Sodium formate is used as a reducing agent in the production of pharmaceuticals and dyes, facilitating the conversion of nitro groups to amino groups. It is employed in leather tanning to improve fiber dispersion, control pH, and reduce chrome consumption while preventing leather degradation. As a de-icing agent for roads and runways, it lowers the freezing point of water and is less corrosive than chlorides. In textile processing, it acts as a buffering agent and pH controller in dyeing to enhance color adhesion. It serves as a precursor for formic acid production and a source of formate ions in chemical synthesis, including some fuel cells. Additionally, it is utilized in wastewater treatment to reduce water hardness and accelerate organic decomposition in anaerobic systems, and as a component in certain chemical formulations to reduce surface tension.