Abstract
Production of oleochemical in South-east Asia originated only a few years ago. The main producing countries arethe United States, Europe and Japasn which also account for the major consumers markets. The bulk of oleochemicals is used by the soap, detergent and cleaninig compund industry. The growth rate for this sector is in established markets is forecasted to be largely in line with expansion of the population. Markets in Asia are expanding faster in view of population income growth. The natural raw materials such as palm, palm kernel and coconout oil are abundant in South-east Asia and offer competitive feedstocks for oleochemicals for the world markets. Both factors should offer interesting possibilities for the future growth of the oleochemical industry in this region. This paper attempts to evaluate the potential of such future growth relating to the detergent industry.20 ref.Production of oleochemical in South-east Asia originated only a few years ago. The main producing countries arethe United States, Europe and Japasn which also account for the major consumers markets. The bulk of oleochemicals is used by the soap, detergent and cleaninig compund industry. The growth rate for this sector is in established markets is forecasted to be largely in line with expansion of the population. Markets in Asia are expanding faster in view of population income growth. The natural raw materials such as palm, palm kernel and coconout oil are abundant in South-east Asia and offer competitive feedstocks for oleochemicals for the world markets. Both factors should offer interesting possibilities for the future growth of the oleochemical industry in this region. This paper attempts to evaluate the potential of such future growth relating to the detergent industry.