Carbon dioxide is used to carbonate beverages, naturally added to beer and sparkling wine during fermentation, and artificially to create tangy flavours and bubble effects. It also helps preserve beverages.

As a firefighter’s best friend, carbon dioxide is also highly effective at suppressing fires. When solidified, carbon dioxide is also great for cooling and preserving perishable goods during transportation. As a result of its cooling properties, it can be used in manufacturing as a tool to increase production efficiency.

Outside Sri Lanka, carbon dioxide is mainly used as urea for fertiliser. It is also used in oil recovery, several industrial processes, steel making, and in medicine to support breathing.