Stepan Company

Stepan Company, founded in 1932, manufactures surfactants, polymers, and specialty ingredients used in consumer and industrial products. It is the world's largest merchant manufacturer of anionic surfactants - the compounds that provide cleaning power in laundry detergents and foaming action in shampoos. The company employs more than 2,500 people and operates 22 manufacturing locations worldwide.

Its product lines extend beyond surfactants. Polymers are supplied for use in consumer and industrial formulations, while specialty ingredients provide stability in cosmetics and performance enhancement in agricultural and industrial applications. The industries served include laundry and cleaning products, personal care, cosmetics, agriculture, industrial applications and consumer packaged goods.

Technical work at the company spans surfactant chemistry, polymer chemistry, specialty ingredients, formulation development and anionic surfactant manufacturing. Stepan combines chemical expertise with local market knowledge and partners with leading brands on formulation development.

Stated priorities include innovation addressing real-world pressures, sustainability and lower environmental impact, and reliable global supply chains. The company describes its vision as creating a cleaner, healthier, more energy-efficient world.