate systems to support water management and quality stability during freezing/storage.
  • Formulated foods: used in selected categories as part of polyphosphate blends to tailor functionality.

Seafood and protein processing (system use)

  • Shrimp and fish processing: used in dipping/soaking systems depending on regulatory allowances and product targets.
  • Blended phosphate systems: combined with other phosphates to adjust pH, uptake behavior and final texture outcomes.

Processing water management

  • Hard water control: helps reduce the impact of calcium/magnesium in process water for certain operations.

Industrial and water treatment applications

  • Water treatment: used for hardness control, scale management and dispersion in specified systems.
  • Detergents and cleaners: used as a builder/sequestrant in certain formulations.
  • Ceramics and industrial slurries: used as a dispersant to manage particle interactions in specified processes.
  • Process chemistry: supports metal-ion control and stabilization in selected applications.

Usage and formulation guidance

  • Typical use level: depends on application and local regulations. Optimize through trials and comply with permitted limits.
  • Addition method:
    • Dissolve in water to prepare dosing solutions for process applications,
    • Use in blended phosphate systems where tailored pH/solubility and performance are required.
  • Process considerations:
    • Water quality (hardness, pH, metals) strongly influences required dosage in water-treatment use,
    • In food systems, validate stability, sensory impact and shelf-life in pilot and production trials.
  • Regulatory and labelling:
    • Often declared as “sodium hexametaphosphate” or “polyphosphates” depending on local rules and product type.

Need SHMP for stability, sequestration or water treatment?

Share your application (beverage/dairy, seafood processing, phosphate blends, water treatment/industrial), required grade (food vs. technical), target performance, destination markets, annual volume and documentation needs. Atlas will propose suitable SHMP options and provide documentation support for QA and export.

Discuss SHMP supply
Quality & supply

Quality documentation and global supply support for sodium hexametaphosphate

Atlas Food Additives coordinates SHMP supply from qualified manufacturers and manages documentation and export logistics from Ankara, Turkey, serving food processors, ingredient blenders and industrial customers worldwide.

Quality and documentation

  • Supplied in food-grade or technical-grade options with specifications aligned to the intended use.
  • Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and specification sheet.
  • For food-grade supply, documentation can include allergen statements, GMO status (where applicable), origin declarations and Halal/Kosher certificates depending on manufacturer.
  • Manufacturing sites typically operate under recognised quality and safety systems; certificates can be shared on request.
  • Customers remain responsible for confirming permitted uses, maximum levels and labelling requirements in each destination market.

Packaging, storage and logistics

  • Standard packaging: commonly 25 kg bags; alternative packaging may be available depending on origin and grade.
  • Suitable for full-container or consolidated shipments with other phosphates and functional ingredients from the Atlas portfolio.
  • Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed original packaging to avoid moisture uptake and caking.
  • Shelf life is stated on the COA/specification; validate performance in your process and storage conditions.
  • Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms with export documentation support coordinated from Ankara.

For a quotation, please share your required grade, application category, target performance outcomes, annual volume, packaging preference and documentation requirements for your destination markets.