Chelants Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Product (Sodium gluconate, Organphosphonates, Aminopolycarboxylate, Others), By Application (Household & industrial cleaning, Pulp & Paper, Chemical processing, Water treatment, Agrochemicals, Consumer products, Pharmaceutical, Others), By Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Chelants market was valued at USD 8.82 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 11.24 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.12%. The Global Chelants Market is witnessing consistent expansion, fueled by targeted demand from high-impact sectors such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, industrial water treatment, and pulp & paper processing. Chelants specialty compounds engineered to sequester metal ions are being increasingly integrated into formulations to address specific performance challenges such as metal-catalyzed degradation, process fouling, and micronutrient inefficiencies.

Industries are leveraging chelants not only to optimize chemical reactions and protect active ingredients, but also to meet stringent regulatory and environmental standards related to heavy metal contamination and wastewater discharge. With a growing focus on operational precision, sustainability, and compliance, chelants have evolved from auxiliary additives to mission-critical components in industrial chemistry. As production processes become more specialized and demand for high-performance, eco-compliant inputs increases, the chelants market is positioned for sustained growth driven by innovation in biodegradable formulations, regional manufacturing expansions, and rising downstream integration across value-added sectors.

 Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Chelants in Agrochemicals Industry

The growing demand for chelants in the agrochemicals industry is a significant driver propelling the growth of the Global Chelants Market, as the agricultural sector increasingly turns to advanced chemical solutions to enhance crop yield, nutrient availability, and sustainable farming practices. This trend is underpinned by both economic and environmental considerations, with chelating agents playing a central role in modern agronomic formulations. Chelants are essential components in micronutrient fertilizers, where they bind with metal ions such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) to form stable, soluble complexes. These chelated nutrients: Prevent precipitation or fixation in the soil, Enhance absorption through roots or leaves, Improve nutrient mobility and bioavailability. This function is especially critical in alkaline and calcareous soils, where traditional inorganic micronutrients are often rendered ineffective due to rapid immobilization. Chelated fertilizers ensure efficient nutrient uptake, directly translating into healthier crops and higher productivity.

The global population is forecasted to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050, according to current projections. This demographic shift is expected to place significant pressure on global food systems, agricultural productivity, and resource efficiency prompting accelerated demand for advanced agrochemical solutions, including chelants, to ensure sustainable and high-yield farming practices. This has led to a global push for precision farming, where chelated micronutrient formulations are gaining traction due to their: Targeted delivery systems, Compatibility with fertigation and foliar spray technologies, Reduced environmental losses and higher ROI for farmers. Chelants are thus emerging as integral components of next-generation agrochemical solutions, aligning with the global objective of boosting yields sustainably.

The global expansion of organic and sustainable farming practices is also contributing to the increased use of biodegradable and plant-friendly chelating agents such as EDDS (ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid) and gluconates. These alternatives to synthetic chelants like EDTA and DTPA: Meet environmental safety standards, Minimize heavy metal accumulation in soils, Reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture. This shift is especially pronounced in developed markets like Europe and North America, where consumers and regulators demand greater sustainability and traceability in food production. Global agribusiness firms are heavily investing in research and development to innovate high-efficiency crop nutrition solutions. Chelants are being incorporated into a wide range of formulations, including: Soil-applied chelated fertilizers, Foliar sprays, Controlled-release nutrient systems. The development of customized chelants for specific crops, soils, and climates is further enhancing their adoption. These advancements are helping agrochemical companies differentiate their products and meet the needs of regional agricultural practices, thus driving demand on a global scale.

Increasing Demand for Chelants in Pharmaceutical Industry

The increasing demand for chelants in the pharmaceutical industry is a key growth driver for the Global Chelants Market, as these compounds play a crucial role in the formulation, stability, and performance of various pharmaceutical products. The rising need for advanced drug delivery systems, improved therapeutic efficacy, and regulatory compliance is accelerating the adoption of chelating agents in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research. Chelants are extensively used in the formulation of pharmaceutical products to bind and neutralize trace metal ions that can otherwise cause undesirable reactions such as: Oxidation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), Catalytic degradation of formulations, Loss of drug potency and shelf life. Commonly used chelants like EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and citric acid act as stabilizers in injectable solutions, oral syrups, ophthalmic preparations, and topical products. By preventing metal-catalyzed reactions, chelants ensure the chemical integrity, safety, and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products, which is essential for both regulatory approval and patient health outcomes.

The global rise in demand for injectable drugs, liquid suspensions, and ophthalmic solutions is creating a stronger need for chelants. In these dosage forms, even trace levels of metal ions can compromise sterility and stability. Chelants help: Extend product shelf life, Maintain pH stability, Ensure compatibility with packaging materials (e.g., glass vials, rubber stoppers). As the injectable drug segment expands, particularly in areas such as vaccines, biologics, and anti-infectives, chelants are becoming indispensable excipients in high-quality formulations. Chelating agents are not only used as excipients but also serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients in treatments for metal toxicity. Medications such as Deferoxamine (for iron overload) and Dimercaprol (for arsenic or mercury poisoning) rely on chelants to bind excess metal ions and facilitate their excretion from the body. With the rising prevalence of genetic disorders like thalassemia, as well as cases of heavy metal exposure and industrial poisoning, the global demand for chelation therapy drugs is increasing, directly contributing to the growth of the chelants market.

The development of nanomedicine, biologics, and controlled-release formulations is expanding the use of chelants in novel drug delivery systems. Chelating agents assist in: Stabilizing metal-based nanoparticles, Regulating ionic balance in protein-based drugs, Facilitating targeted delivery and absorption. These applications are particularly relevant in cancer therapeutics, gene therapy, and monoclonal antibody production, where precision and stability are critical. The increasing investment in biopharmaceutical R&D is creating new opportunities for chelant integration.

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Key Market Challenges

Decline in Consumption of Phosphate-Based Agents

Chelating agents are molecules that possess the capability to form stable complexes with metal ions, thereby preventing these ions from participating in chemical reactions that may result in undesirable effects such as oxidation, corrosion, or scale formation. Historically, phosphate-based chelating agents have been widely utilized due to their effective metal ion binding properties. However, growing concerns regarding the environmental impact of phosphates have prompted a shift away from their use. Discharge of phosphates into water bodies can contribute to nutrient pollution, leading to issues such as harmful algal blooms and degradation of aquatic ecosystems. As a result, stricter regulations have been implemented and there is a growing demand for more sustainable alternatives.

Key Market Trends

Growth in Technological Advancements

In the realm of modern industry, the pursuit of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation has driven the continuous evolution of chemical solutions. Advanced analytical techniques and computational modeling are revolutionizing the formulation of chelants. Through precise molecular structure adjustments, researchers can design compounds with enhanced metal binding properties and selectivity. This precision empowers industries to optimize their processes and reduce overall chemical usage. Innovations in smart materials and responsive polymers are now applied to chelant design, enabling selective binding to metal ions triggered by specific factors like changes in pH or temperature. This responsiveness allows for more controlled and targeted metal removal, particularly in complex systems. Nanotechnology is making significant strides in the chelants market. Nanostructured chelants possess unique properties attributed to their small size and increased surface area. These properties have the potential to enhance metal chelation efficiency and drive innovation in areas such as drug delivery and catalysis. Moreover, industries are increasingly adopting automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize their processes. In the chelants market, automated dosing systems and real-time monitoring are elevating the efficiency of chelant application, ensuring precise and consistent control over metal ions.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

Based on the category of Product, Aminopolycarboxylate segment emerges as the fastest growing segment in the Global Chelants Market and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years.  Water scarcity, increasing industrial discharge, and stricter environmental regulations are pushing governments and industries to adopt sustainable water management practices. Aminopolycarboxylates play a crucial role in removing hardness ions, heavy metals, and scaling agents from water systems. Their rising use in municipal, industrial, and agricultural water treatment plants is contributing to rapid segmental growth.

The household and industrial cleaning sectors are increasingly incorporating aminopolycarboxylates due to their ability to enhance detergent performance, particularly in hard water conditions. These chelants help improve: Cleaning efficacy, Foam stability, Product shelf life. Their compatibility with a wide variety of surfactants and enzymes makes them ideal for modern formulations, especially in low-phosphate and phosphate-free detergents, in line with environmental norms.

In agriculture, aminopolycarboxylates are used to chelate micronutrients such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, improving their solubility and uptake in crops. The global emphasis on improving crop yield and soil health is accelerating their use in fertilizers and micronutrient blends. In food processing, they are valued for their metal ion scavenging capabilities, which help preserve food color, texture, and flavor while maintaining nutritional value.

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Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region emerges as the largest market in the Global Chelants Market. The Asia Pacific region emerges as the largest market in the Global Chelants Market due to a confluence of strong industrial growth, robust demand from end-use sectors, and favorable regulatory and economic conditions. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of many Asia Pacific economies. Chelants, such as EDTA and DTPA, are used to enhance micronutrient delivery in fertilizers and soil treatment solutions, improving crop yield and quality. Growth in the food processing industry driven by rising population, increasing disposable income, and shifting dietary habits requires chelants for food preservation, color retention, and quality maintenance, further propelling market demand.

Asia Pacific is experiencing robust growth in pharmaceutical manufacturing, with nations like India and China emerging as global production hubs. Chelating agents are widely used in drug formulation to stabilize active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), reduce toxicity, and enhance bioavailability. In the cosmetic and personal care segment, rising consumer awareness and higher spending on skincare and hygiene products is boosting demand for chelants, which are used to prevent oxidative degradation and improve product shelf life. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have intensified water pollution and scarcity challenges across the region. Chelants are extensively utilized in municipal and industrial water treatment to bind and remove heavy metals, soften water, and maintain pH balance. Government regulations and public-private investments in sustainable water management solutions are further driving the use of biodegradable and eco-friendly chelating agents.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, BASF Care Chemicals introduced Trilon G, a next-generation chelating agent based on GLDA (glutamic acid diacetate) chemistry, as part of its strategic expansion into sustainable formulation technologies. This launch strengthens BASF’s chelants portfolio, which already includes MGDA (methylglycinediacetic acid) and EDTA (tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate), by offering customers a high-performance, readily biodegradable alternative aligned with rising regulatory and environmental expectations. Trilon G is specifically designed to meet the needs of industries seeking to transition toward eco-efficient and safer formulations, particularly in the home care, industrial cleaning, and personal care sectors.
• In January 2025, Nouryon announced that its Herkenbosch facility in the Netherlands is now certified under the ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) standard. This milestone enables the site to manufacture biodegradable chelating agents using biobased and bio-circular feedstocks, with formulations achieving up to 100% Renewable Carbon Index (RCI). The certification reinforces Nouryon’s commitment to scaling sustainable chemical production and supports its customers in meeting carbon reduction targets and circular economy goals, particularly within home care, agriculture, and industrial cleaning applications.

Key Market Players

• AkzoNobel N.V.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• Cargill, Incorporated
• BASF SE
• Valero Energy Corporation
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd.
• Lanxess AG
• Tate & Lyle PLC
• Shandong IRO Chelating Chemical Co. Ltd.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Chelants Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Chelants Market, By Product:

o   Sodium gluconate

o   Organphosphonates

o   Aminopolycarboxylate

o   Others

• Chelants Market, By Application:

o   Household & industrial cleaning

o   Pulp & Paper

o   Chemical processing

o   Water treatment

o   Agrochemicals

o   Consumer products

o   Pharmaceutical

o   Others

• Chelants Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE 

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Chelants Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Chelants Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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