1 Global Chitin Market Size (Value) and CAGR (2024-2033)
The global chitin market is projected to exhibit substantial growth in the coming years, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.99% from 2024 to 2033, reaching a total value of $1207.51 million in 2024, as forecasted.
Chitin, a polysaccharide extracted from marine crustaceans, is chemically formulated as (C8H13O5N)n and is the second most abundant natural biopolymer after cellulose. It is widely present in the shells of shrimps, crabs, and insects, and in the cell walls of fungi and other microorganisms.
The market’s expansion can be attributed to the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials in various industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing.
Figure Global Chitin Market Size (M USD) and CAGR 2024-2033
2 Chitin Market Drivers and Challenges
The chitin market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a variety of factors. One of the primary drivers is the product’s advantages and expanded applications. Chitin, being a sustainable and biodegradable resource, is gaining traction in various industries due to its eco-friendly nature. It is used in water treatment, cosmetics, food and beverages, healthcare, and agrochemicals, among others. The growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials have boosted the demand for chitin.
Another driver is the development of downstream markets. The increasing number of arthritis patients and the growing obese population around the world have become the driving forces for the continuous expansion of the market. Additionally, the food and beverage industry’s demand for safe, healthy, and functional products is driving the demand for chitin as a natural ingredient.
However, the chitin market also faces challenges. The industry has seasonal and geographical characteristics that lead to differences in the distribution of enterprises. The supply of raw materials, primarily shrimp and crab shells, is related to fishing and aquaculture industries and is subject to seasonal variations. This seasonality in raw material supply can impact the production and pricing of chitin.
Furthermore, the increasing costs of environmental protection are a significant challenge. The production process of chitin generates waste that requires proper treatment, and with rising environmental standards, the costs of waste management and compliance are increasing.
3 Emerging Market Trends and Consumer Preference Analysis in the Chitin Market
Emerging market trends in the chitin industry indicate a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly applications. Nano chitin, for instance, is gaining attention due to its high mechanical strength, large aspect ratio, low density, and large surface area, making it suitable for various applications in polymer composite materials, cosmetics, food additives, and drug delivery.
Consumer preference analysis reveals that functional preference is a key factor influencing the market. Consumers are increasingly seeking products with specific functional benefits, such as the health benefits offered by chitin in food and beverages or its moisturizing and whitening effects in cosmetics.
There is also a growing price preference among consumers, particularly in industries where the quality requirements for chitin products are lower, and there are more substitutes available. In these cases, consumers are more price sensitive and tend to choose products with high cost performance.
4 Global Chitin Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
The global chitin market is categorized into three primary types: Chitin, Glucosamine, and Chitosan & Chitosan Derivatives. Each type serves distinct applications and possesses unique properties that influence their market presence.
Chitin: Chitin, a polysaccharide composed of β-poly-N-acetylglucosamine, is found widely in nature, particularly in the exoskeletons of arthropods such as shrimps, crabs, and insects. It is also present in the cell walls of fungi and some algae. The global market size for chitin is projected to reach $64.98 million in 2024. This type of chitin is valued for its structural properties and is used in various industrial applications, including the production of chitosan derivatives.
Glucosamine: Glucosamine, derived from chitin, includes forms such as glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate potassium salt, glucosamine sulfate sodium salt, and N-acetylglucosamine. It is extensively used in healthcare for joint health and as a dietary supplement. The market size for glucosamine is expected to be $334.11 million in 2024, reflecting its significant role in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
Chitosan & Chitosan Derivatives: Chitosan, a primary derivative of chitin, is known for its cationic high molecular alkaline polysaccharide polymer structure. It is insoluble in water, soluble in dilute acid, and can be absorbed by the human body. Chitosan types include chitosan itself, carboxymethyl chitosan, hyaluronic acid chitosan, and others. The global market size for chitosan and its derivatives is forecasted to be $808.41 million in 2024, making it the largest segment of the chitin market. Chitosan’s unique physical and chemical properties, such as its ability to form films and its adsorption capabilities, make it highly sought after in applications ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals.
Table Global Chitin Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
Chitin | 64.98 | 5.38% |
Glucosamine | 334.11 | 27.67% |
Chitosan & Chitosan Derivatives | 808.41 | 66.95% |
5 Global Chitin Market Size and Share by Application in 2024
The global Chitin market, when segmented by application, reveals a diverse range of uses driving its growth. In 2024, the market sizes for the various applications are anticipated to be as follows:
Healthcare/Medical: With the largest market share, the healthcare/medical application is projected to reach $762.67 million in 2024. Chitin and its derivatives are used in wound dressings, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and healing properties.
Food & Beverages: The food and beverages application is expected to reach $164.34 million in 2024. Chitin’s role in this sector includes clarifying agents in beverages and as a functional ingredient in health supplements and nutraceuticals.
Agrochemicals: Forecasted to reach $94.23 million in 2024, chitin is utilized in agriculture as a biopesticide and soil conditioner, promoting plant growth and health.
Cosmetics & Toiletries: This application is projected to reach $68.61 million in 2024. Chitin and chitosan are valued for their moisturizing, antimicrobial, and film-forming properties in personal care products.
Water Treatment: The market size for water treatment is expected to be $40.07 million in 2024. Chitin’s adsorptive properties make it effective in removing heavy metals and organic pollutants from wastewater.
Table Global Chitin Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
Water Treatment | 40.07 | 3.32% |
Cosmetics & Toiletries | 68.61 | 5.68% |
Food & Beverages | 164.34 | 13.61% |
Healthcare/Medical | 762.67 | 63.16% |
Agrochemicals | 94.23 | 7.80% |
Others | 77.58 | 6.42% |
6 Global Chitin Market Size by Region in 2024
The global chitin market, when examined by region, showcases varying levels of market penetration and growth potential. In 2024, the market sizes for different regions are anticipated to be:
China: China is expected to reach $232.67 million in 2024. China’s significant role in the chitin industry is attributed to its vast marine resources and growing demand for chitin in various applications, particularly in agriculture and healthcare.
United States: With the largest market size, the U.S. market is projected to reach $365.77 million in 2024. The country’s strong focus on research and development in biopolymers and the presence of key industry players contribute to its market size.
Europe: Europe’s market size is expected to be $324.01 million in 2024. The region’s strict environmental regulations and focus on sustainability drive the demand for eco-friendly materials like chitin.
Japan: Japan’s market is forecasted to reach $69.34 million in 2024. The country’s advanced pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries are significant consumers of chitin.
Southeast Asia: This region is expected to reach $33.59 million in 2024. The growing industrialization and demand for sustainable materials in countries like Indonesia and Thailand are contributing to the market growth.
Figure Global Chitin Market Size by Region in 2024
7 Major Players in Global Chitin Market
7.1 Hua Shan Technology
Company Profile: Hua Shan Technology, established in 2001 and headquartered in China, is a comprehensive enterprise integrating crayfish breeding, processing, and export. It stands as the enterprise with the most complete crayfish industry chain in the country.
Business Overview: Hua Shan Company’s main products include crayfish, freshwater fish products, chitin, glucosamine hydrochloride, chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharide, and its derivative products. The company owns a crayfish breeding base with a vertically integrated industrial chain, giving it a raw material advantage.
Product Profiles: High Density Chitosan and Glucosamine are among Hua Shan Technology’s key offerings.
Financial Performance (2024): In 2024, Hua Shan Technology achieved a revenue of $125.02 million with a gross margin of 33.04%.
7.2 Wellable Marine Biotech
Company Profile: Wellable Marine Biotech Holding Limited, established in 1995 and located in Shishi city, Fujian province, China, is one of the largest suppliers of key ingredients of glucosamine and its health products globally.
Business Overview: The company operates with a site area of about 30,000 sq. meters, equipped with first-class ICHQ7 GMP Production lines and R&D laboratories, supported by a quality team of more than 300 staff.
Product Profiles: Wellable Marine Biotech offers Chitin (Food Grade Powder) and Chitosan SHD (Food Grade Powder), which are natural high-molecular polysaccharides extracted from sea shrimp and crab shells.
Financial Performance (2024): With a revenue of $74.20 million and a gross margin of 31.89% in 2024.
7.3 Zhejiang Fengrun Biochemical
Company Profile: Founded in 1996, Zhejiang Fengrun Biochemical is located in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. It specializes in the research and development, production, sales, and service of marine biological products.
Business Overview: The company’s main products include glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate potassium salt, glucosamine sulfate sodium salt, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and other series of more than ten products.
Product Profiles: D-GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE 2KCL is one of the key products from Zhejiang Fengrun Biochemical, used as a medical material, food additive, and in pharmaceutical healthcare products.
Financial Performance (2024): Zhejiang Fengrun Biochemical recorded a revenue of $35.93 million and a gross margin of 30.66% in 2024.
