Chitosan Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The global chitosan market was valued at approximately US$ 1,764.3 million in 2018 and is anticipated to grow significantly, reaching around US$ 4,698.7 million by 2027. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2019 to 2027.

Chitosan is a natural fibrous substance that is derived from chitin, which is predominantly found in the exoskeletons of shellfish, including lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. Among these, shrimp are a primary source of chitosan, containing approximately 25% to 40% chitin. In addition to crustaceans, certain fungi also produce small amounts of chitin in their cell walls. However, the commercial extraction of chitin from fungi is not widely practiced due to the absence of efficient extraction methods. Chitosan is recognized for its high fiber content and is increasingly utilized in dietary supplements aimed at weight management. Its fibrous nature helps inhibit the absorption of cholesterol and dietary fats, making it beneficial in treating conditions such as high cholesterol, obesity, and Crohn's disease. Furthermore, chitosan can be applied directly to the gums to reduce inflammation.

The chitosan market is categorized by grade into three segments: industrial grade, food grade, and pharmaceutical grade. In 2018, the industrial grade segment held the largest market share; however, the food grade segment is projected to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. The primary raw materials for industrial-grade chitosan are offshore crabs and shrimp. Chitosan's versatility, along with its solubility, high density of positive charges, and reactive free amino groups, makes it suitable for various industrial applications. It serves as a chelating agent and is effective in trapping heavy metals. Additionally, derivatives of chitosan, such as n-benzyl sulphonate, are utilized as sorbents for removing metal ions in acidic environments. In the textile industry, chitosan is employed as a dye deepening agent, acting as a fixing agent for anionic dyes, and enabling salt-free dyeing when combined with specific additives.

In agriculture, chitosan is widely used as a coating for seeds, leaves, fruits, and vegetables, functioning as a fertilizer. It also plays a role in the controlled release of agrochemicals, enhancing plant immunity, increasing yields, and protecting against microbial threats.

Geographically, the chitosan market is divided into regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. The Asia Pacific region dominates the global chitosan market, followed by North America and Europe. Within Asia Pacific, Japan leads the market, with China and South Korea also contributing significantly. The demand for chitosan in Japan is expected to grow due to increased investments in research and development by manufacturers, alongside a rising number of applications in sectors such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and more. The expansion of product offerings is also positively influencing market growth in Japan.

Key players in the global chitosan market include Advanced Biopolymers AS, Kitosano SL, FMC Corporation, GTC Bio Corporation, Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH, Kitozyme LLC, Panvo Organics Pvt Ltd., Primex EHF, and Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry Co., Ltd.

The overall size of the global chitosan market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process begins with extensive secondary research, utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the chitosan market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews are conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the data and analysis. Participants in this process include industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the chitosan market.