Global Chelating Agents Market Size By Type (Non-biodegradable, Biodegradable), By Application (Pulp & Paper, Cleaning, Water Treatment, Agrochemicals, Personal Care), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Chelating Agents Market Size And Forecast

Chelating Agents Market size was valued at USD 7.99 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.83 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.27% from 2024 to 2031. Chelating agents are chemical substances that make numerous connections with metal ions, forming stable, water-soluble complexes called chelates. Chelating agents have several applications in various industries. In medicine, they are critical for treating heavy metal toxicity because they bind to dangerous metals such as lead or mercury, allowing them to be excreted from the body. In agriculture, they are employed in fertilizers to maintain important micronutrients soluble and available to plants.

Additionally, chelating compounds are used in industrial operations such as water treatment and as stabilizers in chemical manufacture to assist reduce metal ion interference in reactions.

Global Chelating Agents Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the chelating agents market include:

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand in the Water Treatment Industry:

The market for chelating agents is being driven by a rising demand for water treatment as a result of industrialization and urbanization. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report 2021, global water consumption has increased by a factor of six over the last century and continues to rise at a rate of roughly 1% each year. The increasing demand for clean water is driving up the use of chelating agents in water treatment processes.

Expanding Applications in the Cleaning and Detergent Industry:

Chelating agents are commonly used in cleaning solutions and detergents to increase their efficacy. According to Verified Market Research, the global household cleaning products market, which mainly uses chelating agents, is expected to reach $179.15 billion by 2031, rising at a CAGR of 4.77% between 2020 and 2027. This expansion in the cleaning products industry is driving the demand for chelating agents.

Rising Use in the Agriculture Sector:

Chelating agents are important components of micronutrient fertilizers because they improve plant nutrient absorption. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that global fertilizer consumption reached 201 million tons by 2022. The increased usage of fertilizers, especially micronutrient fertilizers, is driving the expansion of the chelating agents market in agriculture.

Key Challenges:

Health and Safety Concerns:

When chelating chemicals are not handled properly, they pose health dangers to workers and customers. Specific agents induce skin irritation, breathing problems, and other negative health impacts. This creates workplace safety issues, resulting in stronger laws and recommendations for producers to follow. As a result, the risk of health-related liabilities discourages corporations from utilizing specific chelating agents, reducing total market demand.

Cost Considerations:

Chelating agents are expensive to produce, limiting their use in a variety of applications. High manufacturing costs raise end-product pricing, making them less competitive when compared to other solutions. As companies seek more cost-effective alternatives, demand for chelating agents is limited, especially in price-sensitive sectors where budget limitations are a major consideration.

Key Trends:

Growing Demand in Water Treatment Applications:

With more people needing water treatment applications, the market for chelating agents is expanding significantly. As environmental rules tighten and the demand for clean water grows, the use of chelating agents in water purification procedures becomes more common. These agents effectively remove heavy metals and prevent scale formation, making them indispensable for maintaining water quality.

Rise in Agriculture and Food Industry Applications:

The agricultural and food industries are driving up demand for chelating agents. In agriculture, chelating compounds are employed in fertilizers to promote plant nutrient availability and absorption. In the food sector, they are used as preservatives and stabilizers to avoid discoloration and preserve product quality. As these industries expand, the demand for chelating agents is projected to increase.

Increasing Adoption of Biodegradable Chelating Agents:

Due to environmental concerns, the usage of biodegradable chelating agents is becoming more popular. Non-biodegradable chelating chemicals can survive in the environment and produce pollution, necessitating tougher controls. Manufacturers are currently working to develop eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives that are less detrimental to the environment. This trend is especially noticeable in Europe, where public concern about environmental contamination is promoting the use of sustainable chelating agents.

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Global Chelating Agents Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the chelating agents market:

Asia Pacific:

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to dominate the chelating agents market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid industrialization, which is causing an increase in water pollution and, as a result, a greater demand for water treatment technologies. According to the Asian Development Bank, around 80% of Asia's wastewater is released untreated, affecting 1.8 billion people. This frightening number is driving the use of chelating chemicals in water treatment processes throughout the region.

Furthermore, the agricultural sector in the Asia Pacific is quickly expanding, raising the demand for chelating agents in micronutrient fertilizers. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia's fertilizer usage is expected to reach 115.7 million tons by 2022, accounting for roughly 60% of global fertilizer use. This high fertilizer use is driving up demand for chelating agents in the region's agriculture sector.

North America:

North America region is estimated to exhibit substantial growth during the forecast period. North America faces substantial water quality concerns, which has prompted the usage of chelating compounds in water treatment operations. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), roughly USD 473 Billion in drinking water infrastructure improvements will be required over the next 20 years to ensure the availability of safe drinking water. This significant investment in water infrastructure is driving up demand for chelating agents used in water treatment applications throughout North America.

Furthermore, the growing food and beverage industry in North America is increasing the usage of chelating compounds as preservatives and stabilizers. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the food and beverage manufacturing sector accounts for 15.8% of the total value of shipments from U.S. manufacturing plants. This considerable market share and sustained growth in the food and beverage industry are increasing the demand for chelating agents in various applications.

Europe:

Europe region is estimated to exhibit significant growth within the market during the forecast period. Europe has enacted stringent water quality standards, increasing the demand for chelating agents in water treatment operations. According to the European Environment Agency, only 40% of surface waterways in Europe were in good ecological condition in 2018, stressing the need for better water treatment methods. This has resulted in a greater use of chelating chemicals in water filtration systems throughout the region.

Furthermore, the European food and beverage sector, which largely uses chelating agents for preservation and quality enhancement, is rapidly expanding. According to FoodDrinkEurope, the EU food and beverage industry generated €1.2 trillion in revenue in 2020, making it the EU's largest manufacturing sector. This strong industry expansion is driving up demand for chelating agents in culinary applications.

Global Chelating Agents Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Chelating Agents Market is segmented based on Type, Application, and Geography.

Chelating Agents Market, By Type

• Non-biodegradable
• Biodegradable

Based on Type, the market is segmented into Non-biodegradable and Biodegradable. The non-biodegradable chelating agent segment is estimated to dominate the chelating agents market. Non-biodegradable chelating agents, such as EDTA and DTPA, are widely utilized in a variety of applications due to their ability to remove heavy metals while preventing scale formation.

Chelating Agents Market, By Application

• Pulp and Paper
• Cleaning
• Water Treatment
• Agrochemicals
• Personal Care
• Others

Based on Application, the chelating agents market is segmented into Pulp & Paper, Cleaning, Water Treatment, Agrochemicals, Personal Care, and Others. The water treatment segment is estimated to dominate the market over the forecast period due to the growing need for efficient solutions to heavy metal contamination in industrial wastewater and municipal water systems. As environmental rules become more stringent, industries are increasingly using chelating agents to improve their water treatment operations, assuring compliance and encouraging sustainability. This trend is projected to continue, reinforcing the water treatment segment's market leadership.

Chelating Agents Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the chelating agents market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to hold the largest share of the chelating agents market owing to rising industrialization and urbanization in countries such as China and India. This region contributes to a considerable amount of worldwide demand as its manufacturing sectors increase, particularly in water treatment, agriculture, and cleaning applications. The demand for efficient solutions to reduce water pollution and boost agricultural output strengthens Asia Pacific's dominance in this market region.

Key Players

• The "Chelating Agents Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are
• Dow, BASF SE, Nouryon, Kemira, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, ADM, Ascend Performance Materials, MilliporeSigma, and Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

• Chelating Agents Market Recent Developments
• In January 2023, Nouryon acquired ADOB, a Polish-based supplier of chelated micronutrients and agricultural solutions.
• In February 2022, Nouryon established a biodegradable chelates production facility in the Netherlands to fulfill increased consumer demand for environmentally friendly auto dishwashing and liquid laundry solutions.