PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1926975
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1926975
Linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is an organic compound primarily produced as an intermediate in the manufacture of surfactants used in detergents. It is derived from linear alkenes, which are generated through the dehydrogenation of hydrotreated kerosene and high-purity linear paraffins, or by the partial polymerization of ethylene. This process involves a subsequent reaction with benzene in the presence of a catalyst to yield linear alkyl benzenes.
The main types of linear alkylbenzene include C10-C13, C14-C17, and others, with the C10-C13 type denoting the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain of the LAB molecule. Sales channels for LAB include direct sales and indirect sales. Its applications encompass linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and other derivatives, serving various end-users such as homecare, industrial and institutional cleaning, among others.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
Tariffs have influenced the linear alkyl benzene market by raising costs of imported feedstocks and intermediate chemicals, impacting production economics. The impact is most visible in detergent and homecare applications, particularly in regions dependent on imported petrochemical derivatives such as Asia Pacific and Africa. Higher tariffs have increased pressure on manufacturers to optimize supply chains. At the same time, tariffs have encouraged regional production and backward integration.
The linear alkyl benzene market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides linear alkyl benzene market statistics, including linear alkyl benzene industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a linear alkyl benzene market share, detailed linear alkyl benzene market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the linear alkyl benzene industry. This linear alkyl benzene market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The linear alkyl benzene market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $10.1 billion in 2025 to $10.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of detergent manufacturing industry, urbanization driven hygiene demand, cost effectiveness of lab based surfactants, expansion of petrochemical capacity, rising population levels.
The linear alkyl benzene market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $12.52 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for eco friendly detergents, growth of institutional cleaning services, expansion of emerging markets, innovation in surfactant formulations, rising consumer hygiene awareness. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for household detergents, growing use in biodegradable surfactants, expansion of homecare product consumption, increasing production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, shift toward high purity lab grades.
The increasing demand for detergents and surfactants is projected to drive the growth of the linear alkylbenzene market in the coming years. Detergents are cleaning agents designed to eliminate dirt and grease from surfaces, typically composed of surfactants. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid, facilitating the cleaning process by breaking down oils and grime. The rising need for detergents and surfactants is attributed to several factors, including heightened hygiene awareness, growing urbanization, increased disposable incomes, population expansion, and the demand for more effective cleaning products in both household and industrial sectors. Linear alkylbenzene serves as a crucial ingredient in the production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), a biodegradable and efficient cleaning agent recognized for its strong degreasing and foaming properties. For example, in June 2023, Procter & Gamble Company, a US-based consumer goods corporation, reported that net sales for fabric and home care products reached $28,371 million in 2023, marking a 3% increase from $27,556 million in 2022, with an 8% growth in organic sales. Consequently, the rising demand for detergents and surfactants is fueling the growth of the linear alkylbenzene market.
Key players in the linear alkylbenzene market are concentrating on developing technologically advanced products, such as sustainable LAB variants, to maintain a competitive advantage. Sustainable linear alkylbenzene products aim to reduce carbon footprints and utilize renewable raw materials, addressing the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions in the homecare sector. For instance, in January 2023, Cepsa Quimica, a Spain-based chemical company, launched NextLab, the world's first sustainable linear alkylbenzene (LAB). This new product line, tailored for the homecare market, features lower greenhouse gas emissions and incorporates renewable raw materials while delivering performance comparable to traditional linear alkylbenzene (LAB). NextLab includes three main variants, such as NextLab-R, derived from renewable resources, and NextLab-Low Carbon, which utilizes alternative energy sources during production.
In November 2023, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), a UAE-based investment and holding entity, acquired a 35% stake in Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene (Elab) for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aligns with Egypt's broader privatization program, aimed at stimulating economic growth and attracting foreign investment. Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene (Elab) is an Egypt-based manufacturer of linear alkylbenzene.
Major companies operating in the linear alkyl benzene market are Reliance Industries Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Cepsa, Sasol Limited, Farabi Petrochemicals Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, Thai Oil Public Company Limited, QatarEnergy, PETRONAS, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, ExxonMobil Chemical, Shell Chemicals, TotalEnergies, ENI, Formosa Plastics Corporation, SK Geo Centric, Idemitsu Kosan, Sinopec, PetroChina, PTT Global Chemical, NPC Iran
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the linear alkyl benzene market in 2025. The regions covered in the linear alkyl benzene market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the linear alkyl benzene market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The linear alkyl benzene market consists of sales of laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other cleaning solutions. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses linear alkyl benzene market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for linear alkyl benzene ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The linear alkyl benzene market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
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