The global chelating agent market is expected to witness substantial growth from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing demand in water treatment, industrial cleaning, pulp & paper processing, and agricultural applications. The market is projected to expand from USD 8,224.0 million in 2025 to approximately USD 14,452.3 million by 2035, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period.
With the rapid industrialization, the usage of heavy metals in the manufacturing of several products has increased, further driving the bespoken demand for chelating agent specially to remove heavy metals from water. Moreover, the increasing usage of biodegradable chelating agents in detergent and personal care industries is propelling the market growth. Soaring trend towards greener and sustainable solutions, particularly in North America and Europe, has further driven the demand for chelating agents complying with strict environmental regulations.
Chelating agents that bind metal ions help to delay metal precipitation in some industrial cleaning applications. Shifting Focus Towards Production of Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA), Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA) and Biodegradable Alternatives such as MGDA (Methylglycinediacetic acid) and GLDA (Glutamic acid diacetic acid) is anticipated to bolster the market growth.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 8,224.0 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 14,452.3 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.8% |
Rising usage of chelating agents in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage processing, and personal care products is projected to drive the market demand further. Chelating agents are used in fertilizers to improve the absorption of micronutrients by plants and enhance crop yield. The personal care segment is also experiencing increasing usage for chelating agents used in shampoos, soaps, and skincare formulations to prevent metal ions from interfering with skin care formulations to promote better showering results and shelf stability.
Furthermore, increasing necessity for effective industrial cleaners in textile, automotive and oil & gas industries has augmented the demand for chelating agents which can significantly eliminate metal residues and scale deposits and thus further drives the growth of the market.
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Demand for chelating agents in North America is a reflection of adherence to stringent environmental regulations as well as sustainable and biodegradable alternatives. Emerging at this point was the USA EPA’s Clean Water Act that drastically reduced the amount of discharges into the environment and, as a result, chelating agents were found in practically all municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
Moreover, with the rising demand for biodegradable detergents in the USA, phosphates are replaced with chelating agents like MGDA and GLDA. The increasing use of chelated micronutrients in fertilizers is supporting soil fertility and increasing agricultural output, a major trend in this domain. Due to the strong chemical and cleaning product industries, the United States holds a large share of the regional market.
Rising environmental sustainability initiatives and strict regulations on chemicals use are driving the steady growth of chelating agents market in Europe. The EU’s REACH regulations have restricted the use of EDTA and NTA owing to concerns over persistence in the environment, encouraging manufacturers to develop eco-friendlier alternatives.
Growth Potential of Biodegradable Chelating Agents in Non-Personal Care Applications France, Germany, and the Netherlands have been at the forefront for the expansion of biodegradable chelating agents, especially in the field of personal care and household cleaning agents. Scandinavia's pulp & paper industry, for instance, is also a prominent consumer, where chelating agents are used for pulp bleaching processes. In addition, rising application of chelating agents in food preservation and metal contamination prevention in the European food industry is further expected to impact the market growth in a positive light.
The market for chelating agents around the world will continue to be led by Asia Pacific, during the projected period, owing to the increase in industrialization, rise in population, and demand for waste water treatment in emerging countries. Currently, China and India rank at the top in terms of production and consumption of chelating agents globally, with China leading the way. Market growth in these countries is being propelled by the expansion of the textile, pulp & paper, and agriculture industries.
Government initiates schemes in India to raise crop productivity using improved fertilizers, are increasing demand for chelated micronutrients. Also, the rising utilization of chelating agents in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations in Japan and South Korea is expected to fuel the overall market growth. The growing detergent and cleaning products industry in the region along with rising environmental awareness will boost the demand for biodegradable chelating agents.
Stringent Environmental Regulations on Conventional Chelating Agents
The tightening regulation on non-biodegradable chelating agents including EDTA and NTA is one of the significant hurdles faced by the industry. In 2023, associated with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), EDTA was classified as a “persistent pollutant,” and industries well-health organizations were urged to phase it out.
Some chelating agents have also been nominated as priority chemicals by the USA EPA for monitoring because they can accumulate in water bodies. Such restrictions are forcing manufacturers to focus on R&D for biodegradable substitutes, which leads to increase in production costs and market inaccessibility.
Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices
Chelating agents are made from ethylene amines, acrylic acid and other petrochemical-derived feedstocks, which subject them to price volatility of crude oil. Production costs were further affected by the high volatility of global oil prices, which rose by 30% in 2022 due to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical conflicts.
And especially the sustainable bio-based raw materials for bio-based chelating agents are not widely available yet for bio-based chelating agents. Additionally, the increasing prices of natural chelating agents such as citric acid and amino acids present an additional barrier to widespread adoption in price-sensitive markets in regions such as Asia and Latin America.
Growth in Biodegradable Chelating Agents
For instance, MGDA and GLDA are biodegradable alternatives with similar metal-binding efficiency to EDTA offered by companies such as BASF and Nouryon. This is the 17th edition of the study and the analysis period is from 2013 to 2023 and in order to do that, Environmental regulations promoting sustainable chemicals will drive the Biodegradable Chelating Agents market, which is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR of 6.5% over the next decade.
Such alternatives are now being developed by companies such as Unilever and Procter & Gamble(P&G) into formulations for cleaning and personal care products, indicating a significant change within the industry.
Rising Demand from the Agriculture Sector
The global market of chelated micronutrient fertilizer is projected to reach over USD 1.5 billion by 2030, driven by increasing soil degradation as well as growing deficiencies of micronutrients in crops. So to overcome the deficiency of micronutrient affecting plants from above we add chelating agents like EDTA, DTPA (Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid), EDDHA (Ethylenediamine dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid).
As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 30%-50% of the arable land worldwide is less effective in producing micronutrients such as zinc and iron, and, therefore, is also in need of chelates fertilizers to enhance crop production. The market of the global chelating agents will be significantly driven by the use of chelating agents in the agriculture sector due to rising food demand worldwide.
The growth of chelating agent-market is primarily attributed to the increasing availability of raw materials, application in a wide variety of industries, including wastewater treatment, agriculture, personal care, and others, and a moderate market growth rate.
The gloves are coming off as traditional chelating agents face increasing regulatory pressure, so the engineering industry seeks biodegradable and sustainable alternatives in light of new growth opportunities; The Asia-Pacific region is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing market, while Europe and North America will lead in sustainable innovations and regulatory compliance.
Chelating agents have been able to maintain decent growth from 2020 to 2024 owing to their robust demand across industries such as water treatment, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and cleaning chemicals. The use of chelating agents to remove metal ions from soil in order to mitigate the effects of heavy metal contamination on the ecosystem has wilfully increased due to increasing awareness of heavy metals and their detrimental manifestations.
Additionally, the needs for biodegradable and eco-friendly chelating agents are on the rise in accordance with ever-stringent regulatory policies that aim to reduce the environmental consequences associated with synthetic artificial products. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand, especially for these medical formulations, as well as disinfectants and water purification applications.
Based on the market analysis, the bio-based segment is anticipated to grow at a steady CAGR during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035 as major companies prefer bio-based and sustainable chelating agents. Heightened regulatory scrutiny to eliminate non-biodegradable variants will promote R&D in eco-friendly substitutes.
New market opportunities will emerge as well with the integration of chelating agents in developing applications such as lithium-ion battery recycling, advanced polymer stabilization, and food fortification. The above will improve life sciences productivity through AI-enabled syntheses and process optimizations that drive down cost and environmental impact. As active in reuse and recycle models, chelating agents will be critical compounds in recovering materials sustainably and optimizing resources as emphasis on a circular economy grows.
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Increased environmental regulations regarding synthetic chelating agents, rising concerns about non-biodegradable versions. |
| Technological Advancements | EDTA and DTPA-based chelating agents are better formulated, more biodegradable alternatives are becoming available. |
| Industry-Specific Demand | High usage in water treatment, agriculture, industrial cleaning, and pharmaceuticals. |
| Sustainability & Circular Economy | Initial focus on reducing chemical waste and improving degradation rates. |
| Production & Supply Chain | Supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19, fluctuating raw material costs. |
| Market Growth Drivers | The need for improved water treatment is soaring, as is demand for higher agricultural productivity, and those factors create a regulatory impetus for safer chemicals. |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Eliminating persistent chelators, global uptake of biodegradable and bio-based substitutes |
| Technological Advancements | AI-driven chemical synthesis, bioengineered chelators, and molecularly tailored chelation solutions. |
| Industry-Specific Demand | Growth in battery recycling, polymer stabilization, food and beverage processing, and eco-friendly detergents. |
| Sustainability & Circular Economy | Full-scale transition to bio-based chelators, circular economy-driven material recovery applications. |
| Production & Supply Chain | AI-optimized production processes, localized manufacturing, and enhanced supply chain resilience. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Growth of green chemistry programs, need for sustainable resource management, development of industrial waste treatment. |
The USA chelating agents market is experiencing positive growth owing to increasing usage in water treatment, pharmaceuticals and agricultural industries. Strict government environment-related regulations promoting the usage of the biodegradable chelating agents is anticipated to further propel the market. In addition, the rising usage of ecological cleaning in industries and detergents is promoting the growth of eco-friendly chelating agents.
Market Growth Factors
Market Forecast
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 5.8% |
The Scope for Chelating Agents is significantly increasing in the United Kingdom which is made up of a vibrant market for chelating agents due to their widespread availability as replacements for traditional chemicals that are increasingly being associated with numerous environmental concerns. While growth is being led by growth in end-use applications in personal care and cosmetics, as well as advancements in water treatment. Interest in green chelating agents R&D is growing in the market.
Market Growth Factors
Market Forecast
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 5.6% |
Regulatory regulations favouring sustainable and non-toxic options drive the European Union chelating agent market. The growth of the market is driven by factors such as rising demand for biodegradable chelating agents in household cleaning, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the switch forward green chemistry initiatives are reshaping innovation in the industry.
Market Growth Factors
Market Forecast
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union | 6.0% |
The growth of Japan's chelating agent sector is aided by an increase in industrial applications and advanced material processing. Market growth is boosted by the country’s emphasis on environmental sustainability and precision chemical formulations. Furthermore, technological advancements in biocompatible chelating agents will undoubtedly have an impact on the future of the industry.
Market Growth Factors
Market Forecast
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 5.9% |
The South Korean chelating agent market is driven by the growing demand for chelating agents in water treatment, cosmetics, and agriculture. The swift industrialization across the country and strong inclination toward sustainable chemical-based solutions in various sectors are anticipated to contribute to the growth of the market. Demand is also being boosted by government policies in support of green chemistry initiatives.
Market Growth Factors
Market Forecast
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 6.2% |
Growing environmental awareness and strict regulatory mandates restricting the application of non-biodegradable chemicals have led to increased demand for bio-degradable chelating agents. Usually, these agents are used as alone or combined with other agents, including (but are not limited to) ethylenediamine-N, N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS), and methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) which are frequently used in all applications where sustainability is paramount [3-4].
These agents are valued for their high metal binding ability and are therefore essential to industries such as paper & pulp, oil & gas, and chemical processing. It prevents the formation of scale and corrosion on industrial equipment, thus prolonging the equipment life and reducing maintenance costs. They raise environmental issues, but because they are cost-effective and well performing, are still being used on large scale.
Efforts are underway to make such polymers more biodegradable without enhancing them. Asia-Pacific region will observe the maximum demand for non-biodegradable chelating agent, where implementation of large-scale industries and the need of economical cost water chemical treatment is anticipated to drive the market especially in China and India.
Non-biodegradable chelating agents, such as EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and DTPA (Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid), maintain a significant presence in industrial applications where efficiency and stability are paramount. These agents are especially appreciated for their strong metal-binding capabilities, and are hence indispensable in sectors like paper & pulp, oil & gas, and chemical processing. By doing so, it helps in preventing the formation of scale and corrosion on industrial equipment, which can increase the life of the equipment and lower maintenance costs.
Although they raise environmental issues, these chelators are still widely used since they are well performing and cost-effective. Research is being conducted to make such polymers more biodegradable without sacrificing their efficiency. The largest demand for non-biodegradable chelating agent will be witnessed across the Asia-Pacific region, with China and India likely to drive the market with large-scale industrial functioning and requirement for cost-effective cost water chemical treatment.
The water treatment application segment is the most significant application segment for chelating agents, owing to the growing concerns regarding water pollution, industrial wastewater treatment and municipal water safety. Chelating agent helps remove heavy metals, scaling deposits, and other impurities that can deteriorate water quality. These agents are used in municipal as well as industrial facilities to aid purification processes, enabling them to meet environmental standards.
The increasing demand for bio-degradable chelating agents in water treatment is getting momentum due to the world wide governments making stringent rules regarding the disposal of wastewater and drinking water quality. This segment is dominated by North America and Europe, having better water treatment infrastructures and environmental policies. Conversely, countries in the Asia-Pacific region emerging economies are stepping up investments in water treatment projects due to increasing urbanization and industrialization.
The decontamination process accounts for the largest application segment of chelating agents, as the growing concerns about water pollution, industrial wastewater treatment, and potable water supply drive demand. It helps to remove heavy metals, scaling deposits and other foulants that affect water quality as well. It also removes heavy metals, scaling deposits and other foulants that cause problems with water quality. This usually involves the use of chemical agents to facilitate and speed up the purification processes required for environmental compliance by both municipal and industrial plants.
As such, with the governments around the world getting stricter on regulations related to wastewater disposal as well as drinking water quality, the demand for bio-degradable chelating agent machines in water treatment market are also on the rise. This includes the developed regions of North America and Europe, which have established water treatment infrastructures and strong environmental regulations. Conversely, high investments in water treatment projects in developing economies of Asia-Pacific region owing to growing urbanization and industrialization.
Some of the key applications of chelating agents include fertilizers in the agriculture sector where they are added to improve the bioavailability of key nutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese. These agents allow the plants to make best possible use of micronutrients in the soil which in turn increase crop yield and better plant health. A major factor driving the growth of micronutrient fertilizers market is the rising adoption of micronutrient-enriched fertilizers, especially in regions with nutrient-deficient soils.
Farmers in North America and Europe have widely adopted chelated fertilizers to maximize productivity, while use in Asia-Pacific and Latin America is growing rapidly as region modernization efforts gain ground. Moreover, sustainable farming initiatives and organic agriculture trends are fuelling the applications of bio-degradable chelating agents in fertilizers, minimizing the environmental ramifications of traditional chemical fertilizers.
Competitive Landscape Overview
The global market for Chelating Agents is driven by a growing demand for applications in water treatment, industrial cleaning, personal care and agricultural applications. To meet regulatory requirements and sustainability goals, key players are competing with each other in terms of high performance, biodegradable, and environmentally benign chelating agents.
There is an increase in market growth due to technology, environmental regulation, and high-efficiency chelating agent demand. Manufacturers are taking advantage of these developments with efficient production practices, bio-based formulations, and tailored solutions to supply various Industrial requirements.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| BASF SE | 18-22% |
| Dow Inc. | 15-19% |
| Kemira | 12-16% |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | 10-14% |
| Nippon Shokubai | 8-12% |
| Others | 31-37% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| BASF SE | Develops high-performance biodegradable chelating agents for industrial applications. |
| Dow Inc. | Focuses on inlet solutions with sustainable and high- efficiency chelating options across many sectors. |
| Kemira | Provides chelating agents for advanced water treatment for environmental sustainability. |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | Concentrates on specialized chelating agents for high throughput industrial processes. |
| Nippon Shokubai | Specializes in sustainable chelating solutions tailored to different markets. |
Key Company Insights
BASF SE
BASF SE is a leading manufacturer of biodegradable and high-efficiency chelating agents, catering to industries such as water treatment, personal care, and agriculture. The company invests in R&D for sustainable and regulatory-compliant solutions, ensuring enhanced performance and minimal environmental impact.
Dow Inc.
Dow Inc. is a manufacturer of specialty and multi-functional chelating agents, targeting water purification applications, industrial cleaning, and food processing. The company's advanced chelation formulation techniques enable them to have greater efficiency and a smaller environmental footprint.
Kemira
The company is a global leader in water treatment and industrial process chemicals, providing a range of chelating agents for metal ion stabilization. Its focus on sustainability and circular economy principles enhances its competence in an industry characterised by competition.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation manufactures and sells high-performance specialty chelating agents to diverse industries, including high-tech industries, industrial processing, and wastewater treatment. Biodegradable Chelating Agents and Greenway Chelate. The company is developing new innovative, cost-efficient and biodegradable chelating solutions.
Nippon Shokubai
Nippon Shokubai established a strong brand identity with its tailor-made, eco-friendly chelating agents, which are used in agriculture, water treatment, and industrial cleaning, among other applications. Interstellar focuses on enhancing chelation stability and performance.
Nouryon
Nouryon provides high-purity chelating agents for personal care, food and pharmaceutical application. To maintain its competitive advantage, the company focuses on regulatory compliance and performance optimization.
Several mid-sized and emerging companies contribute to the Chelating Agent Market, offering specialized and cost-efficient solutions. Notable players include:
The market is estimated to reach a value of USD 8,224.0 million by the end of 2025.
The market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% over the assessment period.
The market is expected to clock revenue of USD 14,452.3 million by end of 2035.
Key companies in the Chelating Agent market include BASF SE, Dow Inc., Kemira, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Nippon Shokubai.
On the basis on application, water treatment to command significant share over the forecast period.
The Chelating Agent Market can be segmented based on:
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Chelating Agent Market
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