Global Chelating Agents Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In 2019, BASF launched Trilon M Max EcoBalanced, a renewables-based Trilon M grade. This product launch has helped the company to satisfy the demand from home care and I&l cleaning industries with sustainable and high-quality ingredients.

• In 2020, Nouryon and INEOS Nitriles (London, UK) have invested in building a new facility in Cologne, Germany. The facility will produce raw material for Nouryon's readily biodegradable green chelates. This agreement has helped Nouryon to serve the European market with a sustainable solution that replaces phosphates in many applications.

• In 2019, Ascend Performance Materials completed a multimillion-dollar investment in nitrilotriacetic acid production at its Chocolate Bayou facility in Alvin, Texas. The investment increased the production of the company's biodegradable chelate, FlexaTrac NTA, by 10%. The capacity expansion has helped the company to meet the increasing demand for chelating agents, globally.

In this report, the Chelating Agents Market has been segmented by Type, Form, Application, Distribution Channel, and Geography.

Chelating Agents Market, Segmentation by Type

The Chelating Agents Market has been segmented by Type into Aminopolycarboxylates, Phosphates & Phosphonates and Other Chelating Agents.

Aminopolycarboxylates

Aminopolycarboxylates are the most widely used chelating agents due to their strong ability to bind metal ions in applications like detergents, water treatment, and industrial cleaning. Common variants include EDTA, DTPA, and NTA. This segment dominates the market with a share of approximately 62%.

Phosphates & Phosphonates

Phosphates and phosphonates are used for their excellent scale inhibition and metal ion sequestration properties, especially in boiler water treatment, detergents, and cosmetics. Although environmentally regulated in some regions, they still account for about 28% of the market.

Other Chelating Agents

This category includes emerging and biodegradable chelating agents such as gluconates, MGDA, and EDDS, which are increasingly adopted in eco-friendly formulations across agriculture and personal care. These alternatives hold approximately 10% of the market share.

Chelating Agents Market, Segmentation by Form

The Chelating Agents Market has been segmented by Form into Biodegradable And Non-Biodegradable.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable chelating agents are gaining traction due to growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions in sectors such as agriculture, personal care, and household cleaning. Compounds like GLDA, MGDA, and EDDS are preferred for their low toxicity and biodegradability. This segment currently accounts for approximately 32% of the global market.

Non-Biodegradable

Non-biodegradable chelating agents, such as EDTA and DTPA, continue to dominate the market due to their high efficacy and broad compatibility in applications like industrial cleaning, water treatment, and detergents. Despite environmental concerns, this segment holds about 68% of the market.

Chelating Agents Market, Segmentation by Application

The Chelating Agents Market has been segmented by Application into Pulp & Paper, Water Treatment, Cleaners, Agrochemicals, Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage and Others.

Pulp & Paper

Chelating agents are extensively used in the pulp & paper industry for bleaching and metal ion control during pulp processing. They help improve brightness stability and protect pulp from oxidative damage. This segment leads the market with approximately 30% share.

Water Treatment

In water treatment, chelating agents are vital for removing hardness ions and preventing scale formation. They are commonly used in boiler feedwater systems, cooling towers, and municipal treatment plants. This segment holds around 22% of the market.

Cleaners

Chelating agents enhance the effectiveness of household and industrial cleaners by binding to metal ions and improving detergent performance. They are used in products such as laundry detergents, surface cleaners, and dishwashing liquids. This segment accounts for approximately 18% of global demand.

Agrochemicals

In agrochemicals, chelating agents are used to improve the bioavailability of micronutrients in fertilizers and soil amendments. They help in efficient nutrient delivery to plants, particularly in alkaline soils. This segment contributes about 9% to the market.

Personal Care

Chelating agents are used in personal care products to stabilize formulations by preventing metal ion reactions that cause product discoloration or degradation. Applications include shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics. This segment holds around 7% of the market.

Pharmaceutical

In the pharmaceutical industry, chelating agents are used in metal detoxification therapies and to enhance drug stability and bioavailability. They are essential in formulations involving metal-sensitive compounds. This segment contributes roughly 5% of the market.

Food & Beverage

Chelating agents help maintain flavor, color, and shelf life in food and beverage products by binding trace metals that promote oxidation. Common applications include preservatives and processing aids. This segment represents about 5% of global usage.

Others

The “Others” category includes applications in textiles, oil & gas, and photographic chemicals. These niche uses collectively account for approximately 4% of the market.

Chelating Agents Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The Chelating Agents Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Direct Sales/B2B, Specialty Stores, Warehouses, E-Commerce, And Others.

Direct Sales/B2B

Direct sales or B2B channels dominate the chelating agents market, as bulk quantities are procured by industries like pulp & paper, water treatment, and cleaning chemicals. This model ensures cost efficiency and customized solutions for industrial clients. It accounts for approximately 56% of the global market.

Specialty Stores

Specialty stores cater to niche applications such as personal care, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory-grade chelating agents. They offer high-purity products with expert assistance, contributing about 12% of the market.

Warehouses

Warehouses play a key role in facilitating bulk storage and distribution logistics for both local and international suppliers. This channel supports industrial demand, particularly for non-biodegradable agents, and represents around 15% of the market.

E-Commerce

The rise of e-commerce platforms has enabled easier access to low-volume specialty chelating agents for R&D, DIY cleaners, and educational uses. Convenience and expanding supplier networks help this channel hold approximately 10% of the global share.

Others

The “Others” category includes third-party distributors, private labeling services, and local chemical suppliers. These channels serve regional or fragmented markets and account for roughly 7% of total distribution.

Chelating Agents Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Chelating Agents Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Chelating Agents Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America is a major market for chelating agents, driven by strong demand from the water treatment, detergent manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sectors. The region also benefits from strict environmental regulations encouraging the adoption of biodegradable chelants. It accounts for approximately 24% of the global market.

Europe

Europe holds a significant market share due to its highly regulated chemical industry and growing use of eco-friendly formulations in personal care and household cleaning products. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK drive this region's market, which comprises about 27% of the global share.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominates the chelating agents market, driven by rapid industrialization, large-scale pulp & paper production, and increasing demand for agrochemicals and detergents. China and India are major contributors, helping the region capture approximately 34% of the market.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region shows growing demand for chelating agents in water treatment and industrial cleaning applications, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This region holds a market share of around 7%.

Latin America

Latin America is witnessing steady growth in chelating agent use across agriculture, food processing, and water purification sectors. Brazil and Mexico are key markets, with the region accounting for approximately 8% of global demand.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Chelating Agents Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Environmental regulations
• Water treatment
• Industrialization

• Urbanization - Urbanization is a global phenomenon reshaping the landscape of human habitation and economic activity. Across continents, rural populations are migrating to cities in search of better opportunities, driving the rapid expansion of urban areas. This trend is particularly pronounced in emerging economies, where urbanization is closely linked to industrialization and economic development. As urban populations swell, cities become hubs of innovation, commerce, and cultural exchange, fueling economic growth and societal transformation. However, rapid urbanization also poses significant challenges, including strains on infrastructure, resources, and social services, as cities struggle to accommodate growing populations while maintaining livability standards.

  In addition to demographic shifts, urbanization profoundly impacts the environment, with implications for climate change, biodiversity, and natural resource consumption. The concentration of people and economic activities in urban centers leads to increased energy consumption, pollution levels, and greenhouse gas emissions. Urban sprawl encroaches on natural habitats, contributing to habitat loss and fragmentation, while impermeable surfaces exacerbate issues such as heat islands and stormwater runoff. Sustainable urban planning and development strategies are essential to mitigate these environmental impacts and build resilient, low-carbon cities capable of adapting to future challenges.

  Urbanization influences social dynamics and cultural identities, fostering diversity, but also exacerbating disparities and social inequalities. In cities, diverse communities coexist, fostering creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. However, rapid urbanization often leads to the proliferation of informal settlements and slums, where marginalized populations face inadequate housing, limited access to basic services, and social exclusion. Addressing these social inequalities and promoting inclusive urban development are critical for building equitable and resilient cities that offer opportunities and prosperity for all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic background or demographic characteristics.

Restraints

• Environmental concerns
• Regulatory restrictions
• Toxicity concerns

• Cost constraints - Cost constraints pose a significant challenge in various sectors and industries, influencing decision-making processes and resource allocation. In manufacturing and production, cost considerations impact the selection of raw materials, production methods, and supply chain management practices. For example, industries utilizing chelating agents may face cost constraints in sourcing raw materials, manufacturing processes, and distribution logistics. Moreover, cost constraints often drive the adoption of cost-saving measures, such as process optimization, automation, and efficiency improvements, to mitigate expenses and remain competitive in the market.

  Innovations in technology and manufacturing processes offer opportunities to address cost constraints by optimizing resource utilization, reducing waste, and improving productivity. For instance, advancements in green chemistry may lead to the development of more cost-effective and sustainable chelating agents, offering competitive advantages in the market. Additionally, economies of scale and strategic partnerships can help companies negotiate better pricing for raw materials and streamline production costs. Furthermore, investments in research and development aimed at enhancing product efficiency and performance can justify higher upfront costs by delivering long-term savings and benefits to end-users.

  While cost constraints present challenges, they also drive innovation and incentivize the exploration of alternative solutions. Market demand for cost-effective products and services fosters competition and encourages companies to innovate and find creative ways to deliver value while minimizing expenses. Additionally, cost constraints stimulate collaboration and knowledge sharing within industries, leading to the development of cost-effective solutions through collective efforts and shared resources. Ultimately, effectively managing cost constraints requires a balanced approach that considers both short-term financial objectives and long-term sustainability goals, ensuring competitiveness and resilience in dynamic market environments.

Opportunities

• Eco-friendly solutions
• Technological innovations
• Emerging applications

• Growing awareness - Growing awareness is a powerful catalyst for change, driving shifts in consumer behavior, industry practices, and policy agendas. In various domains, including environmental conservation, health, and social justice, increasing awareness prompts individuals, organizations, and governments to take action and address pressing issues. For instance, in the context of chelating agents, growing awareness of environmental pollution and water contamination underscores the importance of sustainable solutions for metal ion removal and pollution control.

  In response to growing awareness, industries are compelled to adopt environmentally friendly practices and products, leading to the development of greener alternatives and eco-friendly technologies. For example, the chelating agents market may witness increased demand for bio-based or biodegradable chelating agents as consumers become more conscious of their environmental footprint and seek products with minimal ecological impact.

  Growing awareness often translates into regulatory initiatives and standards aimed at promoting sustainability and protecting public health. Governments may introduce legislation to regulate the use of chelating agents in specific applications, impose restrictions on the discharge of wastewater containing heavy metals, or incentivize the adoption of cleaner production technologies. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures environmental protection but also enhances corporate reputation and market competitiveness.

  Growing awareness fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, facilitating the exchange of best practices, research findings, and innovative solutions. Industry associations, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations play a vital role in raising awareness, disseminating information, and driving collective action to address shared challenges. By harnessing the power of growing awareness, stakeholders can work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

Key players in Global Chelating Agents Market include;

• AkzoNobel N.V.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• BASF SE
• Nouryon
• INEOS Nitriles
• Cargill, Incorporated
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Lanxess AG
• Kemira OYJ
• Tate & Lyle PLC
• EMD Millipore
• Mitsubishi Rayon Co.

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis