Linear Alkylbenzene Market: By Application (Surfactants, Personal Care, Others), By End-users (Industrial Cleaners, Household Cleaners, Launderer, Agricultural Herbicide Companies, Others) and Geography.

Linear Alkylbenzene Market was valued at USD 10,623.5 million in 2022 and is poised to grow at a significant CAGR of 4.2% over 2023-2029. Linear alkylbenzene belongs to a family of organic compounds that are generally produced as intermediate in the production of surfactants in the form of detergents. Thus, also known as detergent alkylate. Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) is a product of the alkylation of benzene with n-paraffins, the catalyst being hydrogen fluoride or aluminium chloride. According to a research article, linear alkylbenzene has dominated the biodegradable detergent market (3 million tonnes) and is expected to be increased. Linear alkylbenzene of appropriate chain length is predominantly used as a raw material for the production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acid (LABSA), which is used in laundry detergents, heavy-duty laundry liquids, light-duty dishwashing liquids, and industrial cleaners.

The cleaning power and foaming properties of LAS are superior to ABS (Branched alkylbenzene sulfonate) as well as it reduces the level of active ingredients and phosphate in the detergent product without sacrificing performance. Moreover, its straight chemical chain makes it biodegradable, adding to the environmental consciousness factor. According to an article, LAS is used in laundry detergents and cleaners at concentrations up to 25 percent in consumer products, and up to 30 percent in commercial products, with the exception of one reported product at 45% percent in a concentrated solid form that is mechanically dispensed into a diluted solution for dishwashing. Although some of the competitive surfactants have the advantages of greater hard-water tolerance or better compatibility with enzymes, LAB has overall more favourable properties and is often more affordable.

Linear Alkylbenzene Market Key Developments:

• In August 2022, Unilever purchased the world’s first linear alkylbenzene surfactant made up of renewable carbon from Cepsa.
• In 2020, Indorama Ventures completed the acquisition of Chocolate Bayou plant located in Houston as a premiere manufacturing site for LAB production.
• In December 2018, Qatar Petroleum announced the acquisition of United Development Company (UDC)’s 20% interest in SEEF Limited – a petrochemical company engaged in LAB manufacturing.