The global Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market has touched the number of around 6 million tonnes in 2021 and is expected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 6.01% during the forecast period until 2035. ExxonMobil’s new unit for manufacturing LAOs at the integrated petrochemical complex situated in Baytown, Texas, is anticipated to begin its operation in 2023. This unit is estimated to have an annual capacity of 700 million pounds of LAO once in the process.

The term "olefin" simply refers to the family of chemical compounds known as alkenes, all of which include the double-bond functional group. Chemical characteristics are governed by the double bond’s degree of unsaturation. The chain length of olefins affects both their physical characteristics and, consequently, their chemical uses. These olefines include Butene-1, Hexene-1, Octene-1, tetradecane-1, octadecane-1 , and more olefin blends with C20-C24. At room temperature, Butene-1 is a gas; olefins in the C6–C18 range are colorless liquids; olefins in the C20–+ range are waxy solids.

The oligomerization of ethylene or the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, followed by purification, is used to create them. They are employed to synthesize Polyethylene, industrial oils, and automotive components like engines and spare parts. They are also used as co-monomers for manufacturing Polyethylene, plastic packaging, inks, waxes, cosmetic emollients, color concentrates, and industrial oils. They help to make other polymers stronger, wear-resistant, and impact-resistant so that they can be utilized to create products, plastic shopping bags, and beverage and food containers.

The demand for Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) as a raw material in the production of specialty chemicals like surfactants and petroleum chemicals is increasing because of various qualities of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO)s, such as high compatibility with hard water and excellent foaming properties. However, the Polyethylene industry is the primary driver of the LAO market. With the growing demand for consumer goods and packaging material for Food & Beverage, the demand for LAO is anticipated to rise in the forecast period. The Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market is estimated to reach a volume of nearly 14 million tonnes by 2035.

Based on type, the Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market is bifurcated into Butene-1, Hexene-1, Octene-1, and Others. 1-Butene is the leading fragment of the market with applications in industries like petroleum, rubber, and packaging. This compound offers unique qualities like improved tensile strength. Butene-1 is often used in the construction industry as well for the production of pipes and hot adhesives or containers. Additionally, it is used in various chemical techniques to make chemicals like butene oxide, valeric acid, and in bio-refineries.


On the global level, North America is the leading consumer of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO). In 2021, North America consumed roughly 30% of the worldwide demand. The ongoing construction of oil and gas and petrochemical infrastructure in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will most probably result in surge of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) by the region of North America in the upcoming years. Asia Pacific is, on the global level, the top producer of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) from the USA. Thus, the USA is leading in terms of producing LAO.

Based on the end-user industry, the global Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market is segmented into different industrial sectors that include Polyethylene, Polyalphaolefins, Oxo alcohols, and others. However, Polyethylene is the dominating sector as the consumer of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO). This industry consumed approximately 50% of the market in 2021 and is anticipated to remain the leading consumer in 2035. Polyethylene is the most popular kind of plastic and comes in two variants: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). Polyethylene is utilized in multiple industries like packaging, consumer goods, chemicals, and plasticizers. The primary applications include packing film, trash, shopping bags, agricultural mulch, cable, and wire insulation, squeeze bottles, toys, and home goods.

Major players in the production of Global Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) are Shell Chemical Company, INEOS, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, Sasol Limited, Qatar Chemical Company Ltd., Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical, Evonik Industries, Arabian Petrochemical Company (PETROKEMYA), Dow Chemical, Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Baltic Chemical Plant LLC (BCP) - JSC RusGazDobycha, Sinopec Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corp., and Yanbu National Petrochemicals Cmpny SJSC.

Years considered for this report:
Historical Period: 2015- 2021
Base Year: 2021
Estimated Year: 2022
Forecast Period: 2023-2035

Objective of the Study:

  • To assess the demand-supply scenario of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) which covers production, demand and supply of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market in the globe.
  • To analyse and forecast the market size of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO)
  • To classify and forecast Global Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market based on end-use and regional distribution.
  • To examine competitive developments such as expansions, mergers & acquisitions, etc., of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market in the globe.



To extract data for Global Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market, primary research surveys were conducted with Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and Traders. While interviewing, the respondents were also inquired about their competitors. Through this technique, ChemAnalyst was able to include manufacturers that could not be identified due to the limitations of secondary research. Moreover, ChemAnalyst analyzed various segments and projected a positive outlook for Global Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market over the coming years.

ChemAnalyst calculated Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) demand in the globe by analyzing the historical data and demand forecast which was carried out considering the consumption of raw material to produce Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO)s. ChemAnalyst sourced these values from industry experts and company representatives and externally validated through analyzing historical sales data of respective manufacturers to arrive at the overall market size. Various secondary sources such as company websites, association reports, annual reports, etc., were also studied by ChemAnalyst.

Key Target Audience:

  • Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) manufacturers and other stakeholders
  • Organizations, forums and alliances related to Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO)s distribution
  • Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers
  • Market research organizations and consulting companies



The study is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for industry stakeholders such as Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) manufacturers, customers and policy makers. The study would also help them to target the growing segments over the coming years, thereby aiding the stakeholders in taking investment decisions and facilitating their expansion.

ChemAnalyst calculated Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) demand in the globe by analyzing the historical data and demand forecast which was carried out considering the historical extraction and supply and demand of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) across the globe. ChemAnalyst sourced these values from industry experts, and company representatives and externally validated through analyzing historical sales data of respective manufacturers to arrive at the overall market size. Various secondary sources such as company websites, association reports, annual reports, etc., were also studied by ChemAnalyst.


Report Scope:
In this report, Global Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) market has been segmented into following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

  • Market, by Type: Butene-1, Hexene-1, Octene-1, and Others
  • Market, by End-Use: Polyethylene, Polyalphaolefins, Oxo alcohols, and others
  • Market, by Sales Channel: Direct Sale and Indirect Sale
  • Market, by Region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America.



Available Customizations:
With the given market data, ChemAnalyst offers customizations according to a company’s specific needs.