Linear Alkyl Benzene: A bio-degradable intermediate for use across diverse applications

Growing health and hygiene concerns among the consumers across the globe have increased the demand for linear alkyl benzene. There has been a considerable rise in the demand for linear alkyl benzene across various niche applications. For instance, LAB is used as a fluid in underground electricity transmission cables and is also suitable for underwater cables. Additionally, rising construction spending around the world is expected to fuel the market growth over the forecast period.

Linear alkyl benzene may be defined as a family of organic compounds that appear like a colourless oily liquid. LAB is exclusively derived from petroleum based benzene and linear paraffins, and acts as a vital raw material in the manufacture of synthetic detergents. It may be converted into linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) or directly supplied to key end use industries. In addition, LAB exhibits high flash point, high light yield and optical transparency along with low radioactive impurities which expand its use in neutrino detectors as well.

Besides acting as an emulsifier and a coupling agent, linear alkyl benzene offers exceptional electrical properties, making them useful for a variety of industrial applications. Additionally, LAB can be easily dissolved, is chemically and physically stable, and offers excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance and plasticity. LAB is highly preferred due to its bio-degradable nature and low cost, thereby driving its demand.

Significant rise in the demand for industrial and household cleaning has led to the growth in consumption of LAS based surfactants for home and personal care applications such as liquid dishwashing soaps and sanitization products. Also, rapid industrialization coupled with increasing disposable income levels, particularly in China and India are expected to foster market growth over the years as consumers are ready to pay high price for premium products.

However, high volatility in the raw material prices, particularly crude oil, may hinder the market growth. Moreover, LAB has been observed to have adverse effects on human health and environment as it is not only toxic but also contributes to the permeation of pollutants into aquatic animals. Furthermore, stringent regulations regarding the use of synthetic surfactants are likely to limit market growth over the next seven years. Therefore, key market players are shifting their focus towards the development of bio-based alternatives in order to reduce the reliance on petrochemical derived linear alkyl benzene.

Some of the key companies operating in the industry include Honeywell International Inc.; Desmet Ballestra; Farabi Petrochemicals Co.; Huntsman International LLC; Cepsa; S.B.K Holding; Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.; ISU Chemical; Sasol Limited; Jingtung Petrochemical Corp., Ltd.; Reliance Industries Limited; Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; SEEF Limited; Formosan Union Chemical Corp.; JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation; among others.

CHAPTER 1. Market Scope and Methodology

1.1. Research methodology

1.2. Research scope & assumptions

1.3. List of data sources

CHAPTER 2. Executive Summary

2.1. Linear Alkyl Benzene Market – Market Snapshot

CHAPTER 3. Industry Analysis

3.1. Market definition

3.2. Market segmentation

3.3. Key findings of the global linear alkyl benzene market

3.4. Value chain analysis

3.5. Market opportunities & trends

3.5.1. Growing preference for bio-based surfactants

3.6. Market dynamics

3.6.1. Market driver analysis

   3.6.1.1. Growing demand for cleaning agents and detergents

   3.6.1.2. Rise in the construction spending across the globe

   3.6.1.3. Rising demand in various niche applications

3.6.2. Market restraint analysis

    3.6.2.1. Volatile raw material prices

    3.6.2.2. Adverse environmental impact

3.6.3. Industry analysis-Porters five forces of analysis

CHAPTER 4. Competitive Outlook

4.1. Competitive Analysis

4.2. PESTLE Analysis

4.3. Company Market Share Analysis

        4.3.1. Competitive Factors

CHAPTER 5. Global Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) Market Size and Forecast (2014 – 2024)

5.1. Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Application (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

5.1.1. Surfactants

5.1.2. Non-Surfactants

5.2. Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By End-Use (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

5.2.1. Laundry powder

5.2.2. Heavy-duty laundry liquid

5.2.3. Light-duty dish washing liquid

5.2.4. Household cleaner

5.2.5. Industrial cleaner

5.2.6. Others

CHAPTER 6. Global Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) Market Size and Forecast, By Region (2014 – 2024)

6.1. North America Linear Alkyl Benzene Market (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.1.1. North America Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Application (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.1.2. North America Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By End-Use (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.1.3. North America Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Country (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

   6.1.3.1. The U.S.

   6.1.3.2. Canada

   6.1.3.3. Mexico

6.2. Europe Linear Alkyl Benzene Market (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.2.1. Europe Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Application (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.2.2. Europe Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By End-Use (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.2.3. Europe Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Country (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

   6.2.3.1. Germany

   6.2.3.2. U.K

   6.2.3.3. France

   6.2.3.4. Italy

   6.2.3.5. Russia

   6.2.3.6. Rest of Europe

6.3. Asia-Pacific Linear Alkyl Benzene Market (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.3.1. Asia-Pacific Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Application (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.3.2. Asia-Pacific Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By End-Use (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.3.3. Asia-Pacific Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Country (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

   6.3.3.1. China

   6.3.3.2. Japan

   6.3.3.3. India

   6.3.3.4. South Korea

   6.3.3.5. Rest of Asia-Pacific

6.4. Central & South America (CSA) Linear Alkyl Benzene Market (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.4.1. Central & South America (CSA) Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Application (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.4.2. Central & South America (CSA) Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By End-Use (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.4.3. Central & South America (CSA) Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Country (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

   6.4.3.1. Brazil

   6.4.3.2. Rest of Central & South America (CSA)

6.5. Middle East & Africa (MEA) Linear Alkyl Benzene Market (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.5.1. Middle East & Africa (MEA) Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Application (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.5.2. Middle East & Africa (MEA) Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By End-Use (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

6.5.3. Middle East & Africa (MEA) Linear Alkyl Benzene Market, By Country (Kilo Tons) (USD Million)

   6.5.3.1. Saudi Arabia

   6.5.3.2. South Africa

   6.5.3.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa (MEA)

CHAPTER 7. Key Players and Strategic Developments

7.1. Honeywell International Inc.

7.1.1. Business Overview

7.1.2. Product and Service Offering

7.1.3. Financial Overview

7.1.4. Strategic Developments

7.2. Desmet Ballestra

7.2.1. Business Overview

7.2.2. Product and Service Offering

7.2.3. Financial Overview

7.2.4. Strategic Developments

7.3. Farabi Petrochemicals Co.

7.3.1. Business Overview

7.3.2. Product and Service Offering

7.3.3. Financial Overview

7.3.4. Strategic Developments

7.4. Huntsman International LLC

7.4.1. Business Overview

7.4.2. Product and Service Offering

7.4.3. Financial Overview

7.4.4. Strategic Developments

7.5. Cepsa

7.5.1. Business Overview

7.5.2. Product and Service Offering

7.5.3. Financial Overview

7.5.4. Strategic Developments

7.6. S.B.K Holding

7.6.1. Business Overview

7.6.2. Product and Service Offering

7.6.3. Financial Overview

7.6.4. Strategic Developments

7.7. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

7.7.1. Business Overview

7.7.2. Product and Service Offering

7.7.3. Financial Overview

7.7.4. Strategic Developments

7.8. ISU Chemical

7.8.1. Business Overview

7.8.2. Product and Service Offering

7.8.3. Financial Overview

7.8.4. Strategic Developments

7.9. Sasol Limited

7.9.1. Business Overview

7.9.2. Product and Service Offering

7.9.3. Financial Overview

7.9.4. Strategic Developments

7.10. Jingtung Petrochemical Corp., Ltd.

7.10.1. Business Overview

7.10.2. Product and Service Offering

7.10.3. Financial Overview

7.10.4. Strategic Developments

7.11. Reliance Industries Limited

7.11.1. Business Overview

7.11.2. Product and Service Offering

7.11.3. Financial Overview

7.11.4. Strategic Developments

7.12. Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

7.12.1. Business Overview

7.12.2. Product and Service Offering

7.12.3. Financial Overview

7.12.4. Strategic Developments

7.13. SEEF Limited

7.13.1. Business Overview

7.13.2. Product and Service Offering

7.13.3. Financial Overview

7.13.4. Strategic Developments

7.14. Formosan Union Chemical Corp.

7.14.1. Business Overview

7.14.2. Product and Service Offering

7.14.3. Financial Overview

7.14.4. Strategic Developments

7.15. JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation

7.15.1. Business Overview

7.15.2. Product and Service Offering

7.15.3. Financial Overview

7.15.4. Strategic Developments

7.16. PT Unggul Indah Cahaya Tbk

7.16.1. Business Overview

7.16.2. Product and Service Offering

7.16.3. Financial Overview

7.16.4. Strategic Developments