The purpose of this report is to analyze developments in bio-based alpha olefin and LAO (linear alpha olefin) technology. LAOs derived from bio-based sources can be converted into a number of chemical products - with potential to improve the GHG footprint of the process.  The purpose of this study is to assess the technical, commercial, and economic aspects of producing LAOs via bio-based sources, and to investigate future capacities.     

Linear alpha olefin (LAO) comonomer technologies for polyethylene have been reviewed. Regional process economics for the production of full-range LAO and on-purpose butene-1, hexene-1, and octene-1 have been evaluated. Regional supply/demand for alpha olefins (butene-1, hexene-1, octene-1) is included.

A review of the key issues and market dynamics of the three comonomer grades of LLDPE is provided along with a regional supply/demand, demand and trade analysis.

New and emerging process technologies for manufacturing octene-1 “on-purpose” are described and their economics compared. In addition to Sasol’s current octene-1 extraction process, Sasol’s developing heptene-1 based route and ethylene tetramerization process are examined. Dow’s developing butadiene telomerization approach is also investigated. Regional octene-1 supply/demand forecasts are provided as well.