Linear Alkyl Benzene Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 3.14 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Linear Alkyl Benzene Market Analysis
The Linear Alkyl Benzene Market size is estimated at 3.41 Million tons in 2024, and is expected to reach 3.98 Million tons by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.14% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
In 2020, the market was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to disruptions in supply chains and closures of various institutions/offices. However, the demand for LAB has increased for use in house cleaning products, considering the increased awareness of cleanliness and hygiene. The market recovered significantly in 2021, and it is expected to grow at the pre-COVID rate during the forecast period.
- Over the medium term, the growing demand for linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid from the detergent and cleaning industry is expected to boost the market studied.
- However, increasing concerns over health issues, environmental regulations, and the emergence of substitutes are expected to hinder market growth.
- The growing demand for bio-based LAB is likely to act as an opportunity for the market during the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific is likely to dominate the market and witness the highest growth during the forecast period.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Market Trends
The Laundry Detergents Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market
- Linear alkylbenzene is used to manufacture linear alkyl benzene sulphonates (LAS) commercially. These are cytotoxic synthetic anionic surfactants used to produce laundry detergents.
- When dissolved in water, these anionic surfactants form anions with a negative charge on the hydrophilic part of the surfactant.
- Laundry detergents containing LAS form a lot of foam when mixed and are most effective at removing oily and greasy stains.
- Countries such as India, China, and Japan are the leading manufacturers of laundry detergents.
- For instance, in recent times, India has been one of the largest producers of soaps and detergents globally. Government initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission promote health and hygiene. Such initiatives, along with the growing usage of soaps and detergents, have led to the growth of the manufacturing industry, further boosting the demand for LABS in the country.
- In December 2023, Godrej Consumer launched a new liquid laundry detergent for mass-market consumers in South India. The product is called Godrej Fab and is available in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
- According to the METI (Japan), the production volume of laundry detergent powders in Japan accounted for 105.31 kilotons in 2022, compared to 124.39 kilotons in the previous year.
- In January 2023, Lion Corporation (Japan-based manufacturer of soaps and detergents) launched its new Acron Smart Care, a new, ultra-soft laundry detergent, in stores nationwide. Acron Smart Care is a softening agent specially formulated for delicate-safe laundry.
- According to an Australian Department of Health report, household detergents account for more than 85% of LAS consumption, with consumer laundry products having the highest volume of use.
- Europe is the second-largest consumer of alkylbenzene sulfonate. The demand for linear alkylbenzene is projected to rise for the production of alkylbenzene sulfonate.
- The demand for LAB is expected to grow due to rapid urbanization and changing consumer preferences toward eco-friendly surfactants and cleansers.
- Ménage cleansers, dishwashing liquids, laundry liquids, laundry maquillages, and other cleanser products use approximately 83-87% of linear alkyl sulfonate (LAS).
- All these factors are likely to boost the demand for linear alkylbenzene sulfonate over the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market
- Asia-Pacific dominated the global market share as the increasing need for cleaners in countries such as China, India, and Japan supported the use of linear alkylbenzene in the region.
- Linear alkyl benzene is used as a raw material to manufacture linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (LABSA) by reacting with sulfuric acid in the liquid phase or sulfur trioxide in the gaseous phase. Some of the country's major manufacturers and suppliers of LAB and LABSA include PetroChina Fushun Petrochemical, Shanghai Chemex, Yeser Chemicals, and Henan Jinhe Industry Co. Ltd.
- LABSA is considered one of the cheapest common surfactants used in the powder and liquid detergent industries to manufacture synthetic detergents in liquid, cake, or powder form.
- Saudi Arabia's Farabi Petrochemicals Company, a top player in LAB production, announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in Great Orient Chemical Pte Ltd in June 2023. Great Orient Chemical Pte Ltd is the sole shareholder of Great Orient Chemical Taicang Co. Ltd, which has a linear alkyl benzene facility in Taicang, China.
- According to the statistics of the China Surfactant Industry Alliance, in 2022, the total annual surfactant production of 67 large-scale enterprises in the surfactant industry was estimated to have reached 4.262 million tons. In contrast, the sales volume crossed the mark of 4.2 million tons, with a Y-o-Y increase of 3.6%.
- According to HUNAN RESUN Co. Ltd, a Chinese manufacturer of detergents and surfactants, RESUN conducts research and manufactures and sells surfactants and detergent products. In the first nine months of 2023, RESUN generated revenue of CNY 2.996 billion (USD 0.42 billion), up by 7.42% from the previous year, with surfactants representing 92.23% of the total revenue, highlighting their strong demand in the country.
- According to the Chemical and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association (CPMA), in 2022, India's linear alkylbenzene (LAB) installed capacity was approximately 544,790 metric tons.
- In 2022, the IOCL LAB plant underwent a revamp to increase its capacity to 162 kilotons from 120 kilotons per annum. The increased capacity of LAB makes the IOC the largest LAB supplier in India.
- Therefore, such factors are expected to contribute to the increased demand for linear alkyl benzene (LAB) in the region during the forecast period.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Industry Overviiew
The linear alkyl benzene (LAB) market is consolidated in nature. The major companies (not in any particular order) in the market include Cepsa, Sasol, IndoramaVentures Public Limited, ISU Chemical, and Jintung Petrochemical Corp. Ltd.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Market Leaders
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Cepsa
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Sasol
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Indorama Ventures Public Limited
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ISU Chemical
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Jintung Petrochemical Corp. Ltd
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Linear Alkyl Benzene Market News
- June 2023: Farabi Petrochemicals Co. acquired a 50% stake in Great Orient Chemical (Taicang) Co. Ltd, a linear alkyl benzene (LAB) production plant in Taicang, China, from South Korean ISU Chemical Co. Ltd through the purchase of shares in a Singapore-based holding company.
- August 2022: Cepsa supplied the first batch of NextLab (linear alkyl benzene) to Unilever for linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS)-based surfactant manufacturing. NextLab is the first linear alkylbenzene (LAB) to be both renewable and biodegradable as an alternative to the traditional fossil LAB.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
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4.1 Drivers
- 4.1.1 Growing Demand for Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid from the Detergent and Cleaning Industry
- 4.1.2 Other Drivers
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4.2 Restraints
- 4.2.1 Increasing Concerns Over Health Issues and Environmental Regulations
- 4.2.2 Emergence of Substitutes
- 4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
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4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services
- 4.4.5 Degree of Competition
- 4.5 Price Trend Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Volume)
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5.1 Application
- 5.1.1 Surfactants
- 5.1.1.1 Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS)
- 5.1.2 Other Applications (Solvents and Paints)
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5.2 Geography
- 5.2.1 Asia-Pacific
- 5.2.1.1 China
- 5.2.1.2 India
- 5.2.1.3 Japan
- 5.2.1.4 South Korea
- 5.2.1.5 Malaysia
- 5.2.1.6 Thailand
- 5.2.1.7 Indonesia
- 5.2.1.8 Vietnam
- 5.2.1.9 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.2.2 North America
- 5.2.2.1 United States
- 5.2.2.2 Canada
- 5.2.2.3 Mexico
- 5.2.3 Europe
- 5.2.3.1 Germany
- 5.2.3.2 United Kingdom
- 5.2.3.3 Italy
- 5.2.3.4 France
- 5.2.3.5 Spain
- 5.2.3.6 NORDIC
- 5.2.3.7 Turkey
- 5.2.3.8 Russia
- 5.2.3.9 Rest of Europe
- 5.2.4 South America
- 5.2.4.1 Brazil
- 5.2.4.2 Argentina
- 5.2.4.3 Colombia
- 5.2.4.4 Rest of South America
- 5.2.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.2.5.1 Saudi Arabia
- 5.2.5.2 South Africa
- 5.2.5.3 Nigeria
- 5.2.5.4 Qatar
- 5.2.5.5 Egypt
- 5.2.5.6 United Arab Emirates
- 5.2.5.7 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Mergers, Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
- 6.2 Market Share (%) Analysis
- 6.3 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players
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6.4 Company Profiles
- 6.4.1 Cepsa
- 6.4.2 Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM)
- 6.4.3 ENASPOL AS
- 6.4.4 Farabi Petrochemicals Co.
- 6.4.5 Formosan Union Chemical Corp.
- 6.4.6 Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
- 6.4.7 Indorama Ventures Public Limited
- 6.4.8 ISU Chemical
- 6.4.9 Jintung Petrochemical Corp. Ltd
- 6.4.10 Kineff
- 6.4.11 NIRMA LIMITED
- 6.4.12 PT Unggul Indah Cahaya Tbk
- 6.4.13 Qatar Chemical & Petrochemical Marketing & Distribution Company (Muntajat) Q.P.J.S.C
- 6.4.14 Reliance Industries Limited
- 6.4.15 Sasol
- 6.4.16 SBK HOLDING
- 6.4.17 Tamilnadu Petroproducts Limited
- 6.4.18 Thaioil Group (LABIX Company Limited)
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
- 7.1 Growing Demand for Bio-based LAB
- 7.2 Other Opportunities
Linear Alkyl Benzene Industry Segmentation
Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) is a cost-effective and biodegradable intermediate in producing detergents and surfactants. LAB with appropriate chain length is predominantly used as a raw material to manufacture linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acid (LABSA) by reaction with sulfuric acid in the liquid phase or by sulfur trioxide in the gaseous phase.
The linear alkyl benzene (LAB) market is segmented by application and geography. By application, the market is segmented into surfactants (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS)) and other applications (solvents and paints)). The report also covers the size and forecasts for the linear alkyl benzene (LAB) market in 27 countries across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done in terms of volume (kilotons).
| Application | Surfactants | Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) |
| Application | Other Applications (Solvents and Paints) | |
| Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | ||
| Japan | ||
| South Korea | ||
| Malaysia | ||
| Thailand | ||
| Indonesia | ||
| Vietnam | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Geography | Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | ||
| Italy | ||
| France | ||
| Spain | ||
| NORDIC | ||
| Turkey | ||
| Russia | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Geography | South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | ||
| Colombia | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Geography | Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| South Africa | ||
| Nigeria | ||
| Qatar | ||
| Egypt | ||
| United Arab Emirates | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Linear Alkyl Benzene Market Research FAQs
How big is the Linear Alkyl Benzene Market?
The Linear Alkyl Benzene Market size is expected to reach 3.41 million tons in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.14% to reach 3.98 million tons by 2029.
What is the current Linear Alkyl Benzene Market size?
In 2024, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Market size is expected to reach 3.41 million tons.
Who are the key players in Linear Alkyl Benzene Market?
Cepsa, Sasol, Indorama Ventures Public Limited, ISU Chemical and Jintung Petrochemical Corp. Ltd are the major companies operating in the Linear Alkyl Benzene Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Linear Alkyl Benzene Market?
Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Linear Alkyl Benzene Market?
In 2024, the Asia-Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Linear Alkyl Benzene Market.
What years does this Linear Alkyl Benzene Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Market size was estimated at 3.30 million tons. The report covers the Linear Alkyl Benzene Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Linear Alkyl Benzene Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What are the key factors driving the growth of the global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market?
The key factors driving the growth of the global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market are a) Rising demand for household and industrial cleaners b) Increasing consumer spending, and the shift towards liquid-based detergent products c) Advancements in production technologies and the development of bio-based alternatives
Linear Alkyl Benzene Industry Report
The linear alkyl benzene (LAB) market is poised for significant growth, driven by rising demand in household and industrial cleaning applications. The market is segmented primarily into linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and other applications, with LAS holding the largest share due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of processing in powder form. However, the increasing preference for liquid detergents, which offer higher surfactant levels per wash load, is expected to influence market dynamics. The industry is also seeing a shift towards bio-based alternatives to enhance sustainability, with major chemical manufacturers forming joint ventures and collaborations to develop these eco-friendly options. The linear alkyl benzene market's growth is further supported by trends in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, particularly in regions with high demand for personal care and cleaning products. Comprehensive linear alkyl benzene market analysis indicates that the linear alkyl benzene industry is evolving rapidly, with significant market share being captured by innovative and sustainable solutions. Statistics for the linear alkyl benzene (LAB) market share, size, and revenue growth rate are provided by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. This analysis includes a market forecast outlook and a historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
