Linear Alkylate Sulfonates PDF

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CEH Marketing Research Report
LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

By
Robert F. Modler
with
Rene Willhalm and Yuka Yoshida
CEH Marketing Research Reports provide comprehensive analysis, historical data and
forecasts pertaining to the international competitive market environment for chemical
products. Detailed supply and demand data are developed for the United States,
Western Europe and Japan with the cooperation of chemical producers and consumers
worldwide.
Updated information may be available from the following CEH Program services:
CEH OnlineThe full text retrieval and update database. Updated monthly.
CEH CD-ROMThe entire contents of the CEH on one CD-ROM and including CEH
Online updates. Issued quarterly.
Manual of Current Indicators (MCI)Updates of statistical data derived from

published sources. Issued quarterly.
The Economic Environment of the Chemical Industry (EECI)Economic

indicators that impact the chemical industry; issued quarterly with the MCI.
CEH Inquiry ServiceSRI Consulting researchers are available to answer your

questions.
U.S.A.Telephone:
ZurichTelephone:
TokyoTelephone:
650/859-3900
411/283-6333
813/3505-8916
Fax:
Fax:
Fax:
650/859-2182
411/283-6320
813/3505-8922
1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................
Manufacturing Processes .........................................................................................................................
Environmental Issues...............................................................................................................................
Supply and Demand by Region ...............................................................................................................

United States........................................................................................................................................
Producing Companies ......................................................................................................................
Salient Statistics...............................................................................................................................
Consumption....................................................................................................................................
Household Products.....................................................................................................................
Heavy-duty laundry detergents (powders and liquids)............................................................
Historical LAS consumption patterns......................................................................................
Light-duty liquid detergents.....................................................................................................
Miscellaneous household cleaners...........................................................................................
Industrial, Institutional and Commercial Applications................................................................
Price .................................................................................................................................................
Trade ................................................................................................................................................
Canada .................................................................................................................................................
Mexico .................................................................................................................................................
Western Europe....................................................................................................................................
Consumption....................................................................................................................................
Household Products.....................................................................................................................
Heavy-duty laundry powders...................................................................................................
Heavy-duty laundry liquids .....................................................................................................
Light-duty dishwashing liquids ...............................................................................................
Other household cleaners.........................................................................................................
Industrial, Institutional and Commercial Applications................................................................
Price .................................................................................................................................................
Trade ................................................................................................................................................
Eastern Europe.....................................................................................................................................
Consumption....................................................................................................................................
Japan ....................................................................................................................................................
Consumption....................................................................................................................................
Price .................................................................................................................................................
Trade ................................................................................................................................................
7
7
7
10
13
14
15
17
18
19
19
20
22
23
23
24
24
29
30
32
32
32
32
33
33
33
34
34
34
37
37
37
39
40
41
41
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................
41
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SUMMARY
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) is the worlds largest-volume synthetic surfactant and is widely used
in household detergents as well as in numerous industrial applications. It was developed as a
biodegradable replacement for nonlinear (i.e., branched) alkylbenzene sulfonate (BAS) and has largely
replaced BAS in household detergents throughout the developed countries.
The products referred to as LAS or linear alkylate sulfonates include the various salts of sulfonated
alkylbenzenes as well as the free acid. LAS is generally produced in equipment that is also used to
produce other sulfonated/sulfated products; therefore, capacities far exceed demand for LAS alone.
The following table shows the 1994 supply/demand balance for LAS in the three major world areas:
Supply/Demand for LAS by Major Region1994
(millions of pounds)
Capacityb
Production
Imports
Exports
Consumption
United
Statesa
Western
Europe
Japan
Total
2,288
610
5
5
610
>2,866
968
neg
66
902
364
333
9
2
340
>5,518
1,911
14
73
1,852
Japan
Total
(thousands of metric tons)
Capacityb
Production
Imports
Exports
Consumption
United
Statesa
Western
Europe
1,038
276.5
2
2
276.5
>1,300
439
neg
30
409
165
151
4
1
154
>2,503
866.5
6
33
839.5
a.
Production and consumption in Canada amounted to about 73 million

pounds (33 thousand metric tons), and production and consumption in
Mexico amounted to about 452 million pounds (205 thousand metric tons).
b.
Capacity data for the United States and Western Europe refer to total
sulfonation capacity and include capacity to produce other sulfonated or
sulfated products; Japanese capacity data are for dedicated LAS production.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
About 85% of LAS is used in household detergents, including laundry powders, laundry liquids,
dishwashing liquids and other household cleaners. Industrial, institutional and commercial detergents
account for most of the other applications of LAS, but it is also used as an emulsifier (e.g., for agricultural
herbicides and in emulsion polymerization) and wetting agent. The following table shows a breakdown in
the use of LAS in the various end-use categories, as well as projections for future market changes over the
1994-1999 period.
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Consumption of LAS by Major Region1994

United States
Laundry Powders
Laundry Liquids
Dishwashing Liquids
Other Household Cleaners
Nonhousehold Uses
289
148.5
84.5
18.5
69.5
Western
Europe
419
97
187.5
42
156.
5
Japan
264.5
9
17.5
9
40
Total
972.5
254.5
289.5
69.5
2
6
6
Total
610
902
340
1,852
Laundry Powders
Laundry Liquids
Dishwashing Liquids
Nonhousehold Uses
Total
United
States
Western
Europe
131
67.5
38
8.5
31.5
276.5
Japan
Total
190
44
85
19
71
120
4
8
4
18
441
115.5
131
31.5
120.5
409
154
839.5
Average Annual Growth Rate

(percent)
19941999
0%
SOURCE:
2%
1.5%
CEH estimates.
LAS competes with several other major surfactants for use in household detergents. Some of the
competitive surfactants have greater hard-water tolerance and better compatibility with enzymes, and are
milder than LAS. Because of its low cost and other favorable properties, however, LAS will remain a
major surfactant for many years. Although the consumption of LAS in the United States, Western Europe
and Japan will probably remain unchanged or decline slightly, its consumption in the developing world is
likely to grow rapidly.
Most of the LAS production is accounted for by detergent manufacturers that captively consume it. The
largest of these detergent manufacturers are the Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Henkel,
Lion and Kao groups. The latter two operate principally in Japan and other East Asian countries. The
balance of LAS production is accounted for by chemical producers that also sell to detergent
manufacturers, either directly or through toll sulfonation arrangements. The large chemical producers of
LAS also supply it to smaller detergent manufacturers that have no LAS production capability and to
industrial and institutional cleaning companies. The merchant suppliers may also sell LAS in the form of
formulated products. Examples of large merchant suppliers are Stepan Company in the United States, the
Huels Group in Western Europe and Tayca Corporation in Japan.
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MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid is prepared commercially by sulfonating linear alkylbenzene (LAB)
with either oleum (10-25% sulfur trioxide [SO3 ] in sulfuric acid) or an SO3 -air mixture. In both
processes, sulfur trioxide is the sulfonating agent and the major product is p-alkylbenzene sulfonic acid.
Both batch and continuous processes are used.
One advantage of the SO3 -air route is that it is easier to produce lighter-colored sulfonic acid using this
process than with oleum. In addition, the oleum route leads to a product that contains a significant level
of by-product sodium sulfate. Although the oleum-derived product is readily formulated into powders, it
is less desirable for use in formulating liquid products, where the excess sodium sulfate can create
solubility problems. Thus, the SO3 -air process is the preferred route for LAS used in liquid formulations.
Since merchant producers of LAS prefer a product that can be sold for either use, all have converted to
the SO3-air process. Also, merchant producers are able to use the same process and equipment to produce
other sulfonates (e.g., alpha-olefin sulfonates and methyl ester sulfonates) and sulfates (e.g., alcohol
sulfates and alcohol ether sulfates). Some detergent manufacturers that captively consume most of their
product in powders and liquids continue to use both routes, but they rely on the older oleum route for
most of their powder formulations and use the newer SO3 -air route for most of the LAS used in liquid
formulations. As of late 1995, only five oleum plants were operated by detergent manufacturers still
producing LAS in the United States.
In a typical batch oleum sulfonation process, oleum is added to the LAB reaction mixture at the suction
side of a pump that is recycling the contents of the reactor. Under normal commercial conditions, 1.0-1.2
pounds of oleum are required per pound of linear alkylbenzene. The reaction temperature is carefully
controlled while the acid is added, and the reaction goes to completion during a 30- to 45-minute
digestion period. Excessive time or high temperature produces undesirable dark-colored products. In a
typical continuous oleum sulfonation process, oleum and LAB are proportioned to a reactor mixing head
and the reaction temperature is closely controlled using recycling of the reaction mixture through a heat
exchanger. The reaction is generally completed in eight to fifteen minutes. Whether batch or continuous,
the reaction is carried out until sulfonation is 98-99% complete.
Sulfonation with oleum produces linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid containing considerable excess
sulfuric acid. If this material is neutralized with aqueous sodium hydroxide, the resulting low-active
detergent slurry contains about four parts of sodium sulfate for every six parts of the active LAS. These
low-active detergent slurries are somewhat restricted in their areas of application because of the high
sodium sulfate content. This shortcoming of the oleum-derived products may be partially overcome by
adding enough water to the final sulfonation reaction mixture to dilute the sulfuric acid present from
about 98% to 71-72%. At this concentration, the sulfuric acid is insoluble in the linear alkylbenzene
sulfonic acid and separates as a second layer. Decanting of this sulfuric acid layer leaves an upper phase
containing 87-90% linear alkylate sulfonic acid and only 7-9% sulfuric acid. When this product is
neutralized with caustic soda, a high-active detergent slurry results.
In a typical batch SO 3 -air process, liquid sulfur trioxide is vaporized in a stream of dry air, and the
resulting 5-15% SO3 stream is then reacted with the linear alkylbenzene.* As in oleum processes, good
mixing and heat removal are necessary to avoid oxidation and charring, which result in dark-colored
products. The reaction mixture is digested to complete the reaction. Air and the small remaining excess
*
One variation of the batch process uses a liquid sulfur trioxidesulfur dioxide mixture in which the sulfur
dioxide acts as a diluent for the sulfur trioxide, as a solvent for the reaction and as a refrigerant so that the
reaction can be run at very low temperatures (7 to 9C).
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of sulfur trioxide (only a 3-5% molar excess is used) are removed. The reaction mixture is then hydrated
with a small amount of water to hydrolyze any alkylbenzene sulfonic acid anhydrides present in the
reaction mixture. In continuous SO3 -air processes, the color of the sulfonic acid products is improved by
careful control and maintenance of reaction temperatures. Variations in the method of temperature control
include recycling the reaction mixture through heat exchangers and the use of two or more reactors
connected in series. When the mixture is neutralized with sodium hydroxide, a 96-97% sulfonate product
is obtained.
The free acid in a liquid form (97% active) is the product most commonly sold in the merchant market,
since it can be transported at the lowest cost. Shipping a 40% solution of the sodium salt is more
expensive since it adds the cost of transporting large volumes of water. Most of the free acid is ultimately
converted to the sodium salt by detergent manufacturers and other end users. The sodium salt is
preferred, because it combines low cost with physical and performance properties suitable for a wide
range of applications. For certain applications, however, other inorganic salts (e.g., ammonium, calcium,
potassium) and organic amine salts (e.g., isopropylamine, triethanolamine) are also prepared.
It is estimated that an average of 0.707 pound of LAB is required per pound of sodium alkylbenzene
sulfonate produced. Production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and neutralization to the
corresponding sodium salt may be illustrated as follows:
R
R
H2SO4/SO3
oleum
or
SO3/air
SO3 H
linear alkylbenzene
mol wt:
linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid

326 (average C 12 chain)
SO3H
mol wt:
NaOH
SO3 Na
linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid
sodium
alkylbenzene-
H2 O
H2 SO4
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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
LAS has been safely consumed in large volumes throughout the developed world for over 25 years.*
Although its use was once questioned in Western Europe because of its lack of biodegradability under
anaerobic conditions, LAS is disposed of under aerobic conditions (i.e., sewage treatment plants), where
it does fully biodegrade. In any case, no legislation adversely affecting the use of LAS is expected in
Western Europe or elsewhere, and it is expected to remain the worlds largest surfactant used in
detergents for many years.
According to a recent comprehensive risk assessment study carried out by the Netherlands government,
the usage of LAS in laundry detergent powders does not involve any significant environmental risk.
LAS, as well as other large-volume surfactants, are efficiently (over 99%) removed in the sewage
treatment systems. Similar conclusions were included in the end-of-year report of Britains Department
of the Environment. This report states that LAS is readily biodegradable and its use in consumer
products poses no hazard to human health or the environment.
The EUs regulatory committee on ecolabeling recently approved detergents based on LAS, and they will
now qualify for the EU ecolabel.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND BY REGION

UNITED STATES
PRODUCING COMPANIES
The companies listed in the following table produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid by sulfonation of
alkylbenzene. Most of these sulfonators also neutralize at least a portion of their output to produce salts.
Only one of the domestic sulfonatorsVista Chemical Companyhas captive supplies of linear
alkylbenzene. In addition to the companies listed in the table, other companies produce salts from
purchased acids. According to industry sources, there are many such companies, and most use these salts
captively.
A definitive identification of U.S. capacity dedicated to the sulfonation of linear alkylbenzene cannot be
made since chemicals other than linear alkylbenzene (e.g., alpha-olefins) can also be sulfonated in some
of the same equipment. Also, facilities using SO3 -air processes are often used for the sulfation of
alcohols and alcohol ethoxylates. Therefore, the annual capacity figures given below represent only
potential production capacity for LAS, provided that capacity was devoted solely to this task.
Further information documenting biodegradation of LAS may be found in A. M. Nielsen et al., L A S

Biodegradation: Ultimate Fate of Alkyl and Ring Carbon, paper presented at the 1980 Annual Meeting of the
Soap and Detergent Association, January 31-February 3, 1980, Boca Raton, Florida.
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>>U.S. Producers of LAS<<

Annual Capacity
as of September 1995a
Company and
Plant Location
Sulfonation
Process
Products
Albright & Wilson Americas

Blue Island, ILb
90
SO3 -air
BIT Manufacturing, Inc.

Copperhill, TN
na
na
Sodium salt
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Cambridge, OH
Jeffersonville, OH
90
80
SO 3 -air
Sodium salt
The Dial Corp.

St. Louis, MO
90
SO 3 -air
Acid and sodium salt
Huish Chemical Company

Riverton, WY
18
Oleum
Lever Brothers Company

Baltimore, MD
Hammond, IN
75
30
SO 3 -air
SO 3 -air

Pilot Chemical Company

Avenel, NJ
Lockland, OH
Middletown, OH
Middletown, OH
25
30
30
30
SO 3 -SO2
SO 3 -SO2
SO 3 -SO2
SO 3 -air
Sodium salt
Acid; dimethylamine, isopropylamine,
triethanolamine and sodium salts
Oleum
Sodium salt
SO 3 -air
Acid; isopropylamine, triethanolamine,

sodium, calcium and potassium salts
The Procter & Gamble Companyc

Procter & Gamble Chemicals
Alexandria, LA
Augusta, GA
St. Bernard, OH
380
Stepan Company
Anaheim, CA
Fieldsboro, NJ
Millsdale, IL
Winder, GA
1,300
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.

Astor Products
Blue Arrow Division
Jacksonville, FL
10
Oleum
Witco Corporationc
Oleochemicals Group
Houston, TX
75
SO 3 -air
Acid; calcium, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, sodium and ammonium

salts
Total
2,288
a.
Theoretical capacity, if production were solely devoted to 100% active linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid.
b.
Acquired from Witco Corp. in late 1977.
c.
The sulfonation plants and capacities listed for The Procter & Gamble Co. and Witco Corp. do not include these
companies chlorosulfonic acid sulfonation units, since these units are not used to make LAS. Also excluded are Procter &
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Gambles SO3 -air plants at Baltimore, Maryland and Kansas City, Kansas, which do not produce LAS.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
Since 1993, three producers have terminated production of LAS and other significant changes have
occurred. These are listed below.
BIT Manufacturing, Inc. began producing LAS at its plant, which previously produced only
branched alkylbenzene sulfonates (BAS). Its production of LAS is believed to be very small.
Colgate-Palmolive shut down its Kansas City, Kansas and Jeffersonville, Indiana oleum and SO3 air units. However, the company added a new SO3 -air unit at Cambridge, Ohio.
The Dial Corp. shut down its oleum unit at Bristol, Pennsylvania, but increased its SO3 -air
capacity at St. Louis, Missouri.
Kleenbrite Laboratories Inc. shut down its oleum sulfonation unit at Brockport, New York.
Pilot Chemical Company added a new 27-30 million pound-per-year SO3-air unit at Middletown,
Ohio in 1993.
The Procter & Gamble Company closed its Quincy, Massachusetts and St. Bernard, Ohio oleum
sulfonation units and consolidated production at the other three sites. Its SO3 units at Ivorydale,
Ohio and Kansas City, Kansas continue to operate but have not produced LAS for many years.
Instead, the plants produce alcohol ether sulfates; consequently, these plant sites have been
dropped from the list.
Stepan Company increased its capacity for producing LAS from 900 million to 1,300 million
pounds per year.
Theochem Laboratories, Inc. shut down its oleum sulfonation unit at Atlanta, Georgia.
Safeway Stores, Incorporated closed its Oakland, California oleum unit.
Lever Brothers Company shut down its last oleum sulfonation unit at Los Angeles, California.
Of the eleven producers listed in the table, six are household detergent manufacturers that internally
consume most or all of their LAS production for detergents. The other five sell nearly all of their LAS in
the merchant market, either as such or in surfactant blends. Four merchant producers that account for at
least 95% of the merchant market (including LAS-containing blends of surfactants sold to detergent
manufacturers) are Pilot Chemical Company, Stepan Company, Vista Chemical Company and Witco
Corporation. Of these four, Stepan is by far the largest, as shown in the following figure:
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U.S. Production of LAS by Manufacturer1994

Witco
(4%)
Pilot
(4%)
Vista
(8%)
Stepan
(26%)
Detergent
Manufacturers
for Captive Use
(58%)
SALIENT STATISTICS
The following graph and table provide estimates of the U.S. supply/demand balance for LAS in recent
years.
>>U.S. Supply/Demand for LAS<<
Production
Imports
Exportsa
Apparent
Consumption
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
631
663
679
736
725
1
1
1
1
1
3
4
4
5
6
629
660
676
732
720
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
699
626
599
623
652
1
1
1
1
1
6
4
5
3
6
694
623
595
621
647
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
698
746
798
855
848
10b
10
10
10
8
4
4
4
5
4
704
752
804
860
852
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
906
855
864
795
641
10
10
5
neg
5
7
5
5
neg
5
909
860
864
795
641
1995
1996
1997c
624
661
802
2
neg
neg
4
neg
6
622
661
794
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a.
Exports are only for LAS as such; any LAS exported in detergent formulations is
not included.
b.
About 90% of the LAS imports in 1985 were probably accounted for by LAScontaining laundry detergent products imported from Canada. Imports in
subsequent years were of LAS itself.
c.
Data includes United States and Canada.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
The value of the 1994 U.S. production of LAS is estimated at $305-325 million.
Since 1966, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has reported data on the production and
sales of alkylbenzene sulfonates. Data include linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and salts and branched
alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and salts (BAS). Production of the latter is estimated at 25-50 million pounds
in recent years. However, an analysis of the data suggests that the total production reported by the USITC
is probably well below actual production levels. Some of the known producers are not cited by the
USITC as having reported production of LAS during recent years. In addition, the level of production of
the LAS precursor, linear alkylbenzene (LAB), and the apparent consumption of LAS in household and
industrial detergents suggest that LAS production was considerably greater than reported by the USITC.
For example, the 1990 production figure reported by the USITC was only about 662 million pounds for
LAS and BAS combined, whereas the CEH estimate for that year is 906 million pounds for LAS alone.
The USITC data also provide a breakdown of U.S. production and sales of LAS and BAS by each salt,
which may reflect the relative production and sales of these salts. The 1993 data reported by the USITC
are listed in the following table:
Reported U.S. Production and Sales of Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid and Salts1993a
(millions of pounds, 100% active basis)
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Dodecylbenzenesulfonic Acid
Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
a.
Production
Sales
649.8
420.8
2.3
5.1
84.9
152.4
2.5
8.2
Data are presented as reported in the source but are believed to be less than actual
production and sales levels. Also, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid is all converted to its
salts, mainly sodium, so a great deal of double-counting is present in the data.
SOURCE:
Synthetic Organic Chemicals, U.S. Production and Sales, U.S. International

Trade Commission.
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U.S. Supply/Demand for LAS

Millions of Pounds
Thousands of Metric Tons
1,000
1000
100
100
10
10
Production
Imports
Exports
1
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
Following the large-scale introduction of LAS in the mid-1960s, its production increased as it replaced
the slower-to-biodegrade BAS, and the use of light-duty liquid detergents using LAS grew rapidly.
Production was relatively stable through the early 1970s, except for recessionary 1971 and 1975. During
1976, production of LAS recovered, and it steadily increased through 1978 in response to the growing
market for laundry liquids and nonphosphate laundry powders containing high LAS levels. Production
declined sharply in 1979-1982 as a result of several major laundry detergent reformulations in which LAS
levels were greatly reduced. Production generally increased during 1983-1990 following the introduction
of several household detergents with high LAS levels and strong growth in the household laundry liquid
market. However, the production of LAS declined again in 1991-1994 as a result of many detergent
reformulations that reduced the LAS content of these products. Indeed, the 1994 LAS production level
was the lowest since 1982. See the following section for a more detailed analysis of the issues that
account for these reformulations and the fluctuating demand for LAS by the detergent industry over the
last two decades.
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CONSUMPTION
About 85-90% of the U.S. consumption of LAS is in household detergents, including laundry detergents
(both powders and liquids), dishwashing detergents and various general-purpose household cleaners. The
balance of the LAS consumption is in industrial, institutional and commercial cleaners, as well as in a
number of diverse industrial applications, where its use is not related to its cleaning properties.
The following table provides a breakdown of U.S. consumption of LAS by end use:
>>U.S. Consumption of LAS by End Use<<
Household Products
Heavy-Duty
Laundry
Powders
Heavy-Duty
Laundry
Liquids
Light-Duty
(Dishwashing)
Liquids
Miscellaneous
Household
Cleaners
Othera
Total
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
356
361
365
385
386
75
87
99
132
133
101
106
107
102
100
27
29
29
30
30
70
77
76
83
71
629
660
676
732
720
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
356
315
276
264
288
141
91
98
101
106
99
91
114
122
124
31
31
31
32
32
67
95
76
102
97
693
623
595
621
647
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
305
310
317
340
371
150
169
208
238
244
121
125
132
140
123
32
34
36
35
30
96
114
111
107
84
704
752
804
860
852
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
410
370
366
288
289
251
233
240
279
149
129
127
124
102
85
30
30
30
26
23
89
100
104
100
95
909
860
864
795
641
1995
1996
1997b
294
308
356
141
155
201
82
93
110
22
27
28
83
78
99
622
661
794
a.
Includes all nonhousehold uses (i.e., industrial, institutional and commercial uses) and may include producer inventory adjustments.
b.
Data includes United States and Canada.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
The following table presents estimates of the 1994 U.S. consumption of LAS by end use, the projected
consumption in 1999, and the average annual rates of change for the major categories of end use:
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U.S. Consumption of LAS

Household Products
Heavy-Duty Laundry Powders
Heavy-Duty Laundry Liquids
Light-Duty Liquids
Miscellaneous Household Cleaners
Industrial, Institutional
and Commercial Applicationsa
Total
a.
Average Annual
Growth Rate,
1994-1999
(percent)
1994
1999
289
148.5
84.5
18.5
319
121
80.5
19.5
2
4
1
1
69.5
73
610
613
0%
Category may include some inventory adjustments by LAS producers.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
The 1994 LAS consumption was 33% below the peak level in 1990. This drop largely reflected
reformulations that were unfavorable to LAS. The following sections present an analysis of each end-use
area.
Household Products
About 540 million pounds of LAS were consumed in U.S. household detergents in 1994, compared with
820 million pounds in the peak year of 1990. From the late 1960s, when it replaced BAS, until 1993,
LAS was the largest-volume surfactant consumed in household detergents. In 1994, however, alcohol
ether sulfates (AES) replaced LAS as the largest-volume anionic surfactants used in household detergents.
The issues that led to this decline in LAS usage are described in considerable detail in the subsequent
sections on the various household detergent types. Nevertheless, LAS remains a major surfactant in
household detergents.
Most synthetic detergent formulations are fairly complex mixtures, and manufacturers have developed
considerable sophistication in varying the contents to achieve the desired performance at the lowest
possible cost. The choice of which surfactant to employ is based on the advertising claims the
manufacturer wishes to make for a product and on cost/performance considerations that depend upon its
performance in the formulated product and the ease of processing of the surfactant in combination with
other ingredients in the formulation. The characteristics that have contributed to the widespread use of
LAS include the following: excellent surfactant properties, low cost relative to alternative surfactants,
ease of processing into nonhydrous powders when spray-dried, favorable solubility characteristics for use
in liquid formulations, compatibility with other surface-active agents used in mixed-actives systems,
medium to high sudsing characteristics in formulations, and long-accepted biodegradability and favorable
performance under toxicological scrutiny.
The dominant U.S. producers of household detergents (and consequently the largest U.S. consumers of
LAS) are The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), Lever Brothers Company, Colgate-Palmolive
Company, The Dial Corp. (producer of Purex products), Huish Chemical Company, and Church &
Dwight Co., Inc. (Arm & Hammer products). Smaller household detergent producers using LAS
February 1996
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include DeSoto, Inc.; Amway Corporation; Astor Products; the Consumer Products Division of Dow
Chemical U.S.A.; Kleenbrite Laboratories Inc.; and USA Detergents, Incorporated.
The major manufacturers of household products produce and captively consume LAS, although some of
these manufacturers also purchase additional quantities of LAS from merchant suppliers. The latter
transactions usually reflect the capacity limitations of some manufacturers for producing LAS using the
SO3 -air process, which is preferred for making LAS that is subsequently used in liquid products (see the
MANUFACTURING PROCESSES section of this report). Many smaller detergent producers purchase
all of their LAS from merchant suppliers.
The major household product categories consuming large volumes of LAS are heavy-duty laundry
powders, heavy-duty laundry liquids and light-duty dishwashing liquids. (See the CEH Surfactants,
Household Detergents and Their Raw Materials marketing research report for a discussion of the
formulation of these products.) Smaller volumes of LAS are also consumed in a variety of generalpurpose household cleaners.
The individual household detergent categories and their consumption of LAS are discussed in the
following sections.
Heavy-duty laundry detergents (powders and liquids)

U.S. consumption of LAS in household laundry detergents amounted to about 438 million pounds in
1994. This represents a decline of almost 130 million pounds since 1993, all of which is accounted for by
the removal of LAS from the laundry liquids of P&G. This formulation change no doubt reflected a
number of considerations, one of which was a recognition of the tendency of high levels of LAS to
deactivate enzymes in liquid systems. This and other issues are discussed later in this section. Future
growth for LAS depends upon both the growth and the composition (e.g., powders vs. liquids) of the U.S.
laundry market and on the competition between LAS and other surfactants. The future design of new
energy-efficient washing machines will also have a big impact, but this will likely have no significant
effect until the year 2000.
The U.S. market includes both powder and liquid laundry products, with the liquids accounting for almost
40% on a poundage basis. This contrasts sharply with other world areas, where liquids account for only a
very small share. There has been very little growth in the U.S. consumption of laundry powders since
1979; however, the volume of liquid laundry detergents consumed tripled between 1979 and 1988. This
growth was greatly slowed by the introduction of compact laundry powders in 1991, but this may change
as the concentrated liquid laundry detergents, which were widely introduced in 1993, become more
popular. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering new, lower
energy consumption guidelines for future washing machines that are expected to reach the market in the
next century. Since these machines must use less hot water, most industry sources believe they will
probably require liquid detergents to effect a rapid and complete solution. The growing sales of laundry
liquids were once a welcome development to LAB and LAS producers, since the surfactant levels,
including those of LAS, were considerably higher in the liquids than in the powders. Overall surfactant
levels continue to be higher in liquids, but since the P&G reformulations previously mentioned, the
average level of LAS is now lower in liquids than in powders. Thus, any future growth for liquids at the
expense of powders will no longer benefit LAS. Furthermore, the low-energy-consuming machines will
also require high agitation, which will require low-foaming surfactants. LAS is a high- to mediumfoaming surfactant, and its use level might be limited in the new machines, although various defoaming
ingredients might be used to overcome this problem.
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The U.S. laundry market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of about 2.3% (washload basis)
over the 1994-1999 period. During the 1980s, the overall growth in the U.S. market for laundry
detergents (powders and liquids) was much larger and greater than the estimates of many industry
sources. The lower estimates were based largely on annual sales estimates provided by national surveys
that were in turn based on sales of detergents in supermarkets. These sales surveys often neglect the
increasing sales of laundry and other household products by mass merchandisers or warehouse
consumer outlets. Since these outlets generally offer only a few brands at greatly reduced prices,
detergent manufacturers must offer the lowest possible prices to secure shelf space at these outlets. This
development has caused major restructuring in the detergent industry and intensified manufacturers
efforts to reduce formulation costs.
Thus, one of the most important considerations in the future consumption of LAS in home laundry
products is the relative price for LAS compared with prices for the alcohol-based surfactants. LAS is
derived from benzene and n-paraffins, both of which are in turn derived from petroleum. Petroleum
prices declined significantly in 1986 and have remained relatively low since then, leading to
comparatively low and reasonably stable prices for benzene and n-paraffins. In contrast, the alcoholbased surfactants are produced largely from ethylene, which is derived mainly from natural gas liquids in
the United States. Prices for ethylene have been more volatile in recent years. Indeed, ethylene and
ethylene oxide prices increased sharply in 1987-1989, reflecting strong demand for ethylene in plastics
and other markets, along with a shortage in ethylene capacity. Prices for these products subsequently
declined in recessionary 1990-1992, but rose again in 1994 and 1995 as the U.S. economy grew strongly.
Prices for ethylene declined somewhat in late 1995, but prices for ethylene oxide, which is used to make
the alcohol ethoxylates (AE) and alcohol ether sulfates (AES), are expected to remain strong for some
time. Although ethylene prices will continue to cycle in the future, both LAS and the alcohol-based
surfactants are expected to remain highly competitive on a cost/performance basis for the foreseeable
future.
On relative performance, AE has lower hard-water sensitivity than LAS, a consideration that is especially
important in liquid laundry detergents, all of which lack an effective builder (i.e., a sequestrant for hard
water ions). However, LAS is more readily processed into powders than AE. LAS is generally
considered more effective than AE on heavy particulate soils (e.g., clays), whereas AE is more effective
on body oil stains. Consequently, most manufacturers prefer to use a combination of both to obtain the
optimum performance for average washing conditions. Overall, these performance considerations
suggest that LAS will continue to be a cost-effective surfactant, especially in powders where its
processing characteristics are an advantage and where it has no adverse impact on enzyme stability.
LAS is also higher foaming than AE, which some consumers perceive as providing better cleaning.
However, high foaming is a disadvantage in horizontal axis, rotating drum washers, where high foam
levels would result in overflow problems. This property could be a major disadvantage for LAS in the
new low-energy washing machines, which could use this design or another that will likely require high
agitation. Some sources believe that defoamers can control this effect, but it is still likely to be a
disadvantage for LAS. The ultimate impact of this future development is uncertain, but it should not have
any significant impact until after the year 2000.
A third consideration in assessing the future growth of LAS is the degree to which enzymes are used in
liquid detergents. Certain enzymes assist the action of surfactants by promoting the hydrolysis of protein
and starch stains. Others contribute to preserving the appearance of cotton fabrics after repeated washing.
Some detergent manufacturers are not convinced that the high costs of enzymes are justified and believe
consumers are unaware of any improved performance they might contribute. However, the two largest
detergent manufacturers (P&G and Lever Bothers) do use them. Anionic surfactants in solution are
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known to inactivate enzymes over time, but the adverse impact of LAS is greater than with other anionics.
As the level and complexity of the enzyme systems used has increased, this problem has become more
apparent. Although enzyme and LAB manufacturers have sought a solution, none is known at this time.
P&Gs reformulation partly reflected this problem, but also the economic advantage of using its captive
production capability for methyl esters of fatty acids at its plant in Malaysia. These esters are a key raw
material for making the N-alkylglucosamide (AGA) and AES surfactants that replaced the LAS content of
P&Gs liquid laundry detergents. There could be further large reductions in LAS if Lever Brothers also
reduced the LAS level in its liquid products. However, Lever Brothers lacks the captive raw material
position of P&G and would not have the same economic advantage in reformulating its liquids. Thus, all
manufacturers of liquid laundry detergents using LAS and enzymes must carefully balance the benefits of
each and determine what their optimum levels are. Although LAS is vulnerable to replacement by other
surfactants in laundry liquids incorporating enzymes, a precipitous decline in LAS consumption in these
products seems unlikely.
A final consideration is the threat to LAS posed by environmental concerns, including concerns about the
tetralin content of the raw material, LAB; the nonbiodegradability of LAS under anaerobic conditions;
and its derivation from nonnatural (i.e., petroleum) sources, which are not renewable. LAB
manufacturers have already reduced the tetralin content of LAB to 1% or less in nearly all of the product
sold to the major manufacturers and have provided evidence of the rapid biodegradability of the tetralins
that remain. Although LAS is not biodegradable under anaerobic conditions, this is also true of several
other surfactants commonly used, as well as many other chemicals. Furthermore, only a small percentage
of the LAS in the environment is finally destined for anaerobic conditions; LAS is largely disposed of in
sewage treatment plants under aerobic conditions. Most sources agree that the large-scale use of LAS for
over 25 years without any observed problem is the best evidence of its apparent safety.
The issue of the preferability of natural and renewable raw material sources has been extensively
debated. It is widely recognized that even surfactants based on natural (i.e., vegetable) sources require
subsequent chemical processing that blurs any distinction between natural and synthetic products.
Indeed, one life-cycle analysis study showed that the manufacture of a naturally derived surfactant (an
alpha-sulfo methyl coconut fatty acid ester) had a more adverse impact on the environment than the
production of LAS. Unless future studies produce different results, this issue has only an emotional
appeal, rather than one that is based on strong environmental evidence.
The use of LAS in laundry powders should increase with market growth of the product over the 19941999 period. The consumption of LAS in liquid laundry products will decrease somewhat over the same
period as a result of the enzyme compatibility problems previously described. Overall, LAS consumption
in laundry detergents will be flat over the 1994-1999 period.
Historical LAS consumption patterns

Historically, the U.S. consumption of LAS in laundry detergents grew rapidly in the late 1960s, as it
quickly replaced the less readily biodegradable BAS in these products. By 1969, this substitution was
complete, and consumption of LAS grew more slowly, until it increased dramatically in the late 1970s as
a result of two major developments. The first was the rapid growth in the use of laundry liquids (which
generally use higher surfactant levels than do powders). The second was the major reduction in the
phosphate levels of detergents, which initially required higher surfactant levels to maintain acceptable
performance. The phosphate reduction reflected both the higher cost of phosphates and government
restrictions on their use in certain regions of the country. LAS was the surfactant of choice for most
February 1996
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producers in the late 1970s, and the volume of its consumption in laundry detergents reached a level of
519 million pounds in 1979.
When raw material costs began to rise as a result of the second world oil crisis in 1979, detergent
manufacturers began to reduce the cost of their detergent formulations by lowering the level of LAS and
using more of the alcohol-based surfactants. The price of ethylene (from which the alcohol-based
surfactants are largely derived) had not risen as rapidly as n-paraffins and benzene (from which LAS is
derived and which are tied directly to crude oil prices). As a result, the consumption of LAS in laundry
products fell to only 365 million pounds in 1983 or 154 million pounds below the prior peak level in
1979.
Consumption of LAS increased significantly in the mid-1980s as a result of lower crude oil prices and the
successful introduction of several new laundry products containing high levels of LAS, including P&Gs
Liquid Tide and Lever Brothers Surf laundry powder. Consumption continued to increase in the late
1980s as a result of the growth in demand for laundry liquids and the subsequent introduction of compact
laundry powders that detergent manufacturers initially found easier to make from LAS than from other
surfactants. Thus, both production and consumption of LAS set new record levels in 1988 and again in
1990. Consumption declined during the 1991-1994 period as previously described.
Light-duty liquid detergents

Nearly 85 million pounds of LAS were consumed in light-duty liquid detergents in 1994. These products
are designed primarily for hand-washing of dinnerware and, to a far lesser extent, for hand-laundering of
fine fabrics and hosiery. Most light-duty detergents use LAS in combination with lower levels of alcohol
ether sulfates (AES) and fatty alkanolamides (FAA). Alternatively, Procter & Gamble has consistently
used higher levels of AES, in combination with other surfactants (e.g., alcohol sulfates, fatty amine
oxides, amphoterics, and n-alkylglucosamides), and not used any LAS in its dishwashing liquids. This
approach may be too expensive for other producers, but Procter & Gamble has an economic advantage,
since it has a basic position in fatty amine oxides and also in detergent alcohols, from which AES is
derived.
The sales of the light-duty liquids have shown very little growth over the last ten years. The main reason
has been the increasing use of automatic dishwashers, which use a different type of detergent. Automatic
dishwashing detergents are based largely on inorganic builders (e.g., phosphates and silicates) and use
only very low levels of specialty organic surfactants.
From 1982 through 1992, the consumption of LAS in light-duty detergents had been fairly stable.
However, consumption fell sharply in 1993 and 1994, as several large manufacturers increased the use of
milder surfactants, such as AES, alkylpolyglucosides (APG), and amphoterics, and lowered their LAS
levels. As prices of some of these milder surfactants, especially AES, began to increase in 1994 and
1995, some detergent producers may switch back to LAS. However, Lever Brothers reportedly began
using alpha-sulfo methyl esters in its dishwashing liquids, and this reformulation may further lower the
levels of LAS. Alcohol ethoxylates and alkylphenol ethoxylates cannot be employed in these products at
significant levels because of the high level of skin irritation that would result from their use. Thus,
detergent producers had fewer formulation options in hand-dishwashing liquids than in laundry
detergents. Until 1993, therefore, the consumption of LAS in this market tended to reflect the growth in
the overall use of dishwashing liquids and the market share of the light-duty detergents that use the
LAS/AES/FAA formulation. This distribution had been more affected by the success of the advertising
promotions of the major producers than by any raw material cost considerations.
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The greater emphasis on mildness that began in the 1990s led to the use of amphoterics and other mild
cosurfactants, and this approach may become more common in the future as manufacturers seek to
promote greater mildness as a product attribute. This trend will probably further reduce future LAS
consumption in this market. However, LAS still has a significant cost advantage over most alternative
surfactants. Thus, the consumption of LAS in dishwashing liquids is likely to decline only slightly, at an
average annual rate of 1% over the 1994-1999 period. This projection reflects the expectation of little
growth in the sales of the light-duty liquids and some product reformulations that are disadvantageous to
LAS. The reformulations are likely to involve the greater use of milder surfactants in place of LAS.
Miscellaneous household cleaners

LAS is frequently present at low levels in numerous household cleaners. Inorganic salts and solvents are
usually the major ingredients, and other surfactants are often used instead of LAS. Examples of the
product categories and brand names that may contain LAS include floor cleaning powders (e.g., Spic and
Span) and heavy-duty hard-surface cleansers (e.g., Mr. Clean).
Small amounts of LAS may be used in several other household cleaning products. According to industry
sources, specialty products such as some floor cleaners and laundry presoaks and prespotters annually
consume small amounts of LAS.
An estimated 18.5 million pounds of LAS were consumed in these products in 1994. There will probably
be a 1.5% average annual growth rate for these products and a 1.0% average annual growth in the LAS
consumed in them for the 1994-1999 period.
Industrial, Institutional and Commercial Applications

In 1994, almost 70 million pounds of LAS were consumed in nonhousehold markets, mainly industrial,
institutional and commercial products and processes. This estimate reflects the difference between
estimates of the total volume of LAS consumption and the volume consumed in household uses. As such,
it can include some changes in customer inventories of LAS (both household and nonhousehold) and may
be subject to a much larger error than the other categories described. Thus, the reader should exercise
some caution in interpreting the significance of changes in the consumption estimates for this category
over time.
Since nonhousehold markets for LAS are numerous and widely dispersed through industrial, institutional
and commercial establishments, they are difficult to quantify. This category includes nonhousehold
markets in which LAS is used in formulated cleaning products. Examples include commercial laundries,
commercial and institutional restaurants using formulated hand-dishwashing liquids, janitorial cleaners
used for offices and institutions, and transportation vehicle washing establishments. This category also
includes applications where the performance properties of LAS other than its basic detergency are
important (e.g., emulsification of agricultural herbicides or of monomers in polymer processing).
Although some developmental research on the use of LAS in tertiary oil recovery operations was
conducted (especially in 1981, when 3-5 million pounds were consumed in this use), it is unlikely that
any significant quantities of LAS have recently been or will be consumed in this application because of its
higher cost compared with that of petroleum sulfonates and the outlook for continued low crude oil
prices.
February 1996
583.9000 T
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Other small or potential applications of LAS include sludge dispersion and its use in construction wallboard.
Growth in the consumption of LAS in all nonhousehold applications is expected to increase at an average
annual rate of 1% over the 1994-1999 period.
PRICE
Market prices for LAS have declined significantly during the 1991-1995 period. Average prices for
large-volume purchases are well below list prices, and are probably in the $0.50-0.55 per-pound (100%
active basis) range.
The following table presents typical list price histories for linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and salts:
>>U.S. List Prices for Linear Alkylbenzene
Sulfonic Acid and Saltsa<<
(cents per pound)
Acidb
Sodium Saltc
Triethanolamine
Saltd
1966
1967
1968
1969
15.0
15.0
15.0
12.0
13.2
13.2
13.2
12.0
18.5
18.5
18.5
18.5
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
12.0
13.0
-15.5
29.0
12.0
13.0
-15.5
30.0
18.5
15.3
-17.0
30.0
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
29.5
31.0
32.0
34.0
43.0
29.5
31.0
32.0
34.0
43.0
31.0
32.5
32.5
33.5
39.5
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
51.0
54.0
52.0
53.0
57.0
51.0
54.0
52.0
53.0
57.0
44.5
45.0
44.5
43.0
45.0
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
57.0
57.0
60.5
60.5
65.5
57.0
57.0
60.5
60.5
65.5
45.0
45.0
49.0
49.0
57.5
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
69.5
70.5
70.5
73.5
73.5
69.5
70.5
70.5
73.5
73.5
61.5
63.0
63.0
64.5
64.5
1995
1996
1997r
73.5
79.5
84.0
73.5
78.0
80.5
64.5
68.5
71
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72.5
a.
Prices shown through 1971 and for 1977-1995 are list prices
on or about July 1 of the year indicated; data for 1973-1975
represent list prices as of December. The 1976 list prices
became effective October 1, 1976.
b.
96-97% active basis.
c.
100% active basis.
d.
60% active basis.
e.
60% active basis.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
Since 1966, the U.S. International Trade Commission has reported unit sales value data (i.e., average
sales value) for sodium, calcium and triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonates. These values include
both the branched (BAS) and linear (LAS) products. Since 1971, linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and
salts are estimated to have accounted for over 90% of the total volume of sulfonates used to calculate
these unit sales value data. The reported value of the sulfonic acid appears to be far below realistic
averages in recent years, and the reported value of the sodium salt appears to be much higher than likely
for 1993. These data are listed in the following table:
U.S. Unit Sales Values for Alkylbenzene Sulfonatesa
(cents per pound)
Dodecylbenzenesulfonates
Acid
Sodium
Calcium
Triethanolamine
Total
Alkylbenzene
Sulfonatesb
1966
1967
1968
1969
-----
14
16
17
19
38
38
30
34
25
27
26
25
16
17
17
20
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
------
13
16
17
16
26
37
42
43
46
64
21
21
22
-22
14
17
19
15
27
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
--30
31
37
32
33
31
27
32
77
73
74
76
86
28
41
40
42
45
34
36
36
35
42
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
45
46
43
44
46
39
50
37
47
50
91
91
75
99
98
56
60
60
57
56
49
53
44
48
50
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U.S. Unit Sales Values for Alkylbenzene Sulfonatesa (continued)

(cents per pound)
Dodecylbenzenesulfonates
Acid
Sodium
Calcium
Triethanolamine
Total
Alkylbenzene
Sulfonatesb
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
46
46
47
49
53
54
67
66
65
60
102
94
109
125
145
58
58
59
55
59
52
56
57
57
59
1990
1991
1992
1993
35c
36c
32c
28.5c
69
74c
69c
81c
111
142
164
181
82
80
81
64
46
46
42
na
a.
Calculated from rounded figures on the basis of 100% organic surface-active

ingredient. However, the reported values may be inaccurate in many years, as they
often exceed the list prices for the same year as shown in the preceding table.
b.
Includes alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, the three salts listed and all other salts.
c.
Reported values are believed to be inaccurate.
SOURCE:
Synthetic Organic Chemicals, U.S. Production and Sales, U.S.

International Trade Commission.
During the 1970s, price increases for LAS generally reflected higher raw material (i.e., LAB) prices due
to either the energy shocks (1974 and 1979) or increasing demand for both LAB and LAS (1976-1979).
Actual market prices declined slightly in 1982-1983, reflecting stable or declining world oil prices and
reduced demand for LAS. Market prices increased again in 1984 and throughout the late 1980s as
demand for LAS increased, but dropped sharply over the 1990-1995 period.
Most large-volume sales of LAS are as the sulfonic acid, large volumes of which are toll-manufactured by
sulfonators. In these arrangements, the detergent customer acquires the LAB raw material and has it
delivered to the sulfonators plant for conversion to LAS.
TRADE
LAS is not a significant item of international trade. Most LAS produced in the United States is consumed
domestically, as are most of the finished detergent formulations. Imports of LAS are estimated to have
been only about 5-10 million pounds annually in recent years. Imports arriving by ship amounted to less
than 5 million pounds in 1994.
Exports of all alkylbenzene sulfonic acids (linear and nonlinear) were reported under export code
# 554.4000 (U.S. Exports, Schedule E, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census) until 1988.
Exports by ship amounted to less than 6 million pounds in 1994, most of which was as the calcium salt,
probably for lubricant applications. The 1994 data could also include some nonlinear alkylbenzene
sulfonates. The data exclude rail or truck shipments to Canada or Mexico. U.S. exports to these other
North American countries is thought to be only a few million pounds.
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CANADA
The following table lists Canadian producers of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid by sulfonation of
alkylbenzene:
Canadian Producers of LAS
Company and
Plant Location
Annual Capacity
as of September 1995a
Sulfonation
Process
Products
Lever Brothers Limited

Toronto, Ontario
16
na
Sodium salt
Procter & Gamble Inc.

Hamilton, Ontario
16
na
Sodium salt
Stepan Canada Inc.

Longford Mills, Ontario
18
SO 3 -air
Witco Canada Inc.

Oakville, Ontario
13
SO 3 -air
Total
a.
63
Theoretical capacity, if production were solely devoted to 100% active linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
Canadian production of LAS is estimated at about 33 thousand metric tons in 1994. Imports and exports
are thought to be relatively small. The great majority of LAS produced in Canada is consumed in
household laundry and dishwashing detergents in a manner similar to that described in the U.S. section of
this report.
MEXICO
The following table lists Mexican producers of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid by sulfonation of
alkylbenzene:
Mexican Producers of LAS
Company and
Plant Location
Annual Capacity
as of December 1995a
Sulfonation
Process
La Carona
Mexico, D.F.
32
SO 3 -air
Colgate-Palmolive S.A. de C.V.

Celaya, Guanajato
32
SO 3 -air
Nobleza
Mexico, D.F.
na
SO 3 -air
February 1996
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Mexican Producers of LAS (continued)

Company and
Plant Location
Annual Capacity
Sulfonation
Process
Procter & Gamble de Mexico, S.A.

de C.V.
Celaya, Guanajato
136
SO 3 -air
SO 3 -air
Sanchez & Martin S.A.

Guadalajara, Jalisco
na
SO 3 -air
Sasil
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
12
Oleum
SO 3 -air
na
15
Oleum
SO 3 -air
Quimica Hoechst de Mexico, S.A.

de C.V.
Ecatepec, Mexico
Stepan Mexico S.A. de C.V.

Matamoros, Tamaulipas
Union Quimica
Mexico, D.F.
Querataro, Guanajato
Total
a.
>237
Theoretical capacity, if production were solely devoted to 100% active linear

alkylbenzene sulfonic acid.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
Mexican production and consumption of LAS is estimated at 205 thousand metric tons in 1994.
WESTERN EUROPE
PRODUCING COMPANIES
In Western Europe, the large multinational detergent manufacturers are the major producers of linear
alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts. They captively consume nearly all of the production of LAS in
formulated detergent products for household and industrial applications and use both oleum and the SO3 air processes. In addition, many other producers of LAS sell to the merchant market; however, some of
these also consume part of their LAS production captively or for the production of formulated products.
Nearly all of the producers for the merchant market use the SO3 -air process.
The following table lists the major Western European producers of LAS, with estimates of their sulfonation capacity. It does not list the individual capacities of all of the major detergent manufacturers, some
of whose capacities are unknown. However, an estimate of the total sulfonation capacity of the unlisted
detergent manufacturers using SO 3 -air is included in the total under Other. The sulfonation capacities
shown are not devoted solely to LAS, since the same facilities are often used for production of alcohol
sulfates and alcohol ether sulfates.
February 1996
583.9000 Y
Western European Producers of LAS

Annual Capacity
Company and
Plant Location
Austria
Henkel Austria Ges.mbH
Wien
10
Belgium
Hickson Manro S.A.
Ougree
25
Denmark
Aarhus Oliefabrik A/S
Aarhus
Unilever Danmark A/S

Glostrup
na
France
Albright & Wilson SaintMihiel SA
Han sur Meuse
30
Chimiotechnic SA
Venissieux
20
Henkel France S.A.

Pontivy
Reims
Procter & Gamble France SA
Neuilly sur Seine
SEPPIC
Castres
25
na
Societe des Produits Chimiques

du Sidobre-Sinnova S.A.
(100% owned by Henkel
France S.A.)
Meaux
20
Unilever France SA
Houburdin
30
Witco S.A.
Saint Pierre les Elbeuf
25
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February 1996
583.9000 Z
Western European Producers of LAS (continued)

Company and
Plant Location
Annual Capacity
Germany
Akzo Nobel Chemicals GmbH
Dueren
10
BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Ludwigshafen
15
Chemische Fabrik Chem-Y GmbH

(100% owned by Kao Corporation)
Emmerich
25
Deutsche Shell AG
Koeln-Godorf
20
Deutsche Unilever GmbH

Mannheim
20
Henkel KGaA
Duesseldorf
90
Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
Burgkirchen
15
Huels Aktiengesellschaft
Marl
115
Witco Surfactants GmbH

(formerly known as Rewo
Chemische Werke GmbH)
Steinau
Zschimmer & Schwarz GmbH

& Co., Chemische Fabriken
Lahnstein
Italy
Albright & Wilson Castiglione Srl
Castiglione delle Stiviere
40
Albright & Wilson Patrica Srl

Patrica
30
Annunziata SpA
Ceccano
20
Auschem SpA
Seriate
na
D.A.C. Industrie Chimiche SpA

Terranova dei Passerini
40
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Page 26
February 1996
583.9001 A

Annual Capacity
Company and
Plant Location
Italy (continued)
Henkel S.p.A.
Ferentino
Fino-Mornasco
30
Lamberti SpA
Albizzate
na
IBLA S.p.A.
Ragusa
18
Mirachem Srl
(formerly known as Panigal
Saponerie Italiane SpA)
Calderara
15
Mira Lanza SpA

Calderara
na
Procter & Gamble Italia S.p.A.

Pomezia
20
Unil-It SpA
(100% owned by Unilever NV
[Netherlands])
Casalpusterlengo
30
Zschimmer & Schwarz Italiana SpA

Tricerro
Netherlands
Servo Delden BV
(100% owned by Huels
Aktiengesellschaft [Germany])
Delden
Norway
Unger Fabrikker A.S
Fredrikstad
35
Portugal
Shell Portuguesa SA
(formerly Espequimica)
Lisboa
20
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Page 27
February 1996
583.9001 B

Company and
Plant Location
Annual Capacity
Spain
Henkel Iberica, SA
Montornes del Valles
Hoechst Iberica, S.A.
Vilaseca
Kao Corporation S.A.
Olesa de Montserrat
Lipoquimicas Reunidas, SA
Zaragoza
15
10
Marchon Espanola, SA
(division of Albright & Wilson)
Alcover
20
Petroquimica Espanola, SA
San Roque
25
Pulcra, s.a.
(100% owned by Henkel
Iberica, SA)
Barcelona
15
United Kingdom
Akcros Chemicals
Eccles
10
Albright & Wilson Ltd.

Surfactants Business
Whitehaven
50
Hickson Manro Ltd.

Stalybridge
55
Unilever PLC
Port Sunlight
25
Witco Surfactants
(formerly known as Rewo
Chemicals Ltd.)
Maryport
Otherb
240-340
Total
a.
>1,300-1,400
Theoretical capacity, if production were solely devoted to

100% active linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. Sulfonation
capacities are not devoted solely to LAS.
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Page 28
February 1996
583.9001 C
b.
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Page 29
Smaller producers and detergent manufacturers are located in

most of the Western European countries listed above.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
The following table summarizes the Western European LAS capacities of the major groups of chemical
producers:
Western European Producers of LAS by Company Group
Company Group
Major Detergent Manufacturersa
Henkel Group
Albright & Wilson Group
Huels Group
Hickson Manro Group
Shell Group
Unger Fabrikker A/S
Witco Group
Hoechst Group
Other
Total
a.
Annual Capacity
as of December 1995
220
205
170
120
80
40
35
35
23
>372-472
>1,300-1,400
Includes the Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive

groups; the Henkel Group is also a major manufacturer, but its
production capacity is shown separately.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
The industry is likely to undergo some consolidation in the near future. Thus, some smaller and/or older
sulfonation capacities will probably be closed or change ownership. At present, there is adequate sulfonation/sulfation capacity in Western Europe to produce all of the products that require this process.
SALIENT STATISTICS
The Western European supply/demand balance for LAS in recent years is shown in the following table:
February 1996
583.9001 D
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Western European Supply/Demand for LAS

Production
Imports
Exportsa
Apparent
Consumption
1981
1982
1983
1984
487
460
460
465
neg
neg
neg
neg
53
27
25
20
434
433
435
445
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
466
463
485
495
528
neg
neg
neg
neg
neg
20
33
35
35
45
446
430
450
460
483
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
510
502
488
458
439
neg
neg
neg
neg
neg
35
35
30
30
30
475
467
458
428
409
1995
433
neg
30
403
1999
396
neg
30
366
a.
May include some LAS in formulated detergent products.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
The data illustrate a relatively stable Western European production of LAS during the 1982-1986 period,
increased production during 1987-1989, and then declining production over the 1990-1995 period. See
the CONSUMPTION section for a discussion of the trends in recent years.
The sodium salt of the sulfonic acid accounted for 95-96% of the total Western European consumption of
LAS. The calcium salt, which is used as an emulsifier in pesticide formulations, accounted for most of
the balance. All the other salts (e.g., triethanolamine, isopropanolamine) represent only a tiny percentage
of total LAS consumption. The merchant market sales of the sodium salt of LAS as an intermediate are
declining due to its replacement by the free acid, which is cheaper to transport and is ultimately converted
largely to the sodium salt by detergent producers.
CONSUMPTION
LAS is still the largest-volume anionic surfactant (excluding natural soaps) used in Western Europe. In
the 1980s, its consumption increased at a rate of only about 1% per year, with a peak in 1989 of 483
thousand metric tons. Since then, consumption has declined continously due to the shift to fatty alcohol
based products, such as AS and AES. The following table presents Western European consumption of
LAS by end use in recent years:
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583.9001 E
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Western European Consumption of LAS by End Use

Heavy-Duty
Laundry
Powders
Heavy-Duty
Laundry
Liquids
Light-Duty
Dishwashing
Liquids
Industrial,
Institutional and
Commercial
Applicationsa
Total
1982
1983
1984
252
249
250
1
1
1
107
110
114
73
75
80
433
435
445
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
249
215
206
200
198
1
20
37
45
68
118
115
120
130
130
78
80
87
85
87
446
430
450
460
483
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
205
210
207
190
190
55
50
47
45
44
128
115
113
103
85
87
92
91
90
90
475
467
458
428
409
1995
187
43
82
91
403
1999
163
38
70
95
366
a.
Includes other household cleaners and industrial, institutional and commercial uses of LAS.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
The following table presents estimates of the 1991 and 1994 consumption of LAS by end use, the
projected consumption in 1999 and the average annual growth rates:
Western European Consumption of LAS

Light-Duty Dishwashing Liquids
Othera
Total
a.
Average Annual
Growth Rate,
1994-1999
(percent)
1991
1994
1999
210
50
115
20
72
190
44
85
19
71
163
38
70
20
75
3
3
4
1
1
467
409
366
2%
Includes all industrial, institutional and commercial uses of LAS.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
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583.9001 F
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Household Products
Heavy-duty laundry powders
An estimated 3.2 million metric tons of household laundry powders (this estimate may include some
industrial and institutional heavy-duty laundry powders) were consumed in Western Europe in 1993.
This estimate includes both compact (i.e., concentrated and ultra) powders and regular laundry
powders. The great majority of the regular powders are of the low-foam type that typically contain a
combination of LAS, soap and alcohol ethoxylates. The total surfactant level is normally in the 11-15%
range, and the average LAS level is 5% to 6%. Some compact powders may still contain an average LAS
level of 6-8%. However, several major brands, such as Henkels Persil Mega Pearls and P&Gs Ariel
Futur, are believed to contain virtually only alcohol sulfates (AS).
An estimated 190 thousand metric tons of LAS were consumed in laundry powders in Western Europe in
1994. Future changes in the technology for making detergents (e.g., the greater use of extruders and
agglomeration, instead of spray-dry towers) may favor the use of AS instead of LAS because of the
formers better crystallization properties. Using a conservative forecast, LAS consumption in laundry
powders is expected to decline 3% per year from 1994 through 1999, reducing its consumption in these
products to 163 thousand metric tons.
Heavy-duty laundry liquids

Heavy-duty laundry liquids were first introduced on a commercial scale in Western Europe in the early
1980s. Major products have now been established in most countries, and the total 1994 Western European consumption of laundry liquids is estimated at 550 thousand metric tons. Overall, the liquid
products probably account for 15-17% of the total Western European laundry detergent market. The 1994
market shares of liquid products are estimated at 6% in Germany and 20% in the United Kingdom.
Concentrated laundry liquids were introduced into the UK market in 1994.
Most of the nonconcentrated heavy-duty liquid detergents contain alcohol ethoxylates, LAS and soap at a
total surfactant level of 35-45% and an average LAS content of about 10-13%. Newer types of heavyduty liquid detergents often contain little or no LAS. Thus, LAS consumption in this application is
expected to decrease from 44 thousand metric tons in 1994 to 38 thousand metric tons in 1999.
Light-duty dishwashing liquids

The Western European consumption of light-duty (dishwashing) liquids in 1993 is estimated at 1.1
million metric tons. The market for these products grew rapidly during the 1970s and early 1980s.
However, the market is now saturated in most of the major countries, and demand growth has slowed.
The composition of light-duty dishwashing liquids differs widely, with the surfactant content ranging
from 10% to 40%, although most of the products have a 20-30% surfactant level. The principal
surfactants used in normal dishwashing liquids are LAS, AES and secondary alkane sulfonates (SAS or
paraffin sulfonates). The 1994 Western European consumption of LAS in this application is estimated at
85 thousand metric tons. In recent years, usage of AES and betaines has been increasing at the expense of
LAS in dishwashing liquids, and this trend has reduced the consumption of LAS in this application. New,
concentrated light-duty liquids (e.g., P&Gs Fairy Ultra) were introduced, but many of these products
February 1996
583.9001 G
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Page 33
contain little or no LAS. Thus, the overall consumption of LAS in this application is expected to decline
at an average annual rate of 4% over the 1994-1999 period.
Other household cleaners

This category includes a large number of household products that differ widely in their formulations;
some do not contain LAS, while others may use up to 5% LAS. Consequently, this area is difficult to
assess in terms of the volume of LAS consumed. This category also includes the older dishwashing
powders that have largely been replaced by dishwashing liquids. In recent years, there has been good
growth in sales of some of the small-volume specialty cleaner products, including several types
employing LAS. Nevertheless, only a very small growth of LAS consumption in this category is likely.
Industrial, Institutional and Commercial Applications

LAS is used in industrial cleaners (e.g., for metals and textiles), in emulsifiers (e.g., for agricultural
herbicides and in polymer processing) and as a wetting agent. It is also used in many products sold to
commercial laundries and hotels, as well as institutions (e.g., hospitals and schools), and these products
often resemble the household formulations for laundry, dishwashing and general cleaning. However, they
may have been specifically formulated for large-scale use involving special equipment. Only slow
growth is expected for LAS in these applications.
PRICE
Typical Western European prices for LAS (delivered) are listed below.
Western European Prices for LAS
DM per
Kilogram
Dollars per
Kilogram
Exchange Rate
(DM per dollar)
1983
1984
1985
1986a
1.98
2.06
2.08
1.96
0.776
0.723
0.707
0.903
2.55
2.85
2.94
2.17
1989
1.60
0.851
1.88
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1.50
1.50
1.40
1.60
1.50
0.904
0.962
0.848
0.988
1.071
1.66
1.56
1.65
1.62
1.40
a.
Price is based on the average for the first quarter only.
SOURCES:
(A) CEH estimates (data for DM PER KILOGRAM).

(B) International Financial Statistics, International
Monetary Fund (data for EXCHANGE RATES).
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583.9001 H
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Page 34
TRADE
Western European imports of LAS are negligible. Exports amounted to 30-35 thousand metric tons per
year over the last few years. See the SALIENT STATISTICS section for recent Western European trade
data. Some increased exports to Eastern Europe are possible, but this will probably be only for an interim
period until surfactant and detergent manufacturers establish production facilities in Eastern Europe.
EASTERN EUROPE
PRODUCING COMPANIES
The following table lists the Eastern European producers of linear/branched alkylbenzenes (LAB/BAB)
and alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS/BAS). The information presented may be incomplete and has not been
verified by the individual producers listed.
Eastern European Producers of Linear/Branched Alkylbenzenes
and Alkylbenzene Sulfonates
Annual Capacity
as of December 1995
(thousands of
metric tons)
Company and
Plant Location
LAB/BAB
LAS/BAS
Remarks
50
--
Benzene and n-paraffins, Pacol HF process via

internal olefins.
--
12
Kaprolactam State Enterprise

Dzerzhinsk, Russia
--
15
SO 3 -air process.
Chimprom Production
Association
Pervomaisk, Russia
Vinniza, Ukraine
---
6
24
Mainly captive use.
-75
30
--
--
Bulgaria
Yambolen
Yambol
Verila Ltd.
Ravno Pole
Commonwealth of
Independent Statesa
Kirishinefteorgsintez
Oil Refinery
Kirishi, Russia
Kirishi, Russia
Sovhenk (Henkel Russia)

Khimvolokno Plant
Engels, Russia
LAS plant as project.

LAB plant under construction. Start-up planned
for 1996.
Captive production.
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583.9001 I
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Page 35
Eastern European Producers of Linear/Branched Alkylbenzenes (continued)

Annual Capacity
as of December 1995
(thousands of
metric tons)
Company and
Plant Location
LAB/BAB
LAS/BAS
-10
--70
75
---
24
12
12
7
--6
10
Lybar vel Vetg

(former Spolek pro Chemickou
a Hutni Vyrobu a.s.
Usti nad Labem
--
Rakona (Procter & Gamble)

Rakovnik
--
--
Cussons
Wroclaw
--
10
Henkel-Polska S.A.
d. Raciborskie Zaklady Chemii
Gospodarczej Pollena
Raciborz
--
10
Lever Polska
Bydgoszcz
--
10
Pollena
Gdansk
--
Remarks
Commonwealth of
Independent Statesa (continued)
State-Owned Complexes
Angarsk, Russia
Gorlovka, Ukraine
Novomoskovsk, Ukraine
Shebekino, Russia
Sumgait, Azerbaijan
Sumgait, Azerbaijan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Volgodonsk, Russia
Major laundry detergent producer.

Benzene and kerosene.
Paraffins.
Operating status uncertain.
Joint venture with Albright & Wilson.
Czech Republic
Hungary
Caola Kozmetikai es
Haztartasvegyipari Rt.
Zalaegerszeg
Poland
The company is 100% owned by Henkel.
February 1996
583.9001 J
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Page 36
Eastern European Producers of Linear/Branched Alkylbenzenes (continued)

Annual Capacity
as of December 1995
(thousands of
metric tons)
Company and
Plant Location
LAB/BAB
LAS/BAS
Chimicomplex SA
Onesti
--
Dero SA
Ploiesti
--
Detergent Factory of Timisoara

Timisoara
--
10
--
Remarks
Romania
State-Owned Complex
Borzesti
Raw material unknown. Rodleben process.
Slovakia
Petrochema s.p.
Banska Bystrica
Dubova
-na
na
16
The company is 100% owned by the Slovak

Republican State.
Yugoslavia, Former
Chromos Kutrilin
Zagrabria
--
--
--
50
--
9
6
--
18
348
282
Ohis
Skopye (Macedonia)
Prva Iskra
Baric (Serbia)
Baric (Serbia)
Saponia Kemijska Industrija
Osijek (Croatia)
Total
a.
Operating status uncertain.
Includes also regions of the former USSR not belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
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583.9001 K
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CONSUMPTION
The following table provides estimates of detergent production in the Eastern European countries. The
ranges shown indicate the uncertainties in these estimates.
Eastern European Production of Detergents
Bulgaria
Commonwealth of Independent
States (former USSR)
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Hungary
Poland
Romania
Yugoslavia (former)
Total
SOURCE:
1990
1994
60-70
10-20
1,300-1,500
80-140
--40-80
190-240
60-90
260-340
400-700
-90-100
20-30
50-70
180-230
40-50
200-250
1,990-2,460
990-1,450
CEH estimates.
The countries in the table above consumed about 2.3 billion metric tons of detergents in 1990, and
considerably less in the following years. The per-capita consumption of detergents in Eastern Europe as a
whole is in the range of 3-7 kilograms, whereas the corresponding number for Western Europe is 7-12
kilograms (compact and conventional). The production of detergents in Eastern Europe is estimated at
between 990 and 1,450 thousand metric tons in 1994. Assuming an average LAS/BAS level of about 710%, this would have required about 70-140 thousand metric tons of LAS/BAS in 1994.
JAPAN
PRODUCING COMPANIES
The major producers of LAS in Japan are listed in the following table. The large producers all use the
sulfur trioxide process for sulfonating linear alkylbenzene (LAB). The estimated capacities listed in the
first column of the table are for LAS only and do not necessarily represent the total capacity for
sulfonation and/or sulfation. The second capacity column provides an estimate of the total sulfonation/
sulfation capacity of the LAS producers listed.
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583.9001 L
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Major Japanese Producers of LAS

Annual Capacity as of November 1995
Company and
Plant Location
Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Dedicated to
LAS Production
Total Sulfonation/
Sulfation Capacity
10
13
Kao Corporation
Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture
Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture
Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture
70
140
Lion Corporation
Chemical Products Division
Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture
Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture
Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
Sakai, Osaka Prefecture
30
130
10
10
45b
65
Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.a

Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Tayca Corporation
Taisho-ku, Osaka Prefecture
Otherc
Total
neg
30
165
388
a.
Production consigned by Nalken Corporation, which is a joint venture (50:50)

between Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd. and Vista Chemical Company (United
States).
b.
Includes capacity for the production of some branched alkylbenzene sulfonate (BAS)
that is exported mainly to other East Asian countries.
c.
Includes Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.; Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.; Toho
Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; and others.
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
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583.9001 M
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SALIENT STATISTICS
The table below provides estimates of Japanese production of LAS since 1974.
Japanese Production of LAS
1974
138
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
110
111
113
122
129
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
92
106
117
117
115
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
115
115
119
128
142
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
144
136
142
147
151
1995
150
SOURCE:
CEH estimates.
Until 1986, Japanese imports of LAS were negligible, and inventory changes are also assumed to have
been small. Because exports of LAS were low, Japanese consumption of LAS was probably only slightly
less than its production during most years prior to 1986. Since 1986, up to four thousand metric tons of
LAS have been imported into Japan from the Republic of Korea. More recently, LAS has also been
imported from Taiwan and Indonesia. The following table shows the Japanese supply/demand balance
for LAS in 1991 and 1994:
Japanese Supply/Demand for LAS
Production
Imports
Exports
Apparent Consumption
SOURCE:
1991
1994
136
3
1
138
151
4
1
154
CEH estimates.
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583.9001 N
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CONSUMPTION
The following table provides estimates of the Japanese consumption of LAS by end use in 1991 and
1994:
Japanese Consumption of LAS
Household Products
Light-Duty Dishwashing Liquids
Industrial, Institutional and
Commercial Applications
Total
SOURCE:
1991
1994
107
2
10
3
120
4
8
4
16
18
138
154
CEH estimates.
In earlier years, the Japanese consumption of LAS was fairly stable, except for sharp declines during the
two major crude oil shortages, in 1975 and 1980. LAS consumption slowly recovered after each of these
crises. Growth in the early 1980s resulted from the continued growth in retail sales of household
detergents and the replacement of phosphate- with nonphosphate-containing laundry formulations that
contained higher LAS levels than the older products.
Japanese consumption of LAS was relatively stable between 1982 and 1986. However, consumption
increased in 1987 following the introduction of concentrated laundry powders, including Kaos very
successful product, Attack. Concentrated powders now account for an estimated 90% of the Japanese
household laundry market.
In 1991, LAS consumption declined as a result of several reformulations that lowered the LAS content
and the successful introduction of two non-LAS-containing concentrated laundry powders, Lions Spark
and Kaos Just. The former uses alpha-sulfo methyl esters (MES) and the latter uses alcohol ethoxylates
as the major surfactant, rather than LAS.
During 1992-1994, price competition between synthetic detergent manufacturers greatly intensified as
low-cost private label products were introduced into Japanese detergent markets. To remain
competitive, detergent manufacturers used more LAS, since it was the most cost-effective surfactant.
In 1995, Japanese consumption of LAS declined slightly. In February 1995, Lion introduced a 1.2kilogram package of the concentrated laundry powder, Top, which was promoted as providing
performance equal to the older 1.5-kilogram package. Although the surfactant level was increased from
32% (1.5-kilogram product) to 39%, the total consumption of surfactants declined slightly. Similarly,
Lions 1.5-kilogram product was replaced by a 1.2-kilogram product. In addition, Kao introduced a 1.2kilogram package of Attack that employed an improved builder system, but the surfactant level was
reduced from 41% in the 1.5-kilogram product to 38% in the new 1.2-kilogram product. Kao is still
marketing both types. Overall, these developments have slightly reduced total surfactant consumption,
including LAS consumption.
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583.9001 O
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The Japanese consumption of household detergents is expected to grow at about 2.5-3.0% per year, but
the consumption of LAS in these products is not expected to grow. Current trends suggest the Japanese
consumption of LAS will decline at an average annual rate of 1-2% over the 1994-1999 period.
PRICE
Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid is generally sold in bulk quantities. Prices have been dropping in the past
several years, and in 1994, the average price for the sulfonic acid (96% activity) was 200 per kilogram.
Imported LAS is less expensive than the domestic product and sells for 100-120 per kilogram. The
average list price for bulk quantities of the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (96%) in early 1992 was 170-250
($1.32-1.95) per kilogram. (The dollar values are based on an average exchange rate of 128.4 per dollar
during the first three months of 1992.) Imported LAS (from the Republic of Korea and Taiwan) was
valued at 132-134 per kilogram in 1991.
TRADE
There are no independent official trade statistics for LAS in Japan. Japanese imports of LAS amounted to
3 thousand metric tons in 1991, and 4-5 thousand metric tons in 1994. Most of these imports were from
the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, but a small quantity also came from Indonesia. Imported products are
cheaper than domestic products and have become the price leaders in the Japanese LAS market. Because
increasing volumes of LAB are imported to produce LAS, imports of LAS could also increase, since
Japanese LAS producers no longer have an economic advantage in producing sulfonic acid.
Japanese exports of LAS in 1994 were an estimated one thousand metric tons.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Chemical Economics HandbookThe following CEH marketing research reports and product review
contain additional information that is pertinent to the subject of this marketing research report:
Detergent Alcohols
Industrial Phosphates
Linear and Branched Alkylbenzenes
Linear alpha-Olefins
Normal Paraffins (C9 -C17)
Surfactants, Household Detergents and Their Raw Materials
Process Economics ProgramThe following Process Economics Program reports contain more detailed
information on the manufacturing processes, process design and process economics of the chemicals
discussed in this report. Address inquiries concerning this information to the Process Economics
Program, SRI International, Menlo Park, California 94025.
February 1996
583.9001 P
Surface-Active
Page 42
Anionic Surfactants, Report No. 59B, September 1992.

Specialty Chemicals Update ProgramThe following SCUP report contains additional information on
the subject of this report. Address inquiries regarding this information to the Specialty Chemicals Update
Program, SRI International, Menlo Park, California 94025.
Industrial and Institutional Cleaners
Surfactants
Other ReferencesThe following list of additional references is suggested for supplemental reading:
de Jong, Aldolf L., and Arno Cahn, A Look at LAS and the Environment, Journal of the American Oil
Chemists Society, June 1989, p. 748.
P&G Cradle-to-Grave StudyPalm Oil vs. LAB, European Chemical News, May 6, 1991, p. 40.
Schirber, Cornelia A., Use of Synthetic vs Natural Feedstocks, INFORM, December 1991, p. 1062.
Vogel, W. J. B., Preserving Choices Among Surfactant Feedstocks, talk presented at the CESIO
Conference, June 2, 1992, London.

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CEH Marketing Research Report

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

Manual of Current Indicators (MCI)Updates of statistical data derived from

The Economic Environment of the Chemical Industry (EECI)Economic

CEH Inquiry ServiceSRI Consulting researchers are available to answer your

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

Manufacturing Processes .........................................................................................................................

Supply and Demand by Region ...............................................................................................................

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

(thousands of metric tons)

Production and consumption in Canada amounted to about 73 million

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

Consumption of LAS by Major Region1994

(thousands of metric tons)

Average Annual Growth Rate

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid

246 (average C 12 chain)

linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid

326 (average C 12 chain)

348 (average C 12 chain)

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

SUPPLY AND DEMAND BY REGION

Further information documenting biodegradation of LAS may be found in A. M. Nielsen et al., L A S

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

>>U.S. Producers of LAS<<

Albright & Wilson Americas

BIT Manufacturing, Inc.

The Dial Corp.

Acid and sodium salt

Huish Chemical Company

Acid and sodium salt

Lever Brothers Company

Acid and sodium salt

Pilot Chemical Company

Acid; isopropylamine, triethanolamine,

The Procter & Gamble Companyc

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.

Acid and sodium salt

Acid; calcium, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, sodium and ammonium

Acquired from Witco Corp. in late 1977.

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

Safeway Stores, Incorporated closed its Oakland, California oleum unit.

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

U.S. Production of LAS by Manufacturer1994

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

Data includes United States and Canada.

Synthetic Organic Chemicals, U.S. Production and Sales, U.S. International

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International

LINEAR ALKYLATE SULFONATES

U.S. Supply/Demand for LAS

Thousands of Metric Tons

1998 by the Chemical Economics HandbookSRI International