Calcium lignosulfonate is a yellow brown powder extracted from sulfite pulping of wood that is fully water soluble. It has a pH between 5-7 and consists of at least 50% lignosulfonate, 10-12% sugar, and 18-21% ash. Calcium lignosulfonate has several uses including as a plasticizer in concrete to reduce water needs, in lead batteries to increase lifetime, and as a dispersant or binder in products like ceramics, resins, and fodder.