Introduction
If you've opened a technical data sheet lately, you've probably seen the acronym GLDA—short for L-glutamic acid diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt. At first glance it looks like another alphabet-soup additive, but GLDA is rapidly becoming the go-to replacement for EDTA, phosphates and NTA in everything from premium shampoos to industrial descalers. Below we unpack why, and how Yuanlian Chemical's 3 000 t/year plant is making the switch painless for formulators on five continents.
If you've opened a technical data sheet lately, you've probably seen the acronym GLDA—short for L-glutamic acid diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt. At first glance it looks like another alphabet-soup additive, but GLDA is rapidly becoming the go-to replacement for EDTA, phosphates and NTA in everything from premium shampoos to industrial descalers. Below we unpack why, and how Yuanlian Chemical's 3 000 t/year plant is making the switch painless for formulators on five continents.
What Exactly Is GLDA?
• INCI name: Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
• CAS No.: 51981-21-6
• Structure: A plant-derived L-glutamic acid backbone with two iminodiacetate arms that form a highly stable six-coordinate complex with metal ions (log KCa ≈ 13.2, log KFe³⁺ ≈ 21.1).
• Biodegradability: >70 % in 28 days (OECD 301), classed as “Readily Biodegradable”.
• Regulatory status: REACH-registered, listed on TSCA, IECSC, AICS and ENCS inventories—meaning zero extra paperwork for most global markets.
• INCI name: Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
• CAS No.: 51981-21-6
• Structure: A plant-derived L-glutamic acid backbone with two iminodiacetate arms that form a highly stable six-coordinate complex with metal ions (log KCa ≈ 13.2, log KFe³⁺ ≈ 21.1).
• Biodegradability: >70 % in 28 days (OECD 301), classed as “Readily Biodegradable”.
• Regulatory status: REACH-registered, listed on TSCA, IECSC, AICS and ENCS inventories—meaning zero extra paperwork for most global markets.
Performance Snapshot vs. Legacy Chelators
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| Parameter | GLDA-Na4 | EDTA-Na4 | NTA-Na3 | STPP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CaCO₃ chelation (mg CaCO₃/g) | 260 | 220 | 190 | 150 |
| Fe³⁺ chelation (mg Fe³⁺/g) | 200 | 190 | 160 | — |
| Biodegradable | Yes | Poor | Partial | No |
| Contains phosphorus | No | No | No | Yes |
| EU Detergent Regulation | Compliant | Restricted | Banned | Restricted |
Key Application Hot-Spots
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Laundry & Dish Care – boosts primary surfactants, prevents filming on glassware, allows phosphate-free claims.
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Personal Care – stabilizes peroxides in hair dyes and reduces soap scum in shower gels; gentle to skin (RIPT score 0/50).
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Industrial & Institutional Cleaning – outperforms EDTA in high-pH CIP solutions; non-corrosive to stainless steel (ASTM G31, <0.01 mm/yr).
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Oilfield & Mining – prevents Ca/Mg scale in 120 °C brine; compatible with 30 000 ppm TDS.
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Agrochemicals – keeps micronutrients soluble in foliar feeds; meets OECD GLP 5-batch ecotox package.
Yuanlian Chemical's Edge
• Capacity: 100-metric-ton spot inventory every month, expandable to 5 000 t/y on short notice.
• Quality: Each lot ships with a CoA, SGS heavy-metal panel, and biodegradation summary.
• No NTA guarantee: <0.01 % by HPLC; signed ppm-level specs.
• Packaging: 25 kg bags, 250 kg drums, 1.2 m³ IBC totes, or bulk ISO tank.
• Logistics: FOB Qingdao, CFR any major port, or DDP for EU/US warehouses with REACH SDS in local language.
• Capacity: 100-metric-ton spot inventory every month, expandable to 5 000 t/y on short notice.
• Quality: Each lot ships with a CoA, SGS heavy-metal panel, and biodegradation summary.
• No NTA guarantee: <0.01 % by HPLC; signed ppm-level specs.
• Packaging: 25 kg bags, 250 kg drums, 1.2 m³ IBC totes, or bulk ISO tank.
• Logistics: FOB Qingdao, CFR any major port, or DDP for EU/US warehouses with REACH SDS in local language.
Case Study – Premium Eco Detergent Launch
A Scandinavian brand swapped 2 % EDTA-Na4 for 1.5 % GLDA-Na4 in a cold-water laundry liquid. Lab results:
• 12 % better clay/soil removal on 30 °C cotton (IEC 60456 standard wash).
• 20 % reduction in surfactant dosage while maintaining foam height >140 mm.
• Life-cycle assessment shows 18 % lower CO₂-eq per wash cycle.
A Scandinavian brand swapped 2 % EDTA-Na4 for 1.5 % GLDA-Na4 in a cold-water laundry liquid. Lab results:
• 12 % better clay/soil removal on 30 °C cotton (IEC 60456 standard wash).
• 20 % reduction in surfactant dosage while maintaining foam height >140 mm.
• Life-cycle assessment shows 18 % lower CO₂-eq per wash cycle.
