The global chitin market size is set to be valued at around USD 1,801.3 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 5,746.2 million by 2033. The global chitin market is expected to witness a considerable CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2033.
Increased consumption of chitin in various end-use industries such as food & beverages, agrochemicals, and healthcare is expected to push sales in the forecast period. In the food & beverage industry, chitin is often used as a cooking thickener, which would propel growth.
Moreover, the market is set to be driven by spurring demand for natural fiber-based biodegradable composites in a wide range of industries. Chitin is also expected to be extensively used for fabricating polymer scaffolds and a wide range of nanotechnology applications.
It is also utilized in the encapsulation of protein cargoes. Increasing number of research and development activities in the field of cargo-release characteristics would also help in boosting growth in the global market.
Growing need for water purification, especially in developing countries, is likely to push the global chitin market in the evaluation period. It is also expected to be used in the production of biofuel, mainly attributed to marine-based biomass. Alkali and acid treatment is another significant factor responsible for growth in the global chitin market.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical Value (2022) | USD 1,604.0 million |
| Current Year Value (2023) | USD 1,801.3 million |
| Expected Forecast Value (2033) | USD 5,746.2 million |
| Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) | 11.8% |
| Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 12.3% |
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Increasing use of chitin in the textile, building & construction, packaging materials, work & protective gear, and civil engineering sectors are projected to drive the global chitin market in the upcoming decade. As per the current estimate, the chitin market is expected to witness growth at a CAGR of around 12.3% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2033.
The market is expected to exhibit significant growth owing to rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical industry. As per FMI, manufacturers are employing chitin for tissue engineering and drug delivery application owing to its high biocompatibility.
Recent developments by key manufacturers include chitin and chitosan-based nanomaterials with its potential application in the field of biomedical science. This possible polymer possesses innovative qualities like non-toxicity, affordable transparency, non-immunogenicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
For biomedical applications like drug delivery, hydrogels, microspheres, mixes, microparticles, and nanogels, as well as electrospun fibers, films, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, scaffolds, and prodrugs based on chitin and chitosan natural or synthetic polymers are extensively utilized.
These recent developments are expected to create new growth opportunities for key players operating in the global chitin market during the forecast period.
The majority of the chitin generated globally is made from leftover shrimp, crab, and lobster. There is a new source of chitin synthesis in Europe, which is insect chitin, a byproduct generated due to the manufacturing of animal feed.
Insect larvae are utilized as a source of protein for animal feed, whereas adult insects are employed for reproduction. Chitin is mainly obtained from the abandoned insect and cocoon bodies.
For instance, KitoZyme S.A, a Belgium-based company, has started the production of chitin-based products, in which chitin is obtained from non-animal feed. Chitin obtained is used in the production of dietary supplements and medical products, among others.
Primex has also developed a new method to manufacture chitosan from arctic shrimp, which can be used as a food ingredient. This has led to a surge in the consumption of chitin sources and its by-product in various end-use industries. It is further expected to propel growth in the chitin market during the forecast period.
Due to its potential physicochemical and biological qualities, chitin has a wide range of uses in the cosmetics, textile, culinary, and biotechnological industries, as well as in the pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural fields.
Companies nowadays are investing huge sums in research and development activities to launch new products with better and enhanced properties. They are also producing non-animal chitin derivatives and vegan products for vegetarian consumers. For example, BIO21 has launched new products to serve the agriculture industry.
Some of the other companies are also expanding their manufacturing facilities to meet the growing needs of consumers. For example, Bayir Extracts expanded its manufacturing facility in Pune, India. Besides, BIO21 opened a new manufacturing facility in Indonesia to strengthen its position.
Principal Consultant
Extracting chitin and transforming it into chitosan or other derivatives is an energy-consuming process. The process also generates a huge amount of waste and to neutralize this waste, a large amount of energy, as well as cost, is associated.
Also, low biological value of alkali recovered proteins is expected to pose an obstacle in terms of application in the animal feed industry. To produce 1 kg of chitin, nearly 300 kg of water is consumed, which is expected to remain a restraint in growth in the chitin market.
The USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved glucosamine for usage in the food and beverage industry as an ingredient. However, it has been approved to be used as a dietary supplement in drugs.
In order to be used in food and beverages, it has to pass through FDA regulations and companies need to recive safety evidence from the FDA. Also, Japanese companies does not import chitin and its derivatives due to strict regulations that govern the quality of chitin to be used in food, medicines, and cosmetics, which is expected to restrain the chitin market.
| Country | 2022 Value Share in Global Market |
|---|---|
| United States | 20.4% |
| Germany | 7.1% |
| Japan | 2.3% |
Demand for Chitin Glucosamine to Surge among the Pharmaceutical Sector in the USA
In the USA, glucosamine is one of the major commercial products used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Attributed to its high concentration in joint tissues, glucosamine, which is a derivative of chitin, is widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, also known as arthritis, and is expected to be used in various medicines. Glucosamine is also used as a dietary supplement, which is driving the chitin market in the USA
The majority of the population in the USA suffers from obesity and to overcome this issue, glucosamine is used to break down the fat and cholesterol in the body. To break 5 gm of fat and cholesterol, nearly 1gm of chitin is required, as per research.
Demand for chitin from the pharmacology and biomedical sectors is expected to increase due to the growing prevalence of health problems such as cancer and obesity in the USA Chitosan, a derivative of chitin, is often used in the treatment of such health problems, as well as in the treatment of tumors.
Chitosan also acts as a cholesterol-lowering agent and a food supplement. Thus, in comparison to other countries, the USA is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forthcoming years.
Chitin is Driving Germany's Sustainable Growth, Fostering Economic Prosperity Aligned with Ecological Integrity
The chitin market in Germany has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Germany's commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation has driven the demand for eco-friendly products like chitin.
The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries are increasingly using chitin for the development of bioactive compounds with various health benefits. The market has witnessed advancements in chitin extraction methods, leading to increased cost-effectiveness and higher-quality chitin products.
Germany serves as a research and innovation hub for chitin-related studies, with numerous universities and research institutes conducting cutting-edge research in this field. The German government has been actively promoting research and development in biodegradable materials, providing incentives and grants to foster the growth of the chitin market.
Chitin-based biopesticides and biostimulants are gaining popularity as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, driving the market growth in the agricultural sector.
Japan's Booming Chitin Industry Transforms Seafood Waste into a Sustainable Treasure
The biomedical sector is one of the primary market drivers in Japan. Chitin is used in wound dressings, tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and as a scaffold for regenerative medicine. Japan is at the forefront of chitin-related research and innovation. Universities, research institutes, and private companies collaborate to develop advanced chitin-based products with improved functionalities.
Japan's commitment to a circular economy has led to the exploration of ways to recycle and upcycle chitin waste, reducing environmental impact and creating additional value. The seafood processing industry generates a substantial amount of chitin-rich waste. Japan's rich fishing heritage and traditional cuisine contribute to the abundance of crustacean waste, making chitin production cost-effective.
| Country | Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 2.2% |
| China | 33.7% |
| India | 5.9% |
Chitin's Journey from Crustacean Shells to Biomedical Marvels in the United Kingdom, Pioneering Innovations in Medicine and Regenerative Therapies
The chitin market in the United Kingdom has witnessed steady growth in recent years, driven by the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products in various sectors. The increasing environmental concerns have pushed industries to seek eco-friendly packaging solutions. Due to its biodegradability and renewability, Chitin-based packaging has gained traction in the United Kingdom, with companies using it for various products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
The biomedical sector has shown significant interest in chitin and its derivatives for wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. The United Kingdom's advancements in medical research have contributed to the rising demand for chitin-based medical products.
The United Kingdom boasts a strong research ecosystem, with academic institutions and research centers actively exploring novel applications of chitin. This focus on innovation has led to the development of advanced chitin-based products, driving market growth.
Use of Chitin to Grow in China with Presence of Various Renowned Manufacturers
China is projected to reach an estimated CAGR of 33.7% by the end of 2033. The country has a relatively higher number of chitin, chitosan, and glucosamine manufacturing companies, as compared to other developing nations.
It is expected that China nearly accounts for more than 80% of the global glucosamine production, having more than 20 factories in the country, thereby totalling the capacity of 15000 tons-18000 tons. This factor is expected to contribute to growth in the chitin market in China.
As chitin is a raw material, which is used in the production of chitosan and glucosamine, its demand is projected to grow in China. The country is also expected to be one of the major exporters of chitin and its derivatives to developed regions such as North America and Europe. Thus, the China chitin market is anticipated to register significant growth during the forecast period.
Chitin is Revolutionizing Crop Protection and Soil Health Management Practices in India
The chitin market in India has experienced substantial growth over the past few years. India's extensive coastline and thriving seafood processing industry provide a steady and reliable supply of crustacean waste. The development of the seafood processing sector directly influences the chitin market as it remains the primary source of chitin production in India.
With agriculture being a significant contributor to India's economy, the adoption of chitin-based agrochemicals and plant growth enhancers has been crucial in driving the market growth. The agriculture industry in India has embraced these eco-friendly solutions, contributing to the increased demand for chitin.
The pharmaceutical sector's growth in India has positively impacted the chitin market. The expansion of the pharmaceutical industry in India, driven by increased healthcare spending and rising demand for medical products, provides new avenues for chitin-based products in wound care and drug delivery systems.
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| Segment | 2022 Value Share in Global Market |
|---|---|
| Chitosan | 43.5% |
| Agrochemical | 52.1% |
Agrochemical Companies Are Looking for Innovative Chitin for Plants
As the population is increasing in developing countries such as China and India, pressure on the agriculture industry in these countries is growing to meet the surging demand for food. This, in turn, necessitates the fast and healthy generation of crops and to cope with this, chitin is expected to be widely used in the stimulation of plant growth.
It helps to enhance defensive mechanisms in plants for timely release of fertilizers and nutrients into the soil & for frost protection and seed coating as coating the seeds with chitin accelerates growth. Besides, addition of chitin and its derivatives to the soil results in the suppression of fungal pathogens and reduction in knot worm infestations.
Thus, attributing to such favorable properties, use of chitin in agrochemical and agricultural products is expected to increase, which in turn, will surge the overall consumption of chitin around the globe. As per FMI, the agrochemical segment is expected to create new growth opportunities for key players in the chitin market during the forecast period.
Chitosan from Insects to Gain Prominence among Food Preservatives Manufacturers
The chitin market has been divided into three segments based on the type of derivative, namely, glucosamine, chitosan, and others. Natural fiber chitosan is utilized in a wide variety of applications. It is used in the treatment of water as coagulants and flocculants because of its high biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, bioactivity, fiber grade characteristics, and excellent adsorption rate.
Chitosan is most frequently used in food and beverages. It is utilized in nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals as it binds dietary fats and lipids in the colon and stops them from becoming saturated in the body. Food additives, edible films, and food preservatives manufacturers extensively use chitosan across the globe.
Increasing usage of chitosan in various end-use industries is expected to drive the chitin market in the forecast period. Due to the growing need for non-chemical products and technologies such as membrane surface and UV disinfection in water purification and agrochemical applications, the need for advanced chitosan is growing at a rapid pace.
In order to meet the growing demand for chitin, manufacturers have shifted their focus towards emerging countries in recent years. Several major players are concentrating primarily on improving their production capabilities, research & development (R&D) investments, collaborative partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions to strengthen their positions and compete against their rivals.
For instance,
Chitin hydrogel has gained attention as a very promising material with multiple uses in the biomedical area as of July 2023. Because of its high biocompatibility and biodegradability, it is useful for tissue repair, artificial organs, and wound healing.
In May 2023, MIT scientists discovered that carbon-capturing phytoplankton developed colonies in the water via a novel technique of rafting on chitin particles. These chitin rafts not only aided in colonization but also provided important nutrients to feed and nourish the bacteria during their journey.
In March 2022, CuanTec, a Strathclyde start-up, which converts shellfish industry waste into premium chitin-based products, was acquired by Hive Energy Ltd. The former has developed a new way to extract biopolymer chitosan from discarded shellfish waste from various fisheries for utilization in environmentally friendly products.
The market is anticipated to expand at a 12.3% CAGR by 2033.
The market is valued at US$ 1,801.3 million in 2023.
The market expanded at an 11.8% CAGR from 2018 to 2022.
The United Kingdom is likely to expand at a 2.2% CAGR by 2033.
Chitosan is expected to be highly preferred.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Market Background 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Derivative Type 5.1. Glucosamine 5.2. Chitosan 5.3. Others 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End-Use Industry 6.1. Food and Beverages 6.2. Agrochemical 6.3. Healthcare 6.4. Cosmetics and Toiletries 6.5. Waste and Water Treatment 6.6. Others 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region 7.1. North America 7.2. Latin America 7.3. Western Europe 7.4. Eastern Europe 7.5. South Asia and Pacific 7.6. East Asia 7.7. Middle East and Africa 8. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 9. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 10. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 11. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 12. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 13. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 14. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 15. Key Countries Market Analysis 16. Market Structure Analysis 17. Competition Analysis 17.1. Wellable 17.2. SHANDONG LAIZHOU HIGHLY BIO-PRODUCTS CO. LTD. 17.3. Yaizu Suisankagaku Industry Co., Ltd 17.4. Zhejiang Aoxing Biotechnology Co., Ltd. 17.5. Bayir Extracts Pvt. Ltd. 17.6. Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd 17.7. Bio21 17.8. Panvo Organics Pvt Ltd. 17.9. Tidal Vision 17.10. Primex ehf 17.11. Meron Biopolymers 17.12. Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH 17.13. CarboMer, Inc. 17.14. DALIAN XINDIE CO., LTD 17.15. Kunpoong Bio Co. Ltd. 17.16. Advanced Biopolymers AS 17.17. Mahtani Chitosan Pvt. Ltd Vardhman Acrylics Ltd 18. Assumptions & Acronyms Used 19. Research Methodology
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Chitin Market
