Alpha Olefin Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-butene), By Application (Polyethylene, Synthetic Lubricants), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Alpha Olefin Market Size & Trends

The global alpha olefin market size was valued at USD 9.97 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2023 to 2030. Growing demand for polyethylene, owing to its usage in various applications, such as packaging, industrial processes, consumer goods, and others is expected to drive the market. Alpha olefins are organic compounds produced by the oligomerization of ethylene, which is the most commonly used process. The oligomerization process consists of products with even-numbered carbon chains, usually ranging from C4 to C30+.

Different companies, such as Chevron, Shell, and Phillips, have developed their manufacturing techniques. Modifications by these producers at different stages of the reaction sequence lead to different products and chain-length of alpha-olefin polymers. Ethylene, which is manufactured using crude oil and naphtha, is the major raw material used in the production of alpha-olefin. The shale gas boom of 2008 in North America led to a dramatic decrease in the cost of industrial energy and feedstock.

Growth of oilfield drilling activities in the U.S. coupled with the expansion of key market participants in the country is expected to drive the product market in the U.S. Shale rocks can also be used as innovative, inexpensive cracker feed for ethylene production, which has resulted in increased supply levels coupled with lower market pricing. Investments in various cracker joint venture projects along with the abundant availability of low-cost ethane from reserves of shale gas in the U.S. are projected to boost raw material supply for the production of alpha-olefin. The market is anticipated to witness a stable demand and supply in the forecast period.

Key companies, such as INEOS, SASOL, and CPChem, have invested in capacity expansion to help retain the market balance, as well as product prices. However, the market is projected to witness a linear increase in product prices in line with a rise in the cost of ethylene over the forecast period. The prices are normally based on raw material costs and the production technology used. Ethylene prices have been fluctuating in the past and thus a similar trend can be observed with alpha-olefin prices. A decrease in ethylene prices in 2012 on account of the shale gas boom in the U.S. has directly affected product prices.

Product Insights

1-hexene emerged as the largest product segment accounting for over 32% of global market share in 2022 and are expected to grow at a fastest pace during the forecast period. Increasing utilization of 1-hexene as a common monomer for manufacturing High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) polymers is expected to augment the segment growth. Rising demand for polyethylene on account of growing automotive and consumer goods markets, in the emerging economies of China, India, and Brazil is expected to drive the 1-hexene segment further.

It is also used as an additive in synthetic lubricants, which is expected to further augment market development. Demand for 1-dodecane from industrial and household cleaners and increasing application in the personal care industry will boost this product segment as 1-dodecane is used in the production of detergent alcohols. However, increasing consumption of bio-based detergent alcohols and alkyl aromatics is anticipated to replace 1-dodecane.

Application Insights

Polyethylene is the major application segment and accounted for around 55% of the market share, in terms of revenue, in 2022. Construction is the leading application market for polyethylene compounds. Polyethylene is also used in the packaging sector and for prototype development on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and 3D printers. High-density polyethylene offers easy processing at a lower cost, a good moisture barrier, and holds the ability to produce an opaque packaging product.

Low-density polyethylene is often preferred based on the field of application due to low production costs, heat seal-ability, high clarity and elongation, and softness. Demand for synthetic lubricants is expected to be driven by the implementation of stringent regulations regarding pollution control. Rising expenditure on R&D is also expected to play a major role in driving the demand for synthetic lubricants. Moreover, the wide scope of application of these lubricants is expected to further boost the market.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global market with a revenue share of over 39% in 2022. Shale gas boom in the U.S. has driven ethylene production in the region which has in turn propelled alpha olefin production. Increasing oil exploration along the Gulf of Mexico is expected to further drive the alpha olefin market. Increasing crude oil production in Canada is expected to further drive alpha olefin production.

The three largest producers of Linear Alpha Olefins (LAO) via ethylene oligomerization are Chevron Phillips, INEOS, and Shell. These companies have a significant presence in North America, Western Europe, and the Middle East. However, Western Europe is likely to experience a limited supply of ethylene and will continue to produce LAO through extractive distillation or full range process with minor capacity additions. Investments in the Middle East and North America are being focused on heavier LAOs. These regions are expected to target specialty grades of polyethylene, with a focus on the production of C6 and C8 LLDPE.

Rapid urbanization and industrialization in emerging economies of China and India are expected to drive product demand in polyethylene. Various government incentives and favorable regulatory scenario in China, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia have driven the growth of the manufacturing sector in the Asia Pacific. The product is widely utilized in polyethylene, detergent alcohols, synthetic lubricants, and plasticizers. Increasing the production of these products in the Asia Pacific is further expected to drive the regional market over the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Industry participants are majorly focusing on new product development and long-term partnerships with raw material suppliers. Competitive factors that have had a deep impact on market growth include product portfolio, pricing, and manufacturing technology. Most manufacturers are multinational companies and therefore indulge in R&D activities for innovative and sustainable production methods.

These companies are setting up manufacturing units in developing countries to take advantage of future opportunities. Some of the key industry participants in the global alpha olefin market include:

• Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC

• Exxon Mobil Corporation

• Petrochemicals (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd

• INEOS Oligomers

• Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.

• Qatar Chemical Company Ltd (Q-chem)

Alpha Olefin Market Report Scope

Global Alpha Olefin Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis on the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global alpha olefin market report on the basis of product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons, 2018 - 2030)

  • 1-butene

  • 1-hexene

  • 1-octene

  • 1-decene

  • 1-dodecene

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons, 2018 - 2030)

  • Polyethylene

  • Detergent Alcohol

  • Synthetic Lubricants

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

  • Middle East & Africa