Chitosan Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Pharmaceutical Grade,Food Grade,Industrial Grade), By Application (Water and Waste Treatment,Food and Beverages,Healthcare and Medical,Agriculture and Agrochemicals,Cosmetics and Toiletries,Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Chitosan Market Overview

The Chitosan Market size was valued at USD 99.29 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 158.7 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.

The chitosan market is expanding rapidly due to the increasing utilization of chitosan in medical, environmental, agricultural, and cosmetic sectors. In 2024, global chitosan production reached approximately 38,000 metric tons, up from 32,600 metric tons in 2023. Derived primarily from crustacean shells such as shrimp and crab, chitosan is processed in over 52 countries, with Asia-Pacific contributing more than 64% of the total volume.

The global demand for pharmaceutical-grade chitosan surpassed 9,400 metric tons in 2024 due to increased use in drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Industrial-grade chitosan led in volume at over 18,500 metric tons, mainly for water treatment and agrochemical applications. The average molecular weight of commercially available chitosan ranges between 100 kDa to 1,000 kDa, with deacetylation degrees exceeding 75% in over 71% of the total global supply.

Japan, China, and South Korea collectively house more than 130 processing facilities. With over 1,000 patents filed in the chitosan sector by 2024, innovation and application development remain robust, propelling the chitosan market to new industrial and biomedical frontiers.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increased demand for biocompatible materials in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific dominates with over 24,300 metric tons of chitosan processed in 2024.

Top Segment: Industrial-grade chitosan accounted for more than 48% of the global volume in 2024.

Chitosan Market Trends

The chitosan market is influenced by multiple industrial and biomedical shifts. As of 2024, over 61% of all chitosan produced globally is used in water and wastewater treatment due to its chelating properties and biodegradability. Municipal and industrial plants worldwide treated over 740 billion liters of water using chitosan-based flocculants.

In the healthcare sector, chitosan is now incorporated into over 2,100 wound care products globally. These include hemostatic dressings, bandages, and tissue scaffolds. More than 14 medical device manufacturers introduced new chitosan-based wound care items in 2023–2024. Pharmaceutical applications in controlled drug delivery and encapsulation have also expanded, with over 95 new research studies published in 2024 alone validating its effectiveness.

Chitosan’s role in agriculture has grown due to its antimicrobial and growth-promoting properties. Over 21 million hectares of farmland globally were treated with chitosan-based biofertilizers or biopesticides in 2024. In cosmetics, more than 1,200 new products launched in 2024 incorporated chitosan as a skin-conditioning agent or hair fixative. Chitosan nanoparticles are also increasingly used in anti-aging creams and facial masks, with global usage exceeding 380 metric tons in personal care products.

Environmental sustainability is another key trend. Over 17 processing units globally shifted to eco-friendly, enzymatic deacetylation methods for chitosan extraction in 2024, reducing chemical waste by 38% compared to traditional alkali treatments. Additionally, demand for fungal-sourced chitosan—an alternative for users with shellfish allergies—has grown, reaching a volume of 2,200 metric tons in 2024.

Chitosan Market Dynamics

Drivers

 Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

The chitosan market is strongly driven by the pharmaceutical industry’s need for biocompatible, non-toxic, and biodegradable polymers. In 2024, over 9,400 metric tons of pharmaceutical-grade chitosan were used in controlled drug release systems, transdermal patches, and antimicrobial wound dressings. Chitosan’s mucoadhesive and absorption-enhancing properties make it suitable for intranasal, oral, and ocular drug delivery. More than 83 pharmaceutical companies globally utilized chitosan in at least one product in 2024. Additionally, 37 clinical trials involving chitosan-based formulations were active as of December 2024, further validating the compound’s medical potential.

Restraints

 Fluctuations in raw material availability.

The availability of raw materials such as shrimp and crab shells is heavily dependent on marine harvest cycles, which are influenced by seasonal changes, pollution, and overfishing. In 2024, the global crustacean shell waste volume dropped by 6.2%, reducing raw material supply to under 1.4 million metric tons. This constraint impacted over 48 chitosan producers, causing operational delays and price fluctuations. Southeast Asia, which supplies over 42% of crustacean shells used in chitosan manufacturing, faced a 12% reduction in shellfish output due to climate-related disruptions. This bottleneck challenges scalability for both new entrants and existing manufacturers.

Opportunities

 Growth in biodegradable packaging materials.

The shift toward eco-friendly packaging solutions has opened significant opportunities for chitosan. In 2024, over 2,600 metric tons of chitosan were used in bioplastics and food packaging films. These materials offer antimicrobial and oxygen-barrier properties, making them suitable for fresh produce and perishable goods. Over 19 global packaging companies have integrated chitosan into pilot projects or commercial lines. Chitosan-based films have demonstrated up to 72% increased shelf-life for fruits and vegetables. The EU introduced five new regulatory endorsements for natural polymer-based packaging in 2024, driving adoption further. Biodegradable films utilizing chitosan are projected to surpass conventional polyethylene wraps in market share for organic produce packaging by 2027.

Challenges

 High processing costs and lack of standardization.

Chitosan production involves energy-intensive deacetylation and purification processes. The average cost of processing 1 kg of chitosan remains between $22 and $36 depending on the molecular weight and purity levels. In 2024, nearly 62% of companies cited processing cost as a key barrier to scaling. Additionally, lack of international standards for chitosan purity, solubility, and molecular weight complicates product registration across pharmaceutical and food sectors. Only 8 countries have clearly defined regulatory frameworks for pharmaceutical-grade chitosan. Variability in quality between suppliers leads to inconsistencies in application performance, especially in drug delivery and cosmetics.

Chitosan Market Segmentation 

By Type

• Pharmaceutical-grade chitosan: Pharmaceutical-grade chitosan accounted for 9,400 metric tons in 2024. Used in advanced drug delivery systems and wound dressings, its purity exceeds 95%, and it often requires molecular weight ranges between 100 kDa to 500 kDa. Japan and Germany lead in producing pharmaceutical-grade chitosan, with over 41 companies specializing in this segment.
• Food-grade chitosan: Food-grade chitosan usage totaled approximately 10,200 metric tons in 2024. It is widely used as a preservative, fat replacer, and dietary supplement additive. South Korea and the U.S. accounted for over 4,500 metric tons of food-grade chitosan. Most products in this segment require low viscosity and high solubility, typically at a pH below 6.5.
• Industrial-grade chitosan: Industrial-grade chitosan dominated with 18,500 metric tons in 2024. Its primary uses include wastewater treatment, agrochemicals, and biodegradable materials. Asia-Pacific produced more than 70% of this grade. It features a lower deacetylation level and broader molecular weight distribution compared to pharmaceutical grades.

By Application

• Water and waste treatment: In water and waste treatment, over 23,000 metric tons of chitosan were used globally in 2024. It serves as an effective flocculant, removing heavy metals, oils, and particulates. China alone utilized 8,200 metric tons for wastewater purification.
• Food and beverage: The food and beverage industry consumed 6,300 metric tons of chitosan, mainly for preservation and fat reduction. More than 1,000 food companies added chitosan in baking, meat processing, and beverage clarification products.
• Healthcare and medical: Healthcare and medical applications used 9,700 metric tons in 2024, particularly in wound healing, dental care, and surgical dressings. North America and Europe led with a combined 6,100 metric tons.
• Agriculture and agrochemical: Agriculture and agrochemical applications accounted for 5,400 metric tons. Used in biofertilizers and seed coatings, chitosan-treated crops demonstrated 13% higher yield on average across 17 agricultural trials conducted in 2023–2024.
• Cosmetics and toiletries: In cosmetics and toiletries, 3,100 metric tons were used. Chitosan derivatives were incorporated in shampoos, creams, and gels. South Korea and France led consumption with 1,900 metric tons combined.
• Others: The remaining 1,100 metric tons fell under others, including textile treatment and bioplastics.

Chitosan Market Regional Outlook

• North America

 maintained steady consumption with over 9,300 metric tons in 2024. The U.S. led the region with 7,800 metric tons, largely used in biomedical and water treatment applications. Over 60 biotech firms in the U.S. have integrated chitosan in their drug delivery pipelines. Canada imported over 1,100 metric tons, focusing on agrochemical applications and cosmetic formulations.

• Europe

 utilized approximately 10,500 metric tons of chitosan in 2024. Germany, France, and the U.K. were top consumers, with Germany alone using 3,900 metric tons. Regulatory compliance with EFSA and REACH standards led to increased pharmaceutical usage, accounting for over 5,200 metric tons across the region. Europe also houses 37 active chitosan R&D projects as of late 2024.

• Asia-Pacific

 was the largest region, with over 24,300 metric tons produced and consumed in 2024. China alone processed 12,800 metric tons, followed by Japan with 4,600 metric tons. The region also exported more than 7,000 metric tons globally. Industrial-grade applications dominated due to heavy demand in water treatment and agriculture. Over 74 processing units were active in China, India, and Vietnam.

• Middle East & Africa

The region saw increasing uptake, totaling 3,400 metric tons in 2024. UAE and South Africa together accounted for 2,100 metric tons. Chitosan was mainly used in water purification and agricultural inputs. New startups in Egypt and Morocco began small-scale production using locally sourced crustacean waste, contributing 320 metric tons to regional capacity.

List of Top Chitosan Companies

• Primex
• Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry
• Norwegian Chitosan AS
• Ningbo Zhenhai Haixin
• KitoZyme
• BIO21
• Vietnam Food
• NovaMatrix
• Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical
• YSK
• Weikang Group
• Jiangsu Aoxin Biotechnology
• KIMICA Corporation
• Jiangsu Shuanglin
• Mirae biotech
• Jinan Haidebei Marine
• Meron Group
• Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

Primex: Primex led the chitosan market with over 5,800 metric tons sold in 2024, including 2,900 metric tons of pharmaceutical-grade material. The company operates the largest crustacean shell processing facility in Europe.

Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry: Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry followed with 5,100 metric tons, including 3,400 metric tons of industrial-grade chitosan. Their products are distributed across 46 countries and dominate the Asia-Pacific region.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the chitosan market have intensified over the last two years. In 2024 alone, over $210 million in funding was allocated globally to scale chitosan production, optimize processing, and develop new applications. In Asia-Pacific, 11 new chitosan manufacturing plants became operational, adding more than 5,600 metric tons of annual capacity.

Private equity and venture capital firms invested heavily in startups working on medical and biodegradable applications. Over 29 early-stage companies raised funding to develop chitosan-based tissue scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and biofilms. In North America, 5 public universities initiated chitosan research incubators with $38 million in joint government and private funding.

Large corporations initiated partnerships with academic institutions to refine extraction techniques. Enzymatic deacetylation R&D projects received over $14 million in funding from Japanese and Korean firms. These initiatives helped reduce chemical consumption by 37% and processing time by up to 28% on pilot scales.

Packaging companies exploring chitosan-based films also attracted major investments. One joint venture between a European packaging conglomerate and a Norwegian chitosan processor plans to launch biofilm production at 900 metric tons per year starting in 2025.

New Product Development

The chitosan industry experienced a surge in innovation during 2023–2024. Over 470 new chitosan-based products were introduced globally, with applications across pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics.

In 2024, over 90 new drug delivery systems used chitosan nanoparticles to improve solubility and bioavailability. Japanese and German manufacturers accounted for 63% of these new launches. One notable development was a chitosan-based nasal spray for vaccine delivery, which underwent successful Phase I trials in Canada.

In agriculture, over 110 new formulations of chitosan-based pesticides and seed treatments were commercialized. Trials in Brazil and India showed pest resistance improvements of up to 41% and crop yield gains of 13%. France introduced chitosan-encapsulated fertilizers that delivered nutrients more efficiently with reduced leaching.

The cosmetics sector saw 180 new chitosan-inclusive products, such as anti-aging creams, sunscreens, and conditioners. Over 70% of these products used chitosan derivatives like oligosaccharides or hydrogels for improved skin penetration and film-forming properties.

In packaging, at least 19 new multilayer biofilms using chitosan were launched. These films extended shelf life for perishables by up to 72% and were compostable within 45 days. This strong innovation pipeline positions chitosan as a key biomaterial across multiple high-value sectors.

Five Recent Developments 

• Primex launched a pharmaceutical-grade chitosan with enhanced solubility for ocular drug delivery, tested in over 4,000 patient trials globally.
• Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry expanded its industrial-grade chitosan line by 2,300 metric tons with a new plant in Jiangsu province.
• Vietnam Food developed an enzymatic deacetylation process that reduced processing costs by 18% and increased yield by 9%.
• KitoZyme introduced chitosan-based prebiotic supplements in Europe, selling over 270,000 units in the first three quarters of 2024.
• NovaMatrix patented a water-soluble chitosan formulation tailored for low-pH beverages, enabling usage in over 120 new beverage SKUs.

Report Coverage of the Chitosan Market

This report covers comprehensive analysis across the global chitosan market, including volume trends, grade-specific demand, application-level insights, and regional performance. It evaluates the production, processing, and utilization of over 38,000 metric tons of chitosan across more than 75 countries in 2024.

The report categorizes the market into pharmaceutical, food, and industrial grades, providing detailed metrics on purity levels, molecular weight distributions, and end-use applications. Each segment is analyzed based on real-world usage patterns and quantitative benchmarks.

Application analysis spans six major end-use categories, capturing unit consumption across water treatment, healthcare, agriculture, cosmetics, and emerging technologies. Regional data is included for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, with volume comparisons, major suppliers, and trade dynamics.

Investment analysis delves into funding activities, capacity expansion projects, and cross-border collaborations. New product development includes innovation timelines, technical specifications, and application performance. Competitive profiling includes 18 key players, highlighting the top two in terms of volume share and global footprint.

This report serves as a critical tool for industry professionals, manufacturers, and stakeholders aiming to understand the complex dynamics and growth trajectories within the global chitosan market.

 

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