Chelating Agents Market Size (2026 – 2030)

The Global Chelating Agents Market was valued at USD 8.60 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 10.67 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4%.

The Global Chelating Agents Market refers to chemical compounds that form stable complexes with metal ions, preventing undesirable reactions and enhancing performance in industrial processes. Chelating agents are widely used in applications such as water treatment, agriculture, pulp and paper, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. They improve efficiency by binding with heavy metals, reducing toxicity, and supporting environmental safety. In agriculture, chelating agents enhance nutrient absorption, while in water treatment they control scaling and corrosion. The market is evolving with increasing demand for biodegradable and eco‑friendly agents that align with sustainability goals. Advanced formulations are being developed to meet regulatory standards and reduce environmental impact. Chelating agents also play a critical role in healthcare, supporting drug formulations and diagnostic applications. Their versatility across industries highlights their importance in modern production systems. Growing emphasis on green chemistry and resource efficiency is driving innovation in this market. The shift toward natural chelating agents derived from renewable sources further strengthens adoption. As industries prioritize safety, compliance, and performance, chelating agents remain essential for operational excellence. Their integration into diverse applications underscores their role as enablers of sustainable industrial growth and technological advancement worldwide.

Key Market Insights:

• Global chemical production growth slowed to 1.9% in 2025, impacting demand for chelating agents across industrial applications and sustainability initiatives.
• Industrial chemicals sector projected 3.5% growth initially in 2025, later revised downward, highlighting volatility affecting chelating agents adoption in water treatment and agriculture.
• Sustainable chemicals pathways highlight that 70,000 products globally rely on fossil‑based inputs, driving demand for renewable chelating agents to reduce emissions.
• Emissions reduction strategies show potential to cut chemical industry carbon footprint by up to 40%, increasing adoption of eco‑friendly chelating agents.

Market Drivers:

The rising demand of environmental regulations and water treatment are the primary drivers of the Global Chelating Agents Market.

Stringent environmental regulations and rising demand for water treatment are major drivers of the chelating agent’s market. Industrial facilities must comply with standards that limit heavy metal discharge and reduce water pollution. Chelating agents are effective in binding toxic metals, preventing contamination, and ensuring safe disposal. Their role in controlling scaling and corrosion in water systems enhances operational efficiency. Municipal water treatment plants also rely on chelating agents to maintain quality and safety. Growing urbanization and industrialization increase the need for clean water, further boosting demand. As sustainability becomes a priority, eco‑friendly chelating agents are gaining traction. This regulatory and environmental push continues to drive adoption across industries, reinforcing their importance in global water management.

Growing need of agricultural productivity and food security are other driver of the Global Chelating Agents Market.

Agriculture is another strong driver of the chelating agents’ market, as farmers seek solutions to improve crop yields and nutrient absorption. Chelating agents enhance the availability of essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese, ensuring healthy plant growth. They prevent nutrient precipitation in soil, allowing efficient uptake by crops. Rising global food demand and shrinking arable land intensify the need for productivity improvements. Chelating agents support sustainable farming practices by reducing fertilizer waste and improving efficiency. Their role in hydroponics and modern farming systems further expands applications. As food security becomes a global challenge, chelating agents provide critical support to agricultural innovation. This demand for enhanced productivity continues to drive growth in the market.

Market Restraints and Challenges:

Key challenge in the chelating agents’ market is the environmental impact of synthetic formulations. Traditional agents such as EDTA are non‑biodegradable and persist in ecosystems, raising concerns about sustainability. Regulatory restrictions on harmful chemicals increase compliance costs for manufacturers. Developing eco‑friendly alternatives requires significant investment in research and innovation, which can limit profitability. High production costs and limited availability of natural raw materials also pose challenges. Additionally, competition from substitutes such as bio‑based additives reduces market share for conventional agents. Balancing performance with environmental responsibility remains a critical issue. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure long‑term growth and acceptance of chelating agents in diverse industrial applications.

Market Opportunities:

The market presents strong opportunities through the development of biodegradable and natural chelating agents. Growing emphasis on sustainability and green chemistry drives demand for eco‑friendly solutions. Innovations in renewable raw materials enable production of agents with reduced environmental impact. Expanding applications in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and food processing create new growth avenues. Emerging economies w rising industrialization and agricultural needs offer significant potential. Integration with advanced technologies such as nanotechnology enhances efficiency and broadens applications. Partnerships between research institutions and industry players accelerate innovation. As global industries prioritize compliance and sustainability, natural chelating agents gain prominence. These opportunities highlight the market’s role in enabling safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible industrial practices worldwide.

CHELATING AGENTS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Chelating Agents Market Segmentation:

Chelating Agents Market Segmentation By Type

• Synthetic chelating agents
• Biodegradable chelating agents
• Natural chelating agents
• Specialized chelating agents
• Others

Synthetic chelating agents dominate the type segment because they are widely used across industrial applications such as water treatment, detergents, pulp and paper, and agriculture. Their strong ability to bind with heavy metals ensures efficiency in preventing scaling, corrosion, and contamination. Synthetic agents like EDTA and DTPA are cost‑effective, versatile, and readily available, making them the preferred choice for large‑scale industrial operations. Their established performance and compatibility with multiple processes reinforce their dominance. Despite environmental concerns, synthetic chelating agents remain the largest segment due to their proven reliability, broad application scope, and strong demand in mature industries.

Biodegradable chelating agents are the fastest growing type segment, driven by increasing sustainability requirements and regulatory restrictions on non‑biodegradable chemicals. These agents are designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining strong performance in industrial and consumer applications. They are gaining traction in water treatment, agriculture, and personal care, where eco‑friendly solutions are prioritized. Biodegradable agents also align with global initiatives promoting green chemistry and resource efficiency. Their adoption is supported by innovation in renewable raw materials and biotechnology. As industries shift toward sustainable practices, biodegradable chelating agents are experiencing rapid growth, positioning them as the fastest expanding type segment in the market.

Chelating Agents Market Segmentation By Form

• Liquid chelating agents
• Powder chelating agents
• Granular chelating agents
• Others

Liquid chelating agents dominate the form segment because they are easy to handle, mix, and apply across diverse industries. Their solubility ensures efficient dispersion in water treatment, detergents, and agricultural formulations. Liquid forms provide consistent performance, reduce processing time, and simplify dosing, making them highly preferred in large‑scale operations. They are also widely used in personal care and pharmaceuticals, where precise formulations are critical. The convenience of liquid chelating agents, combined with their adaptability to multiple applications, reinforces their position as the largest segment in the market.

Powder chelating agents are the fastest growing form segment, driven by their stability, longer shelf life, and ease of transportation. Powder forms are particularly useful in agriculture and industrial applications where concentrated formulations are required. They allow flexible storage and reduce risks associated with liquid handling. Powder agents are also gaining popularity in emerging markets due to cost efficiency and reduced logistical challenges. Their ability to be reconstituted into solutions when needed adds versatility. As industries seek efficient and durable solutions, powder chelating agents are witnessing rapid adoption, making them the fastest growing form segment in the global market.

Chelating Agents Market Segmentation By Application

• Water treatment
• Agriculture and fertilizers
• Pulp and paper
• Detergents and cleaning products
• Pharmaceuticals and personal care
• Others

Water treatment dominates the application segment because chelating agents are essential for controlling scaling, corrosion, and heavy metal contamination. Industrial facilities, municipal plants, and power generation units rely on chelating agents to ensure clean and safe water. Their ability to bind with toxic metals enhances compliance with environmental regulations. Water treatment applications also benefit from the versatility of synthetic and biodegradable agents, ensuring efficiency across diverse conditions. The critical role of chelating agents in maintaining water quality and operational reliability makes water treatment the largest application segment in the market.

Agriculture and fertilizers represent the fastest growing application segment, driven by global food security needs and demand for higher crop yields. Chelating agents improve nutrient availability by preventing precipitation of essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese. They support sustainable farming practices by enhancing fertilizer efficiency and reducing waste. Chelating agents are also vital in hydroponics and modern farming systems, where precise nutrient delivery is required. Rising population and shrinking arable land intensify the need for productivity improvements, fueling adoption in agriculture. This strong demand positions agriculture and fertilizers as the fastest growing application segment in the market.

Chelating Agents Market  Segmentation: Regional Analysis:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

North America dominates the regional market, due to its advanced industrial base, strong regulatory framework, and widespread adoption of chelating agents. Industries such as water treatment, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and personal care drive consistent demand. The region benefits from established manufacturers, robust R&D investments, and high awareness of environmental compliance. Chelating agents are extensively used to meet sustainability goals and ensure operational efficiency. The presence of mature markets and strong infrastructure reinforces North America’s position as the largest regional segment in the global market.

Asia‑Pacific is the fastest growing regional market, fuelled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and expanding agricultural needs. Countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are investing heavily in water treatment, food production, and consumer goods. Rising population and economic growth intensify demand for efficient and sustainable solutions. The region is also witnessing strong adoption of biodegradable and natural chelating agents, aligning with global sustainability trends. Expanding manufacturing bases and government initiatives supporting industrial modernization further accelerate growth. Asia‑Pacific’s dynamic development and increasing focus on sustainability position it as the fastest growing regional segment in the market.

Chelating Agents Market COVID-19 Impact Analysis:

The COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and slowed industrial production, affecting demand for chelating agents. Lockdowns reduced consumption in sectors such as pulp and paper, textiles, and automotive. However, demand increased in healthcare and cleaning products, where chelating agents are essential for formulations. Rising awareness of hygiene and sanitation boosted consumption in detergents and disinfectants. Agricultural demand remained stable, as food security was prioritized during the crisis. Supply chain challenges highlighted the need for localized production and resilient sourcing strategies. Post‑pandemic recovery has accelerated adoption of eco‑friendly agents, aligning with sustainability goals. The pandemic ultimately reinforced the importance of chelating agents in critical applications, ensuring resilience and adaptability in global industries.

Latest Trends and Developments:

Recent trends in the chelating agents market include the shift toward biodegradable and natural formulations. Industries are adopting eco‑friendly agents to meet regulatory standards and sustainability goals. Advances in biotechnology enable production of chelating agents from renewable sources, reducing environmental impact. Integration with nanotechnology enhances efficiency and expands applications in healthcare and agriculture. Digitalization supports innovation in product development and supply chain management. Strategic collaborations between manufacturers and research institutions accelerate the introduction of advanced solutions. Growing demand in personal care and pharmaceuticals highlights diversification beyond traditional industrial uses. These developments reflect the market’s evolution toward sustainable, innovative, and versatile solutions, aligning with global priorities for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Key Players in the Market:

1. BASF SE
2. Dow Inc.
3. Akzo Nobel N.V.
4. Kemira Oyj
5. Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
6. Archer Daniels Midland Company
7. Tate & Lyle PLC
8. Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG
9. Innospec Inc.
10. Lanxess AG

Latest Market News:

• April 2025: BASF launched Trilon® G chelating agent, utilizing GLDA (glutamic acid diacetate) chemistry to deliver strong metal‑binding performance and enhanced cleaning efficiency. Designed for home care and industrial cleaning, Trilon G improves surfactant effectiveness, supports water softening, and ensures superior results in applications like dishwashing and laundry. With ~56% renewable carbon content and >60% biodegradability, it aligns with sustainability goals. This innovation strengthens BASF’s portfolio, meeting global demand for eco‑friendly, high‑performance chelating solutions.