Global Biodegradable Chelating Agents Market to Grow from US$ 1.80 Bn in 2024 to US$ 3.41 Bn by 2035 at 6.5% CAGR - Transparency Market Research

Biodegradable Chelating Agents Market Size Outlook 2035

The global biodegradable chelating agents market was valued at US$ 1.80 billion in 2024. It is projected to reach US$ 3.41 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2035. The market growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly chemicals in water treatment, detergents, agriculture, and industrial applications, coupled with global regulations favoring sustainable alternatives to traditional phosphorous-based chelating agents.

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Market Overview

Chelating agents are chemical compounds that form stable complexes with metal ions, preventing precipitation, enhancing solubility, and improving the efficiency of chemical processes. Biodegradable chelating agents are designed to reduce environmental impact by breaking down naturally in soil and water without forming persistent toxic residues.

These agents are widely used across industrial water treatment, household and industrial detergents, agriculture, pulp and paper processing, and textile manufacturing. The growing environmental concerns, strict regulatory mandates on non-biodegradable phosphonates, and increasing adoption of green chemistry principles are driving the demand for biodegradable alternatives.

Emerging economies are witnessing rapid industrialization and increased use of cleaning agents and water treatment chemicals, further supporting market growth. Additionally, innovation in eco-friendly chelating agents, including amino acid-based and sugar-based chelants, is reshaping market dynamics.

Key Market Growth Drivers

1. Rising Environmental Awareness and Regulations
Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are restricting the use of phosphates and non-biodegradable chelating agents in detergents, water treatment, and industrial processes. This has created a robust demand for biodegradable alternatives.

2. Increasing Industrial Water Treatment Activities
Industrial water treatment is a key application segment. Biodegradable chelating agents help control scale formation, metal ion precipitation, and corrosion in boilers, cooling towers, and process water systems.

3. Growing Demand in Household and Industrial Detergents
The shift toward eco-friendly cleaning solutions, driven by consumer awareness and regulatory standards, is fueling the adoption of biodegradable chelating agents in laundry detergents, dishwashing agents, and surface cleaners.

4. Expansion in Agriculture and Fertilizer Applications
Biodegradable chelating agents are used in micronutrient delivery systems, soil conditioners, and fertilizers to enhance nutrient availability, minimize metal ion toxicity, and improve crop yield sustainably.

5. Technological Innovations
Development of novel chelating agents with improved stability, efficiency, and biodegradability is encouraging adoption across multiple industrial sectors.

Analysis of Key Players in the Global Biodegradable Chelating Agents Market

The biodegradable chelating agents market is largely dominated by a small group of leading players, including Nouryon, BASF, Solvay, and specialty companies such as Jungbunzlauer. These companies are driving market growth through capacity expansions, the launch of new products like GLDA (Glutamic Acid Diacetic Acid) and MGDA (Methylglycine Diacetic Acid), and the development of applications that highlight the advantages of bio-based chelating agents. Their focus spans key sectors such as detergents, water treatment, and agriculture.

Strategic investments aligned with market dynamics and regulatory pressures have reinforced Nouryon and BASF as industry leaders accelerating adoption of sustainable chelants. Meanwhile, Innospec and Solvay concentrate on niche agricultural and industrial segments. Overall, these leaders leverage their scale, formulation expertise, and sustainability credibility to achieve greater market penetration and influence adoption trends.

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Global Biodegradable Chelating Agents Market Developments

• BASF (2025):
BASF launched Trilon G, a GLDA-based chelating agent for Home Care and I&I cleaning applications. The product is partially bio-based (~56% renewable carbon) and carries a "readily biodegradable" claim (OECD-type). Trilon G offers enhanced surfactant efficiency and superior cleaning performance across various pH ranges, targeting formulators who aim to balance high performance with sustainability. This launch complements BASF's existing MGDA and EDTA offerings, providing formulators with eco-friendly alternatives that meet eco-label and regulatory requirements.

• Nouryon (2025):
Nouryon introduced the Dissolvine MAX product family, comprising chelates with 100% renewable carbon content. These ISCC-Plus certified grades are designed for dishwashing, laundry, and hard surface cleaning, offering low-carbon alternatives to phosphates and legacy chelants. The launch emphasizes traceable renewable feedstocks and Ecolabel-compliant labeling, enhancing Nouryon's brand positioning in Europe and APAC.

In the same year, Nouryon released the M-40 MAX datasheet for a high-purity MGDA grade with 100% bio-based carbon. The product is readily biodegradable and supports sustainable formulations in automatic dishwashing, liquid laundry, and I&I applications, demonstrating that high-performance and downstream sustainability requirements can be met simultaneously.
• BASF Care360 Platform:
BASF's Care360 initiative provides in-depth technical guidance explaining why MGDA and GLDA outperform legacy chelants in enzyme compatibility, pH stability, and hard-water performance. By coupling product launches with technical education, BASF accelerates adoption of these advanced biodegradable chelants, encouraging formulators to transition from EDTA to APCA solutions in regulated markets.

Each of these companies is profiled in the global biodegradable chelating agents market research report, including details on company overview, financial performance, strategic initiatives, product portfolio, business segments, and recent developments.

Market Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges
1. Higher Production Costs - Biodegradable chelating agents are often more expensive than traditional alternatives.
2. Performance Limitations - Certain biodegradable agents may have lower chelation efficiency in extreme pH or high-temperature environments.
3. Slow Adoption in Traditional Industries - Some industrial users continue to prefer conventional chelating agents due to cost considerations.
4. Regulatory Variations - Differences in environmental regulations across countries may slow adoption.

Opportunities
1. Rising Eco-Friendly Product Demand - Household and industrial detergents are shifting toward sustainable ingredients.
2. Expansion in Agriculture - Biodegradable chelants in fertilizers and micronutrient solutions improve soil health and crop yield.
3. Water Treatment in Emerging Economies - Rapid industrialization in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America increases the need for sustainable water treatment solutions.
4. Innovation in Novel Biodegradable Chelants - Research into amino acid, sugar, and peptide-based chelants opens new market avenues.

Investment Landscape and ROI Outlook

The biodegradable chelating agents market presents strong investment potential due to its growing adoption across multiple industries and increasing regulatory support.

Investment Highlights
• Rapidly growing applications in detergents, industrial water treatment, and agriculture.
• Strong demand in emerging markets due to industrialization and urbanization.
• Favorable government policies promoting eco-friendly chemicals.
• Opportunities in innovation-driven, high-margin specialty chelants.

ROI Outlook

With a CAGR of 6.5%, investments in biodegradable chelating agents offer moderate-to-high returns. Companies investing in sustainable R&D, production scalability, and regional expansion are likely to achieve superior ROI.

Market Segmentation

By Type
• Amino Acid-Based Chelating Agents
• Polycarboxylates
• Phosphonate-Based Biodegradable Chelants
• Sugar-Based Chelating Agents
• Others

By Application
• Household & Industrial Detergents
• Industrial Water Treatment
• Agriculture & Fertilizers
• Pulp & Paper Industry
• Textiles
• Other Industrial Applications

By End-User Industry
• Household & Consumer Products
• Agriculture
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Chemicals & Petrochemicals
• Food & Beverage
• Water Utilities

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

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Why Buy This Report?

✔ 2035 market forecast with accurate growth projections
✔ In-depth analysis of key drivers, restraints, and opportunities
✔ Comprehensive competitive landscape and strategies of leading players
✔ Clear segmentation by type, application, and region
✔ Investment and ROI insights for stakeholders and investors
✔ Guidance for market entry and expansion strategies

FAQs

1. What is the projected market size of biodegradable chelating agents by 2035?
It is expected to reach US$ 3.41 billion.

2. What is the CAGR of the market during 2025-2035?
The market is projected to grow at 6.5% CAGR.

3. Which industries are driving demand for biodegradable chelating agents?
Household detergents, industrial water treatment, agriculture, pulp & paper, and textiles.

4. Which region offers the highest growth potential?
Asia-Pacific, driven by industrial growth, urbanization, and increasing demand for eco-friendly chemicals.

5. What trends are shaping the market?
Shift toward sustainable, phosphate-free, and eco-friendly chelating agents, innovation in amino acid and sugar-based chelants, and expansion in industrial water treatment applications.

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