With the prices being stable, LABSA ‘s popularity expanding in Europe

Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) is becoming the most preferred industrial detergent in Europe. It is used in washing powder, detergent powder, oil soap, cleaning powder and detergent cake. The rapid gaining of momentum of LABSA is traced to its low cost and high performance. Apart from this, LABSA can be dried to a stable powder form, which makes it user-friendly and easily handleable. This chemical is biodegradable and environmental-friendly. LABSA is also used in other industries because it has a high active matter content and water and is applied in the polymerization of emulsions and in the production of coupling agents, emulsifiers, agricultural herbicides, household, and industrial cleaners.

The schemes to increase the production of upstream Sulphuric acid in Europe to improve the agricultural sector (Fertilizers) and Automobile Sector (Batteries) has also had a positive impact on more production of LABSA. The end-use consumers recently have been keen on using eco-friendly goods, especially in developed countries and Europe’s strict environmental laws also abide in leading the popularity of its easily bio-degradable and low environmental impact. Due to the high rising housing developments in Europe, the need for household cleaners rises, and the industries also prefer LABSA as a cleaner due to its low costs which led to decisions like (Spanish petrochemicals producer CEPSA upgraded its chemical plant in Puente Mayorga (Cadiz, Spain), making it the first upstream linear alkyl benzene (LAB) facility in the world to replace hydrofluoric (HF) plants).

According to ChemAnalyst, the price of LABSA in Germany in March 2022 was recorded at USD 1780/MT. Even with a rise in the upstream benzene owing to the chaotic situation of the Crude oil market in Europe because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the price trend of LABSA has stayed relatively stable on account of the improved production in the local market and constant end consumer demand to stabilize the price trend and may mostly remain in state for foreseen future.