ABSTRACT
The annual global consumption of surface active agents or “surfactants” in 2006 was estimated to reach ~13 million metric tons,1 with the break up of regional sales as depicted in Figure 1.1. There are arguably ve major participants in the surfactant supply chain including (1) basic raw-material processors, (2) feedstock and diversi ed chemical producers, (3) surfactant converters, (4) product formulators, and (5) distributors/retailers,2 some of which are listed in Figure 1.2.
