キトサン市場：市場規模・シェア・動向・予測、グレード別、原料別、用途別、地域別（2025～2033年）

世界のキトサンの市場規模は2024年に28億米ドルとなりました。今後、IMARC Groupは、同市場が2033年までに69億米ドルに達し、2025年から2033年にかけて10.4％のCAGRを示すと予測しています。現在、アジア太平洋が市場を独占しており、2024年には44.6%を超える大きな市場シェアを占めています。この優位性は、豊富な原料の入手可能性、水処理、農業、医療用途での需要の高まりによります。

キトサン市場の主な促進要因の一つは、環境に優しい生分解性材料の需要の増加です。エビやカニの殻などの天然資源に由来するキトサンは、農業、医薬品、水処理などの産業において、合成製品に代わる持続可能な選択肢を提供します。廃棄物管理、種子コーティング、ドラッグデリバリーシステムにおけるバイオポリマーとしての有効性は、環境問題への関心の高まりと、環境に優しい解決策を求める規制の圧力と一致しています。例えば、2024年にTomTexは、キノコキトサンとエビの殻から作られた100％バイオベースの生分解性代替レザーを発表し、温室効果ガスの排出や森林破壊など、5,000億米ドル規模の皮革産業が環境に与える影響に対処しました。さらに、その抗菌・抗真菌特性は、食品保存や化粧品など、さまざまな用途での有用性を高めています。このような多面的な機能性が、キトサンの採用を促進し、世界市場での成長に拍車をかけています。

米国はキトサンの活用領域でのイノベーションを推進するために、高度なバイオテクノロジーと研究能力を活用し、キトサン市場に貢献しています。米国メーカーは、医療、農業、水処理など多様な産業向けに高品質のキトサンの生産に注力しています。持続可能で生分解性のある素材への需要の高まりは、環境保護に対する国のコミットメントと一致し、市場をさらに押し上げています。さらに、米国の堅調な製薬・化粧品部門は、ドラッグデリバリーシステムやパーソナルケア製品におけるキトサンの採用拡大に貢献しています。例えば、2024年にはダイソンがプレスタイルとポストスタイルのヘアセラムを含むキトサン（TM）formulationsシリーズ（59.99ドル）を発売しました。この製品ラインは、オイスターマッシュルーム由来のキトサンと一体化し、ツヤと自然な動きを提供します。さらに、強力な規制枠組と研究開発への投資により、米国は世界のキトサン市場の主要企業として位置づけられています。

キトサン市場の動向：

医療・製薬業界における需要の増加

キトサンの医療・製薬分野での使用と重要性は、業界全体を高める象徴的な存在となっています。生体適合性、生分解性、無毒性であることから、キトサンはドラッグデリバリーシステム、組織工学の用途に浸透し、傷を広範囲に治癒します。細胞増殖や接着のための生体組織に対する特性は、縫合糸や包帯の使用や他の創傷治癒用途に活用されています。慢性疾患や手術の増加、革新的な医療ソリューションの重視により、この需要はますます高まっています。例えば、糖尿病やうつ病を含む8つの慢性疾患は、2023年のAmerica's Health Rankingsレポートにおいて過去最高の有病率に達しており、高度な医療ソリューションに対するニーズの高まりを反映しています。このように慢性疾患の罹患率が高いことから、効果的な治療に対する需要が高まり、ドラッグデリバリーシステムや創傷ケア製品へのキトサン応用が加速しています。また、政府や医療機関は研究開発に投資しており、キトサンベースの製品の使用を奨励しています。より持続可能で環境に優しい素材を使おうという世界の動きも、キトサンの魅力を高めています。

化粧品業界における製品需要の増加

キトサンの市場全体は、化粧品への使用拡大が大きな原動力となっています。キトサンは、保湿効果、アンチエイジング効果、肌や髪の若返り効果で知られ、スキンケア業界やヘアケア業界を巨大な消費者にしているため、多くの用途が見出されています。製品の成分に対する感度が高まるにつれ、天然素材、オーガニック素材、植物由来素材が好まれるようになっています。キトサンはこのニーズに応えるものであり、安全で自然なものです。ある調査論文では、アクネ菌に対する最小発育阻止濃度（MIC）が512μg/mL、黄色ブドウ球菌が16/80μg/mLであったことから、キトサンのアクネ菌に対する発育阻止能力が重要視され、ニキビ治療に広く使用されるようになりました。もうひとつの原動力は、可処分所得の増加と高級美容・パーソナルケア製品の人気の急上昇です。化粧品は現在、環境に配慮した効果的な製品を求める消費者の要望により、製品にキトサンを配合することが増えています。したがって、この傾向は消費者の価値観に合致し、化粧品業界におけるキトサンの需要をさらに押し上げ、市場全体の成長を促進します。

食品・飲料業界における用途の増加

キトサンは、食品・飲料業界における用途の拡大により、市場の成長を目の当たりにしています。キトサンは油脂との結合が可能であるため、食品製造、低カロリー添加、カロリー低減、保存期間延長のための保存料として使用されています。これとともに、低カロリーで栄養価の高い製品を求める健康志向の消費者の増加が、このセグメントにおける製品の需要を高めています。さらに、自然でクリーン・ラベルの製品を求める動向は、人工的な保存料や添加物の代替品として製品の使用量を増加させています。例えば、2023年のSupplySide Food Business Journalの記事によると、消費者の70％近くが不健康な可能性のある原料に非常に敏感であり、クリーンラベル原料への関心が高まっていることを示しています。さらに、McCormick Flavor Solutionsの2023 Clean Label Special Reportによると、消費者の83%がクリーンまたはナチュラルな原材料を重要視しています。この動向には、キトサンの使用例のように、安全な要素を含む天然素材を使用することも含まれ、そのようなテーマは満たされています。また、キトサンは、消費者に使用され、様々な規制機関に支持されているように、その使用方法と用途から多機能性が、高い市場流動性を持つ食品に不可欠な添加物であることを裏付けています。

目次

第1章 序文

第2章 分析範囲・手法

• 分析目的
• ステークホルダー
• データソース
  • 一次情報
  • 二次情報
• 市場推定
  • ボトムアップアプローチ
  • トップダウンアプローチ
• 分析手法

第3章 エグゼクティブサマリー

第4章 イントロダクション

• 概要
• 主要な業界動向

第5章 世界のキトサン市場

• 市場概要
• 市場実績
• COVID-19の影響
• 市場区分：グレード別
• 市場区分：原料別
• 市場区分：用途別
• 市場区分：地域別
• 市場予測

第6章 SWOT分析

第7章 バリューチェーン分析

第8章 ポーターのファイブフォース分析

第9章 市場区分：グレード別

• 工業用グレード
• 食品グレード
• 医薬品グレード

第10章 市場区分：原料別

• エビ
• カニ
• イカ
• オキアミ
• その他

第11章 市場区分：用途別

• 水処理
• 食品・飲料
• 化粧品
• 医療・医薬品
• 農薬
• その他

第12章 市場区分：地域別

• アジア太平洋
• 欧州
• 北米
• 中東・アフリカ
• ラテンアメリカ

第13章 価格分析

第14章 競合情勢

• 市場構造
• 主要企業
• 主要企業のプロファイル
  • Primex EHF
  • Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH
  • Meron Group
  • KitoZyme SA
  • Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
  • FMC Corporation
  • Agra Tech, Inc.
  • Axio Biosolutions Pvt Ltd.
  • Marshall Marine Products

List of Figures

• Figure 1: Global: Chitosan Market: Major Drivers and Challenges
• Figure 2: Global: Chitosan Market: Sales Value (in Billion USD), 2019-2024
• Figure 3: Global: Chitosan Market: Breakup by Grade (in %), 2024
• Figure 4: Global: Chitosan Market: Breakup by Source (in %), 2024
• Figure 5: Global: Chitosan Market: Breakup by Application (in %), 2024
• Figure 6: Global: Chitosan Market: Breakup by Region (in %), 2024
• Figure 7: Global: Chitosan Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Billion USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 8: Global: Chitosan Industry: SWOT Analysis
• Figure 9: Global: Chitosan Industry: Value Chain Analysis
• Figure 10: Global: Chitosan Industry: Porter's Five Forces Analysis
• Figure 11: Global: Chitosan (Industrial Grade) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 12: Global: Chitosan (Industrial Grade) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 13: Global: Chitosan (Food Grade) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 14: Global: Chitosan (Food Grade) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 15: Global: Chitosan (Pharmaceutical Grade) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 16: Global: Chitosan (Pharmaceutical Grade) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 17: Global: Chitosan (Shrimp) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 18: Global: Chitosan (Shrimp) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 19: Global: Chitosan (Crab) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 20: Global: Chitosan (Crab) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 21: Global: Chitosan (Squid) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 22: Global: Chitosan (Squid) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 23: Global: Chitosan (Krill) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 24: Global: Chitosan (Krill) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 25: Global: Chitosan (Other Sources) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 26: Global: Chitosan (Other Sources) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 27: Global: Chitosan (Water Treatment) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 28: Global: Chitosan (Water Treatment) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 29: Global: Chitosan (Food & Beverages) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 30: Global: Chitosan (Food & Beverages) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 31: Global: Chitosan (Cosmetics) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 32: Global: Chitosan (Cosmetics) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 33: Global: Chitosan (Medical & Pharmaceuticals) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 34: Global: Chitosan (Medical & Pharmaceuticals) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 35: Global: Chitosan (Agrochemicals) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 36: Global: Chitosan (Agrochemicals) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 37: Global: Chitosan (Other Applications) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 38: Global: Chitosan (Other Applications) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 39: Asia Pacific: Chitosan Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 40: Asia Pacific: Chitosan Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 41: Europe: Chitosan Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 42: Europe: Chitosan Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 43: North America: Chitosan Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 44: North America: Chitosan Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 45: Middle East and Africa: Chitosan Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 46: Middle East and Africa: Chitosan Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Figure 47: Latin America: Chitosan Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
• Figure 48: Latin America: Chitosan Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033

List of Tables

• Table 1: Global: Chitosan Market: Key Industry Highlights, 2024 and 2033
• Table 2: Global: Chitosan Market Forecast: Breakup by Grade (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Table 3: Global: Chitosan Market Forecast: Breakup by Source (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Table 4: Global: Chitosan Market Forecast: Breakup by Application (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Table 5: Global: Chitosan Market Forecast: Breakup by Region (in Million USD), 2025-2033
• Table 6: Global: Chitosan Market Structure
• Table 7: Global: Chitosan Market: Key Players

The global chitosan market size was valued at USD 2.8 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 6.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.4% during 2025-2033. Asia Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 44.6% in 2024. This dominance is driven by abundant raw material availability, growing demand in water treatment, agriculture, and healthcare applications.

One major driver of the chitosan market is the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. Derived from natural sources like shrimp and crab shells, chitosan offers sustainable alternatives to synthetic products in industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. Its effectiveness as a biopolymer for waste management, seed coating, and drug delivery systems aligns with growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures for eco-friendly solutions. For instance, in 2024, TomTex introduced a 100% biobased, biodegradable leather alternative made from mushroom chitosan and shrimp shells, addressing the $500 billion leather industry's environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Additionally, its antibacterial and antifungal properties enhance its utility across diverse applications, including food preservation and cosmetics. This multifaceted functionality continues to drive the adoption of chitosan, fueling its growth in global markets.

The United States serves the chitosan market by leveraging its advanced biotechnology and research capabilities to drive innovation in chitosan applications. U.S. manufacturers focus on producing high-quality chitosan for diverse industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and water treatment. The growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials aligns with the nation's commitment to environmental stewardship, further boosting the market. Additionally, the robust pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors in the U.S. contribute to increased adoption of chitosan in drug delivery systems and personal care products. For instance, in 2024, Dyson launched the Chitosan(TM) formulations range ($59.99), including pre-style and post-style hair serum. This product line is integrated with oyster mushroom-derived chitosan to offer shine and natural movement. . Moreover, strong regulatory frameworks and investments in research and development position the U.S. as a key player in the global chitosan market.

Chitosan Market Trends:

Increasing Demand in Medical and Pharmaceutical Industries

Chitosan's usage and importance in the medical and pharmaceuticals sector have become an iconic enhancer of the entire industry. Being biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic has made chitosan penetrate the usage of drug-delivery systems, tissue engineering and extensively heal wounds. Its properties on biological tissues for cell growth or adhesion have been taken advantage of in using suture and bandage along with other wound healing application. The increase in chronic diseases, surgeries, and the emphasis on innovative healthcare solutions has only increased this demand. For instance, 8 chronic conditions, including diabetes and depression, reached a record high prevalence in the 2023 America's Health Rankings report, reflecting the increasing need for advanced medical solutions. This high incidence of chronic conditions increases the demand for effective treatment, which in turn has fueled the acceleration of chitosan application in drug delivery systems and wound care products. Also, governments and health organizations are investing in research and development, thus encouraging the use of chitosan-based products. The global drive to use more sustainable and environment-friendly materials also increases chitosan's appeal as it finds an affinity with modern healthcare targets and strategies.

Rise in Product Demand in the Cosmetic Industry

The overall market for chitosan is largely motivated by its growing use in cosmetics. Chitosan finds a lot of application because it is known for moisturizing, anti-aging, and rejuvenating effects on skin and hair, making the skincare and hair care industries huge consumers. Increasing sensitivity to the composition of the products results in the preference of natural, organic, or plant-derived materials. Chitosan caters to this need; it is safe and natural. In a research article, chitosan's ability to inhibit bacterial action in treating acne-related bacteria was important in the sense that its minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Cutibacterium acnes were recorded at 512 µg/mL and Staphylococcus aureus at 16/80 µg/mL, contributing to its widespread use in the treatment of acne. Another driving force is the increase in disposable income and the surging popularity of premium beauty and personal care products. Cosmetics are now increasingly formulating chitosan into their products due to consumer demand for efficacious products that also tend to be environmentally responsible. Thus, this tendency aligns with consumer values and drives further the demand for chitosan in the cosmetic industry and drives the overall market growth.

Increasing Applications in the Food and Beverage Industry

Chitosan is witnessing growth in terms of the market due to expanding application in the food and beverages industry. Given the capability of chitosan for its binding with fats and oils, the additive is used in food production, adding less calorie content, or reducing calories and also as a preservative to extend shelf life. Along with this, increasing health-conscious consumers who require low-calorie and nutrient-rich products have increased the demand for the product in this segment. Moreover, the trend for natural and clean-label products has increased the usage of the product as an alternative for artificial preservatives and additives. For example, a 2023 SupplySide Food Business Journal article reports that almost 70% of consumers are highly sensitive to potentially unhealthy ingredients, illustrating increasing interest in clean-label ingredients. Moreover, the McCormick Flavor Solutions' 2023 Clean Label Special Report shows that 83% of consumers consider clean or natural ingredients important. This trend also includes using natural ingredients with safety elements, like in the usage of chitosan, which fulfills such a theme. Also, multifunctionality from its usage and application as used by consumers and endorsed by various regulating agencies underpins the reason behind chitosan as the essential addition to food products for its high market flow.

Chitosan Industry Segmentation:

Analysis by Grade:

• Industrial Grade
• Food Grade
• Pharmaceutical Grade

Industrial grade leads the market in 2024. This segment is influenced by its inherent properties like biocompatibility, antimicrobial attributes, and biodegradability. The growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials in industries such as agriculture, water treatment, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals has boosted the growth of the industrial-grade chitosan market. Moreover, the awareness of the harmful environmental effects caused by synthetic chemicals has driven companies to look for alternatives, thereby fostering the adoption for chitosan-based applications. Besides this, regulatory policies encouraging the usage of natural and renewable resources also support the industry's growth path. Improving manufacturing processes and extracting technologies have also helped in building the industrial-grade market segment. Consequently, the convergence of environmental consciousness, regulatory support, and technological advancements stands as the primary driving force behind the ascension of the market.

Analysis by Source:

• Shrimp
• Crab
• Squid
• Krill
• Others

Shrimp leads the market with around 62.8% of the market share in 2024. The chitosan industry's shrimp-derived chitosan segment increases with the rise in product demand since this material is known for its benefits, including being biodegradable, non-toxic, and biocompatible. The trend of shifting to eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable products increases the applicability of shrimp-sourced chitosan in the fields of food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Along with this, the growing trend of using natural resources for various applications is in tandem with consumer demand for greener alternatives, which is helping to boost the demand for shrimp-derived chitosan. Also, the availability of shrimp waste as a byproduct of seafood processing helps source the product and thus further propels its prominence. In essence, the convergence of eco-conscious consumer choices, sustainable sourcing practices, and chitosan's versatile applications delineates the substantial market drivers propelling the growth of the shrimp source segment within the overall industry.

Analysis by Application:

• Water Treatment
• Food & Beverages
• Cosmetics
• Medical & Pharmaceuticals
• Agrochemicals
• Others

Water treatment leads the market with around 34.5% of the market share in 2024. This application within the industry of water treatment is justified by the rising awareness about water pollution and the need for sustainable solutions. Chitosan-based products have come up as a suitable substitute for several processes in water treatment. The pressure to minimize the use of chemicals in the process of water treatment and the chitosan-based capability of removing contaminants like heavy metals and dyes have propelled the usage of chitosan in this industry. In addition, regulatory mandates promoting eco-friendly and non-toxic water treatment methods further amplify the demand for the product. Additionally, the versatility of chitosan in addressing both industrial and municipal water treatment requirements contributes to its sustained growth. Thus, the emergence of environmental consciousness, regulatory impetus, and chitosan's intrinsic properties substantiates its role as a pivotal market driver within the water treatment application.

Regional Analysis:

• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• North America
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America

In 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share of over 44.6%. The chitosan industry in the Asia Pacific region is propelled by the region's substantial population, rapid urbanization, and growing industrial sectors. Along with this, the escalating emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly products aligns with chitosan's inherent attributes, such as biodegradability and versatility, thereby fostering its adoption in various industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. In addition, regulatory initiatives aimed at curbing environmental degradation further reinforce the prominence of chitosan-based solutions. Moreover, the rich availability of raw materials, particularly from seafood industries, enhances the feasibility of its production in the region. As technological advancements continue to optimize extraction processes, the cost-effectiveness and quality of chitosan products are being augmented. In essence, the interplay of demographic dynamics, sustainability imperatives, regulatory support, and technological innovations collectively drive the growth of the chitosan industry in the Asia Pacific, positioning the region as a key player in the global market landscape.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Chitosan Market Analysis

US accounts for 85% share of the market in North America. The U.S. market for chitosan has been growing significantly, especially with regard to water treatment, fueled by the demand for the use of sustainable filtration techniques. According to the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council), about 77 million people in the U.S., i.e., about a quarter of the population, are served by water systems that report violations of health-based drinking water standards. Advanced purification processes for water are an utmost necessity and driving the market for chitosan-based filters that filter out all contaminants efficiently. The concern of the US government on environmental sustainability and water quality contributes to the growth of the biopolymer technologies including chitosan. Thus, the growth of the market is being accelerated by consumers gaining consciousness and pressure of regulations concerning enhanced water quality wherein chitosan stands a good potential solution. With ongoing innovations in water treatment technologies and chitosan's biodegradability, the market is expected to grow further.

North America Chitosan Market Analysis

The North America chitosan market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for natural and sustainable products in various industries. Derived from chitin, chitosan is gaining significant popularity for its diverse applications across various industries, including agriculture, food and beverage, healthcare, and cosmetics. For instance, in May 2024, Health Canada approved the utilization of chitosan from white button mushrooms as a preservative in foods at levels of 150-1,500 ppm. Approved for use in beverages, cheese, desserts, and sauces. Moreover, rising consumer awareness about the health benefits of chitosan, such as weight management and wound healing properties, is also fueling market growth. Additionally, the growing focus on environmental sustainability is driving the adoption of chitosan as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. The market is characterized by the presence of key players offering a wide range of chitosan products and solutions, further contributing to market expansion. Overall, the North America chitosan market is poised for continued growth in the coming years.

Europe Chitosan Market Analysis

The European chitosan market is growing due to strong sustainability policies and demand from the biomedical sector. Eurostat reports that in 2022, EU countries recycled 40.8% of waste, which has positively influenced the adoption of biodegradable materials such as chitosan. Germany, France, and the UK are leaders in water treatment solutions, using chitosan to remove heavy metals. In the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology R&D investments in chitosan-based drug delivery are increasing. Germany leads these statistics with a 10% increase in 2023, as reported by German Biotechnology Report 2024. Besides these, the European Food Safety Authority supports chitosan uses in food packaging, which gives additional strength to its marketability. Production is majorly dominated by companies such as Heppe Medical Chitosan and BioLog Heppe, which follows stiff EU safety and sustainability practices.

Asia Pacific Chitosan Market Analysis

This rapidly growing Asia Pacific chitosan market is driven by industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. In a report from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the government has pledged Yen 818 Billion, approximately USD 5.5 Billion, for fiscal year 2023 to strengthen food security and support agriculture, including sustainable farming practices. This funding of environmental farming technologies supports the increasing use of biopolymers such as chitosan in agriculture. Furthermore, Japan continues to fund organic farming, with MAFF budgeting Yen 42.6 Billion (about USD 317.8 Million) to support organic agriculture in 2022. China is the largest producer of crustacean waste globally and holds the highest position in chitosan production and export. A strong manufacturing of biopolymers supports the market for chitosan. India's Biotechnology Department says that the Indian biopolymer market is growing at 15% annually, supported by the "Make in India" initiative. The region's expanding pharmaceutical sector is integrating chitosan for drug delivery and wound healing applications. Local firms collaborate with global players, enhancing technological advancements, while rising environmental concerns fuel adoption of chitosan-based water treatment solutions, solidifying Asia Pacific's global leadership.

Latin America Chitosan Market Analysis

The Latin American chitosan market is growing as the agricultural as well as water treatment operations are on the rise. USDA stated that Brazil's Government announced a record R$ 475.5 Billion, approximately USD 88.2 Billion, for 2024/25 Crop Plan that included funds for sustainable farming practices. While this plan covers a wide range of agricultural activities, it shows the government's commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture, which directly benefits the chitosan market, especially for biodegradable fertilizers and eco-friendly pesticides. Moreover, the World Bank has launched a program in November 2024, valued at USD 1.6 Billion, to support family farmers in Brazil. This initiative aims to further market access, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience, bringing more adoption of biopolymers like chitosan in sustainable farming. Brazil's seafood industry already generates a lot of raw materials from which chitosan will be produced, making Brazil the regional leader. Local companies such as Polymar invest in R&D that helps diversify applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Government initiatives in promoting the use of biopolymers and sustainable farming are likely to further strengthen the market.

Middle East and Africa Chitosan Market Analysis

Water scarcity has driven the chitosan market in the Middle East and Africa, along with demands for agriculture and new biomedical uses. ESG News writes that Saudi Arabia has enticed USD 9.8 Billion in private investments targeting agriculture and food sectors, part of Vision 2030. In 2023, the government spent SR4 Billion, around USD 1.08 Billion to expand greenhouse agriculture and boost sustainable crop productivity, as per an industry report. South Africa is currently the world leader in biomedical innovation, using chitosan in wound care and pharmaceutical research. Local companies are scaling up production in order to reduce import dependence, and government-backed programs in water management and agricultural sustainability have positioned the region as an emerging player in the global chitosan market.

Competitive Landscape:

The global chitosan market is experiencing significant growth due to escalating investments in research and development to explore new applications and improve the properties of chitosan. This includes developing innovative extraction methods, enhancing chitosan's functional properties, and discovering novel applications in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and cosmetics. For instance, in 2024, Primex, a prominent marine biotechnology firm, published clinical trial results in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, showing ChitoCare Wound Healing Gel improved full healing rates, with 50% and 75% wound closure significantly higher than placebo in 10 weeks. Along with this, chitosan manufacturers are diversifying their product portfolios to cater to different industries and applications. This involves creating specialized chitosan products with varying molecular weights, degrees of deacetylation, and functional modifications to suit specific needs. Therefore, this positively influences the market. In addition, companies are forming partnerships and collaborations with research institutions, universities, and other businesses to leverage expertise and resources for product development and market expansion. Collaborative efforts help accelerate innovation and widen the scope of chitosan applications. Apart from this, the widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices in chitosan production and processing, including sourcing raw materials responsibly, reducing waste, and minimizing the environmental footprint of their operations is significantly supporting the market. Furthermore, key players are offering customized chitosan solutions to meet the specific needs of clients in various industries, contributing to the market.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the chitosan market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Primex EHF
• Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH
• Meron Group
• KitoZyme SA
• Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
• FMC Corporation
• Agra Tech, Inc.
• Axio Biosolutions Pvt Ltd
• Marshall Marine Products

Key Questions Answered in This Report

• 1.What is chitosan?
• 2.How big is the chitosan market?
• 3.What is the expected growth rate of the global chitosan market during 2025-2033?
• 4.What are the key factors driving the global chitosan market?
• 5.What is the leading segment of the global chitosan market based on the grade?
• 6.What is the leading segment of the global chitosan market based on source?
• 7.What is the leading segment of the global chitosan market based on application?
• 8.What are the key regions in the global chitosan market?
• 9.Who are the key players/companies in the global chitosan market?

Table of Contents

1 Preface

2 Scope and Methodology

• 2.1 Objectives of the Study
• 2.2 Stakeholders
• 2.3 Data Sources
  • 2.3.1 Primary Sources
  • 2.3.2 Secondary Sources
• 2.4 Market Estimation
  • 2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach
  • 2.4.2 Top-Down Approach
• 2.5 Forecasting Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Introduction

• 4.1 Overview
• 4.2 Key Industry Trends

5 Global Chitosan Market

• 5.1 Market Overview
• 5.2 Market Performance
• 5.3 Impact of COVID-19
• 5.4 Market Breakup by Grade
• 5.5 Market Breakup by Source
• 5.6 Market Breakup by Application
• 5.7 Market Breakup by Region
• 5.8 Market Forecast

6 SWOT Analysis

• 6.1 Overview
• 6.2 Strengths
• 6.3 Weaknesses
• 6.4 Opportunities
• 6.5 Threats

7 Value Chain Analysis

8 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• 8.1 Overview
• 8.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
• 8.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
• 8.4 Degree of Competition
• 8.5 Threat of New Entrants
• 8.6 Threat of Substitutes

9 Market Breakup by Grade

• 9.1 Industrial Grade
  • 9.1.1 Market Trends
  • 9.1.2 Market Forecast
• 9.2 Food Grade
  • 9.2.1 Market Trends
  • 9.2.2 Market Forecast
• 9.3 Pharmaceutical Grade
  • 9.3.1 Market Trends
  • 9.3.2 Market Forecast

10 Market Breakup by Source

• 10.1 Shrimp
  • 10.1.1 Market Trends
  • 10.1.2 Market Forecast
• 10.2 Crab
  • 10.2.1 Market Trends
  • 10.2.2 Market Forecast
• 10.3 Squid
  • 10.3.1 Market Trends
  • 10.3.2 Market Forecast
• 10.4 Krill
  • 10.4.1 Market Trends
  • 10.4.2 Market Forecast
• 10.5 Others
  • 10.5.1 Market Trends
  • 10.5.2 Market Forecast

11 Market Breakup by Application

• 11.1 Water Treatment
  • 11.1.1 Market Trends
  • 11.1.2 Market Forecast
• 11.2 Food & Beverages
  • 11.2.1 Market Trends
  • 11.2.2 Market Forecast
• 11.3 Cosmetics
  • 11.3.1 Market Trends
  • 11.3.2 Market Forecast
• 11.4 Medical & Pharmaceuticals
  • 11.4.1 Market Trends
  • 11.4.2 Market Forecast
• 11.5 Agrochemicals
  • 11.5.1 Market Trends
  • 11.5.2 Market Forecast
• 11.6 Others
  • 11.6.1 Market Trends
  • 11.6.2 Market Forecast

12 Market Breakup by Region

• 12.1 Asia Pacific
  • 12.1.1 Market Trends
  • 12.1.2 Market Forecast
• 12.2 Europe
  • 12.2.1 Market Trends
  • 12.2.2 Market Forecast
• 12.3 North America
  • 12.3.1 Market Trends
  • 12.3.2 Market Forecast
• 12.4 Middle East and Africa
  • 12.4.1 Market Trends
  • 12.4.2 Market Forecast
• 12.5 Latin America
  • 12.5.1 Market Trends
  • 12.5.2 Market Forecast

13 Price Analysis

14 Competitive Landscape

• 14.1 Market Structure
• 14.2 Key Players
• 14.3 Profiles of Key Players
  • 14.3.1 Primex EHF
  • 14.3.2 Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH
  • 14.3.3 Meron Group
  • 14.3.4 KitoZyme SA
  • 14.3.5 Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
  • 14.3.6 FMC Corporation
  • 14.3.7 Agra Tech, Inc.
  • 14.3.8 Axio Biosolutions Pvt Ltd.
  • 14.3.9 Marshall Marine Products