Ethoxylated alcohols, non-ionic surfactants formed by ethoxylating fatty alcohols, are vital ingredients in detergents, personal care products, industrial cleaners, and agrochemical formulations. Production of ethoxylated alcohols has grown steadily in recent years, driven by consumer demand for biodegradable, low-toxicity surfactants. The key production feedstocks — fatty alcohols derived from natural (palm/coconut oil) or synthetic sources — have influenced capacity expansions, particularly in Southeast Asia, where palm-oil-based alcohol production is robust.