The growing demand from detergents & cleansers and shift towards bio-degradable surfactants are driving the growth of the Linear Alkyl Benzene Market at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market” that contains the information from 2019 to 2035.

The Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.5 % during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.

MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market — Sasol, Moeve, ISU Chemical, Jintung Petrochemical, Unggul Indah Cahaya, Indorama Ventures, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Reliance Industries Limited, Farabi Petrochemicals, Nirma Limited and others.

The Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market accounted for registering a CAGR of 4.5 % during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 5.93 billion by 2035.

The growing global demand for detergents and cleaning products is a major factor driving the expansion of the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) market. LAB is the primary raw material for producing Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS), one of the most widely used surfactants in household and industrial cleaning products. The increasing consumption of laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and surface cleaners in both residential and commercial sectors have significantly boosted the demand for LAB-based surfactants. This trend is particularly pronounced in emerging economies such as India, China, Brazil, and Indonesia, where rapid urbanization, population growth, and rising hygiene awareness are fuelling the need for effective cleaning solutions.

A key driver of this growth is the shift in consumer preferences toward liquid and concentrated detergents, which require high-performance surfactants like LAS. Additionally, LAB-based surfactants are increasingly used in industrial applications such as textile processing, institutional cleaning, and foodservice hygiene, further expanding their market. The heightened awareness of hygiene and sanitation, particularly in the wake of global health crises like COVID-19, has also led to a surge in detergent usage, reinforcing the demand for LAB. Additionally, according to CEFIC, the Turkish soap and detergent industry demonstrated impressive performance, excelling in quality, production capacity, and exports. Approximately 15 major companies operate within this sector, including well-known multinational corporations with a global reputation. Since 1990, there has been a significant increase in both domestic and foreign investments in the Turkish cleaning products industry. As a result, the production capacity for detergents has reached 1.3 million tons, while soap production capacity has attained 550,000 tons, both showcasing substantial export potential. Thus, the advancing growth of detergents and cleaners is anticipated to drive the demand for LAB over the forecast period.

Another factor contributing to LAB's popularity is its environmental advantage. LAB-based LAS is biodegradable, making it a preferred alternative to traditional branched alkyl benzene sulfonates (BAS), which have been phased out due to their environmental impact. With stricter environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly cleaning products, LAB has become a critical ingredient in the detergent industry.

In developing regions, rising disposable incomes and improved living standards have led to increased consumer spending on premium and branded detergents, further driving LAB demand. Multinational detergent manufacturers are responding by expanding production capacities and introducing innovative detergent formulations to cater to evolving consumer needs. For instance, multinational companies like Procter & Gamble and Unilever have been focusing on scaling up production to meet the growing need for liquid and concentrated detergents, which require LAS as a primary surfactant. These companies are also investing in sustainable production processes to align with environmental regulations and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. In addition, In August 2022, Unilever announced its purchase of NextLab linear alkylbenzene (LAB) from Cepsa Química. This LAB, derived from renewable carbon sources, is used to produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), a primary surfactant in many of Unilever's brands, including Persil, Cif, and Sunlight.

Thus, the robust demand for detergents and cleaners, driven by urbanization, industrialization, and increasing hygiene awareness, is a key factor supporting the sustained growth of the global LAB market.

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Segmental Analysis

The Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market has been segmented based on Purity, by Application, by Sales-Channel, by End-Use.

Based on Purity, this segment includes Above 98% and Below 98%. The Above 98% segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Below 98% segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) with a purity of above 98% is highly sought after in various applications, particularly in the production of surfactants for detergents and cleaning products. The high purity level ensures that the LAB is free from impurities that could negatively affect its performance and stability. In the petrochemical industry, LAB is produced through processes that involve the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins derived from high-purity paraffins. These paraffins are typically obtained from hydrotreated kerosene, which undergoes dehydrogenation to yield linear olefins. The use of catalysts, such as hydrogen fluoride or aluminum chloride, facilitates the alkylation process, resulting in LAB with a purity exceeding 98%.

Based on Application, this segment includes Surfactants and Non-surfactants. The Surfactants segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Non-surfactants segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) is predominantly known for its role as a key ingredient in the formulation of surfactants, particularly in the production of household and industrial cleaning products. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between liquids, enabling better wetting, spreading, and emulsification properties. LAB-derived surfactants are particularly effective in the formulation of detergents, as they enhance the cleaning power by allowing the product to penetrate and remove dirt and grease efficiently. The hydrophobic linear alkyl chain of LAB molecules interacts well with oily substances, while the benzene ring provides sufficient hydrophilicity, making LAB an ideal candidate for creating effective cleaning agents.

Based on Sales-Channel, this segment includes Direct Sales, Indirect Sales, Others. The Direct Sales segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Others segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Direct sales in the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) market involve manufacturers selling their products directly to end-users or large distributors without intermediaries. This sales channel allows producers to establish a direct relationship with customers, ensuring better communication and understanding of their needs. Direct sales can be particularly beneficial in industries where LAB is utilized, such as detergents, lubricants, and agrochemicals. By engaging directly with these sectors, manufacturers can gather valuable feedback, tailor their products to meet specific requirements, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Based on End-Use, this segment includes Laundry Powder, Dish washing Liquid, Household Cleaner, Industrial Cleaners, Others. The Laundry Powder segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Industrial Cleaners segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) is a vital component in the formulation of laundry powders, where it serves as a primary surfactant. Its unique molecular structure, featuring a long hydrophobic alkyl chain and a hydrophilic benzene ring, allows LAB to effectively interact with both water and various types of stains. When added to laundry powders, LAB significantly lowers the surface tension of water, enabling better penetration into fabrics and facilitating the removal of dirt, grease, and stubborn stains. This property is particularly advantageous for heavy-duty laundry applications, where tough stains require robust cleaning solutions.

Regional Analysis

Geographically, the Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market has been segmented into North America, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, South America.

Major demand factors driving the Europe market are the growing demand from detergents & cleansers and shift towards bio-degradable surfactants. In Europe, the demand for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) is influenced by strict environmental regulations, the push for sustainable detergent formulations, and a robust personal care sector. The REACH regulation, along with a growing consumer preference for biodegradable surfactants, has made Linear Alkyl Sulfonate (LAS), derived from LAB, a favored choice among surfactants. Many European nations, such as Germany, France, and the UK, are increasingly embracing eco-friendly cleaning solutions, which is driving the uptake of LAB-based detergents. Moreover, the expanding personal care and cosmetics market is utilizing LAB in products like liquid soaps, shampoos, and body washes.

The demand for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) in North America is increasing due to rising consumption of household detergents and industrial cleaners. The region has a well-established detergent market, with key players such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Colgate-Palmolive investing in innovative cleaning formulations. Growing consumer awareness regarding hygiene and sanitation, especially post-pandemic, has further fueled detergent sales. Additionally, government regulations favoring biodegradable surfactants have strengthened LAB’s position, as Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) derived from LAB is environmentally friendly and compliant with EPA standards. The increasing demand for industrial degreasers and specialty cleaners in manufacturing, healthcare, and institutional sectors also contributes to market growth. Moreover, technological advancements in LAB production, such as the UOP DETAL process, have enhanced efficiency and reduced production costs, making LAB a preferred choice among manufacturers.

Moreover, in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), LAB demand is primarily driven by industrial growth, urbanization, and a booming hospitality sector. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt are experiencing increased detergent consumption due to rising population and improved living standards. The expansion of petrochemical industries in the region has also made LAB production more cost-effective, with companies like Farabi Petrochemicals and Sasol leading the market. The growth of the oil & gas industry has further boosted the demand for LAB-based industrial cleaners. Additionally, government initiatives promoting hygiene and sanitation in Africa have increased detergent usage. With rising investments in detergent manufacturing plants and new LAB production facilities, the region is expected to witness continued growth in LAB demand.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for LAB, fueled by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and rising disposable income. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing an increasing demand for household detergents, liquid soaps, and industrial cleaners. The region's booming textile, hospitality, and food processing industries also drive the need for industrial cleaning agents, further boosting LAB consumption. Additionally, government initiatives promoting hygiene and sanitation in countries such as India (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan) have significantly increased detergent usage. The growth of e-commerce and modern retail formats has also made LAB-based cleaning products more accessible to consumers. Furthermore, major detergent manufacturers are expanding production capacities in the region, driving higher demand for LAB. Key companies such as Reliance Industries and Formosan Union Chemical continue to invest in new production facilities and technological upgrades, ensuring market expansion.

The Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) market in South America is experiencing growth driven by increasing urbanization, heightened awareness of hygiene, and a rise in detergent consumption. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are transitioning from traditional soap-based cleaners to LAB-based synthetic detergents, largely due to their cost-effectiveness and superior cleaning capabilities. The expansion of the middle-class population and the rise in disposable income have further fueled the demand for both household and industrial cleaning products. Additionally, sectors like agriculture and food processing, which require effective cleaning solutions, are contributing to the growing consumption of LAB.

Key Findings of the Study

• The Global Linear Alkyl Benzene Market is expected to reach USD 5.93 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.


• The Europe region accounted for the fastest-growing global market.


• Based on the Application, the Surfactants segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.


• Sasol, Moeve, ISU Chemical, Jintung Petrochemical, Unggul Indah Cahaya, Indorama Ventures, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Reliance Industries Limited, Farabi Petrochemicals, Nirma Limited are some of the players in the market.