Chitosan Market Research Report: By Source (Shrimp, Prawn, Crab, Lobster), Application (Water Treatment, Medical, Cosmetics, Food & Beverages, Agriculture), Grade (Industrial, Food, Pharmaceutical) - Global Industry Analysis and Growth Forecast to 2030

Market overview

The global chitosan market was valued around $1.8 billion in 2020. The key factors responsible for the growth of the market are the rising adoption of chitosan in wastewater purification, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, bioplastic, and cosmetic applications. Chitosan is biodegradable and non-toxic, and it originates from a natural source, which helps the above-mentioned industries maintain sustainability and drives the demand for this material in biomedical and pharmacological applications.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the chitosan market is growing, as many researchers have identified chitosan as a potential agent for COVID-19 drug delivery systems. This is due to its structure that contains free hydroxy and amine groups, which can easily join with other molecules using a hydrogen bond. During the strict lockdowns and other regulations, governments have permitted the healthcare industry to function, in order to provide treatment for COVID-19, which is helping in the market growth.

Due to the High Chitin Level, Shrimp Category Held Dominating Market Share in 2020

The shrimp category held the largest share in the chitosan market, both in terms of revenue and volume, over the past few years, based on source. Additionally, this category is expected to display a significant growth rate during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the high content of chitin in shrimp shells and rising demand for shrimp chitosan for treating wastewater and as an ingredient in food preservatives.

Coagulation Ability of Chitosan Leads to Domination of Water Treatment Category

The water treatment category held the largest share in the chitosan market in 2020, and it is expected to witness a substantial growth rate in the upcoming years, based on application. This can be attributed to the coagulation ability of chitosan on both the organic and inorganic substances present in water. Moreover, it also helps in removing dyes and in flocculation, during water treatment.

Growth in Industrialization Rate Leads to Largest Share of Industrial Grade

The industrial category accounted for the largest share in the chitosan market in 2020, based on grade. This can be attributed to the rising industrialization rate globally, which is driving the consumption of industrial-grade chitosan in cosmetics, medical & pharmaceuticals, and water treatment applications.

Due to Presence of High Amounts of Metals in Industrial Waters, Asia-Pacific (APAC) Held Largest Share

Globally, the APAC region dominated the market for chitosan in the historical period. Moreover, the market is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. This can be ascribed to the chelating property of chitosan, which makes it ideal for the treatment of heavy-metal-laden industrial effluents. In this regard, the high investments being made by government and private organizations for water treatment in China, Malaysia, and India would boost the market growth.

Food Preservative Industry’s Shift from Formalin to Chitosan is a Key Trend

Food preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of perishable food products. The traditional method of food preservation involves the usage of formalin, which has been replaced by chitosan to a large extent due to the poisonous effects of the former on people. Further, these traditional preservatives lead to diseases such as cancer, skin diseases, and lung diseases. Moreover, chitosan is more biocompatible compared to traditional preservatives; thus, the switch to it as a preservative has been the major trend in the global chitosan market.

Rising Demand for Chitosan in Biomedical Industry Driving the Market

The demand for chitosan in the biomedical industry is increasing as it is an important raw material for bioactive materials. Owing to its biocompatibility, it is widely used to produce hydrogels, films, fibers, and sponges, which are all bioactive materials. Moreover, the usage of this chemical in drug delivery systems is increasing owing to its ability to increase the stability and water solubility of drugs, prolong cycle time, ability to increase the uptake of drugs by target cells or tissues, and reduce enzyme degradation, thereby improving the safety and effectiveness of drugs. Due to the abovementioned factors, the market for chitosan is expected to grow.

Product Launches Are Strongest Strategic Measures taken by Market Players

Some of the major players operating in the chitosan industry are Primex ehf, Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH, Advanced Biopolymers AS, Meron Group, KitoZyme LLC, Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., FMC Corporation, AgraTech International Inc., Axio Biosolutions Private Limited, Marshall Marine Products Private Limited, and Bio21 Co.

In recent years, market players have been involved in product launches in order to gain a competitive edge.

• In April 2020, Axio Biosolutions Private Limited launched MaxioCel, a next-generation wound dressing made of chitosan. This dressing provides high comfort and faster healing to patients suffering from pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, cavity wounds, skin abrasions, donor site wound, and post-surgical wounds.
• In March 2020, Bioavanta Ltd., an organization engaged in chitosan nanoparticle research, launched a chitosan nanoparticle technology, known as Novochizol, which can be used for delivering and confining any potential anti-COVID-19 drug to the lungs of extremely ill patients.

Key Players in Chitosan Market Include:

Market Size Breakdown by Segments

The chitosan market report offers comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with market estimation for the period 2015-2030.

Based on Source

• Shrimp
• Prawn
• Crab
• Lobster

Based on Application

• Water Treatment
• Medical
• Cosmetics
• Food & Beverages
• Agriculture

Based on Grade

• Industrial
• Food
• Pharmaceutical

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific (APAC)
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America (LATAM)
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa