Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) Market

Market Overview:

The global linear alkylbenzene (LAB) market size reached 4.6 Million Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 6.2 Million Tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.37% during 2025-2033. Rising product utilization in manufacturing detergent and cleaners, widespread product adoption in industrial applications, and the development of new production methods represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) is a transparent and odorless organic compound used as an intermediate in the production of detergents and surfactants. It is produced using various petrochemical products, such as kerosene, n-paraffin, and benzene, through hydrogen fluoride (HF) and aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) processes. LAB is widely used in producing powder detergents, household cleaners, agricultural herbicides, polymers, electric cable oils, and solvents for ink and paints. It is also used as an emulsifier, emollient, moisturizing, degreasing, wetting, and de-coloring agent. LAB is a cost-effective and biodegradable compound that easily removes oil and fatty acids from fabrics and textiles. It is also chemically stable, slightly soluble in water, and has a high flash point. As a result, LAB finds extensive applications across the detergent, textile, paper, and polymer industries.

Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) Market Trends:

The rising product utilization in detergents and cleaners is one of the primary factors driving the market growth. Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) is widely used to produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), which is a chemical surfactant used in manufacturing household cleaners, detergents, washing powder, liquid soap, scouring sticks, oil soap, industrial cleaners, and dishwashing liquids due to its high performance, low cost, and non-toxicity. In addition to this, the widespread product utilization to produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LBSA), which is used as an emulsifier, mercerizing agent, and wetting agent in textiles, pesticides, lathering applications, and polymerization, is acting as another growth-inducing factor. Furthermore, the rising product demand to produce heavy linear alkyl benzene (HLAB) used for various industrial applications, such as heat transfer fluids, refrigeration lubricants, oils, metal working fluids, and rubber compounding, is providing an impetus to the market growth. Additionally, the introduction of new production methods, such as the Detal process that uses solid catalysts, including zeolites and metal oxides, to improve linearity, minimize acidic discharge, enhance quality, maximize product yield, and eliminate the need for effluent treatment is positively influencing the market growth. Moreover, rising product adoption as a solvent for large-scale liquid scintillator detectors due to its high flash point, low toxicity, good optical transparency, low radioactive impurity, and excellent compatibility with acrylic is propelling the market growth. Other factors, including rapid industrialization, rising adoption of biodegradable surfactants due to increasing environmental concerns, escalating demand for personal hygiene and cleanliness, and the widespread product utilization in the paper industry as a de-coloring agent, are anticipated to drive the market growth.

Key Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global linear alkylbenzene (LAB) market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on application and end user. 

Application Insights:

• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LAS)
• Non-Surfactant
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the linear alkylbenzene (LAB) market based on the application. This includes linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and non-surfactant. According to the report, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) represented the largest segment. 

End User Insights:

• Laundry Detergents  
• Light-Duty Dishwashing Liquids 
• Industrial Cleaners
• Household Cleaners
• Others
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the linear alkylbenzene (LAB) market based on the end user has also been provided in the report. This includes laundry detergents, light-duty dishwashing liquids, industrial cleaners, household cleaners, and others. According to the report, laundry detergents accounted for the largest market share.

Regional Insights:

• North America 
  • United States 
  • Canada 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China 
  • Japan 
  • India 
  • South Korea 
  • Australia 
  • Indonesia 
  • Others
• Europe 
  • Germany 
  • France 
  • United Kingdom 
  • Italy 
  • Spain 
  • Russia 
  • Others  
• Latin America 
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Others 
• Middle East and Africa
   

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets that include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific was the largest market for linear alkylbenzene (LAB). Some of the factors driving the Asia Pacific linear alkylbenzene (LAB) market included significant growth in end use industries, the availability of raw materials at affordable prices, and an increasing number of manufacturers.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the global linear alkylbenzene (LAB) market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the companies covered include Compañía Española de Petróleos S.A.U. (CEPSA Holding LLC), Desmet Ballestra Group, Farabi Petrochemicals Co., Formosan Union Chemical Corp., Ho Tung Chemical Corp., Honeywell International Inc., Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Indorama Ventures (Indorama Resources Ltd.), Isu Chemical Company, Nirma, Reliance Industries Limited, Sasol Limited, Stepan Company, etc. Kindly note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.

Report Coverage:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the linear alkylbenzene (LAB) market from 2019-2033.  
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global linear alkylbenzene (LAB) market.  
• The study maps the leading as well as the fastest growing regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region. 
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the linear alkylbenzene (LAB) industry and its attractiveness. 
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.