SOAPS AND SYNDETS: Syndet Sales Pass SoapSynthetic detergent sales are now 53% of the total U. S. market, and new applications continue to be uncovered; Slump in soap market leads to new outlets for in-edible tallow in corresponding alcohols

SYNDETS passed another milestone in 1953 when they outstripped the sale of soap, although an expected two billion volume was not reached. The total detergent sale increased 5% in tonn age during the year. In 1953 soap sales decreased about 11%, compared with 6% in 1952; syndet sales increased about 24%, compared with 20% in 1952. Sales figures for the last two years follow, with the 1953 figures estim ated from data for the first nine months: The trends here indicated are international rather than national, with prod uction of syndets initiated or well along in every large country. None have reached the position of the United States where syndets are 53% of the total detergent market. One notable change in the syndet picture is increase in production of liquid products, although the proportion is still small. In 1952 liquid syndets were about 2% of the whole, in 1953 they had more than doubled to ...