Egypt’s Elab hits record output, earns carbon footprint certificate in ’24

Egypt’s Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene Company (Elab) has produced 130,000 tons of linear alkyl benzene (LAB) in 2024 and obtained international certification for reducing its carbon footprint,

Aladdin Abdel Fattah, chairman of Elab has said according to a Cabinet statement on Tuesday.

Import Substitution and Export Growth

During the company’s general assembly, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineer Kareem Badawi stated that Elab’s operations support import substitution and enhance export capabilities by providing a critical locally manufactured raw material used in detergent production. He added that Elab’s project model reflects successful integration among the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM), the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), and various affiliated refineries.

Production Milestones and Expansion Plans

Abdel Fattah said the company exceeded 130,000 tons of LAB output in 2024 for the first time, meeting local market demand and exporting surplus. He revealed that Elab is executing its first project to convert the by-product heavy alkyl benzene (HAB) into high-value product (LAB) and has launched the Customized Revamp project to increase capacity in cooperation with UOP Honeywell and Petromaint.

Workplace Safety and Certification

Elab recorded more than 3.8 million safe working hours in 2024, bringing the total hours since inception in 2008 to over 43.4 million hours. The company maintained multiple ISO certifications for quality, environmental management, safety, energy efficiency, and social responsibility, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, and ISO 26000, Abdel Fattah said.

Infrastructure and Supply Chain Enhancements

To support increased output and improve supply chain resilience, Elab contracted Egyptian Natural Gas Company (GASCO) to expand storage capacity through new warehouse construction. The company’s hydrogen treatment unit also enhances jet fuel quality by reducing sulphur content, he added.

Sustainability and Product Innovation

Elab’s biodegradable, high-linearity LAB reduces water pollution, and the company has cut electricity and gas consumption as part of its environmental strategy. Its HAB by-product is also being marketed internationally, especially for use as transformer oil.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama