Stepan (SCL)

Surfactants are Stepan’s largest business and are used for their cleaning, foaming, wetting, emulsifying and dispersing properties. These chemicals appear in everyday products including laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, shampoos, body washes, fabric softeners, toothpastes and institutional cleaning formulations. Because surfactants are essential inputs for many branded and private-label consumer products, the segment connects Stepan to both stable household demand and changing trends in formulations, sustainability and performance.

The polymers segment produces materials used primarily in rigid polyurethane foam insulation, which is found in building panels, appliances and other applications where thermal efficiency is important. This business also includes phthalic anhydride, a chemical intermediate used in applications such as plasticizers, resins and coatings that serve construction, automotive, marine and industrial markets.

Stepan’s specialty products segment is smaller and includes chemicals used in food, flavoring and other niche applications. The company generates its largest share of revenue in the United States but also has a meaningful international presence, including operations and sales in Europe and Latin America. Its business depends on manufacturing reliability, raw material costs, customer relationships and the ability to meet technical specifications across a wide range of end markets.