Metal Chelating Agents Market – By Type (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA), Aminopolycarboxylic Acid, Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA), Citric Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Phosphonates, Others), By Application (Pulp & Paper, Water Treatment, Cleaning chemicals, Agrochemicals, Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage, Others), By End-Use Industry (Industrial Cleaning[Warehouses, Factories, Retail, Others], Household Cleaning), By Geography - Global Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030

Metal Chelating Agents Market Overview:

Metal Chelating Agents Market is forecast to reach $925.74 million by 2030, after growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during 2024-2030. Metal Chelating Agents for Cleaning are biodegradable and non-biodegradable chemical compounds with inherent functions to bind and capture specific metal ions and prevent the metal present in domestic cleaning items to form soap scums. The chelating agents such as sodium gluconate, amino polycarboxylic acid, organophosphates, glucoheptonate, citric acid and others are majorly used in the cleaning sector for soaps, detergent, bleaches and others for improving cleaning performance. The growing hygiene and cleanliness trend across the world is acting as a major driving factor in the metal chelating agents for the cleaning market. In addition, the advancement and development of green chelating agents with zero toxicity are propelling growth opportunities in the metal chelating agents for the cleaning industry. The covid-19 outbreak resulted in major disruption in the metal chelating agents for the cleaning market due to production halt, logistics restrictions and lockdown restrictions. However, significant recovery in major end-use industry post-pandemic is boosting the demand for Metal Chelating Agents For Cleaning applications. Thus, the metal chelating agents for the cleaning industry are anticipated to grow rapidly and contribute to the metal chelating agents for the cleaning market size during the forecast period.

Market Trends:

Growing Demand in Water Treatment Applications

One significant trend shaping the Metal Chelating Agents market is the increasing demand in water treatment applications. Metal Chelating Agents, such as EDTA and DTPA, are widely utilized in water treatment processes to bind and remove metal ions, preventing scale formation and enhancing the efficacy of detergents. With the escalating global concerns about water quality and the need for effective wastewater treatment, the demand for Metal Chelating Agents in this sector is witnessing a notable surge. The ability of Metal Chelating Agents to form stable complexes with metal ions makes them valuable tools in mitigating the adverse effects of heavy metals in water systems. As industries and municipalities worldwide intensify their efforts to comply with stringent environmental regulations, the Metal Chelating Agents market is poised to expand further, driven by the crucial role these agents play in sustainable water management practices.

Rise in Agriculture and Food Industry Applications

A prominent trend in the Metal Chelating Agents market is the increasing adoption of these compounds in agriculture and the food industry. Metal Chelating Agents, such as EDDHA and EDDHMA, are employed to enhance nutrient availability in soils by facilitating the controlled release of essential metals to plants. This trend aligns with the growing emphasis on precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices, where Metal Chelating Agents contribute to optimizing nutrient uptake and promoting crop health. Additionally, in the food industry, Metal Chelating Agents find applications as stabilizers and preservatives, improving the quality and shelf life of various food products. As consumers prioritize food safety and quality, the demand for Metal Chelating Agents in the agriculture and food sectors is anticipated to experience steady growth. Ongoing research and development activities are focused on introducing novel Metal Chelating Agents with enhanced properties to cater to the evolving needs of these industries.

Market Snapshot:

Metal Chelating Agents Market - Report Coverage:

The “Metal Chelating Agents Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Metal Chelating Agents Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis: 

• The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced various challenges to the Metal Chelating Agents market, influencing both demand and supply dynamics. One of the notable impacts stemmed from disruptions in industrial activities across sectors like manufacturing, water treatment, and agriculture. The slowdown in production processes, restrictions on workforce mobility, and changes in consumer behavior collectively contributed to fluctuations in the demand for Metal Chelating Agents. Industries heavily reliant on Metal Chelating Agents, such as water treatment plants and agricultural enterprises, faced operational challenges and delays in projects due to the pandemic-induced disruptions. Additionally, the pharmaceutical and personal care industries experienced shifts in priorities, affecting the demand for Metal Chelating Agents in formulations.

• Geopolitical conflicts and wars can have broad implications on global trade, supply chains, and economic stability. In the case of the Metal Chelating Agents market, which serves various industries, potential disruptions in the supply chain due to geopolitical tensions could impact the availability and pricing of raw materials, affecting production and distribution. Metal Chelating Agents are integral components in industries such as water treatment, agriculture, and manufacturing. Any disturbances in the production or supply of these agents could have downstream effects on sectors that rely on them for processes such as metal ion sequestration, water purification, and formulation stability.

Key Takeaways:

• Dominance of Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific held the largest Metal Chelating Agents For Cleaning Market share in 2023 up to 38%. The high demand and growth of metal chelating agents for cleaning in this region are influenced by the growing production base for hygiene and cleanliness products for home and industrial spaces and rising income. The industrial cleaning sector in Asia-Pacific is growing rapidly owing to growth factors such as strong awareness for hygiene and cleaning, increasing utilization of metal cleaners, degreasers, descalers and others and urbanization trends. For instance, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the dishwasher sector in India is expected to reach US$90 million by 2025-26. According to Procter & Gamble's (P&G) Annual Report, the fabric & home sector, including Tide and Comet cleaning products, saw a strong growth of 12% in China, with rising in organic sales of 14% in 2022-23. According to International Trade Administration, the soaps & hygiene sector in Thailand held a major share of 14% in 2023. With the rise in home cleaning and industrial cleaning awareness and production, the demand for metal chelating agents for various cleaning products such as soap, detergents, descalers, bleaches and others is rising in APAC, which, in turn, is anticipated to boost the growth for Metal Chelating Agents For Cleaning industry in Asia-Pacific during the forecast period..

• Sodium Gluconate segment held the largest market share

The sodium gluconate segment held a significant Metal Chelating Agents For Cleaning Market share in 2023 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2024-2030. The demand for sodium gluconate is high compared to other types such as amino polycarboxylic acid, organophosphates, glucoheptonate, citric acid and others due to advantageous features of sodium gluconate such as superior chelating abilities, non-toxicity and efficiently deactivates the heavy metal ions, thereby surpassing other types. The sodium gluconate is thereby utilized to remove the water hardness, deactivate iron metal ions and enhance the cleaning performance. Thus, with growing applicability for various cleaning products such as detergents, metal cleaners, soaps, bleaches and others, the sodium gluconate segment is anticipated to grow rapidly during the forecast period.

• Industrial Cleaning Segment to Hold Largest Market Share

The industrial cleaning segment held a significant Metal Chelating Agents For Cleaning Market share in 2023 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Metal chelating agents have various applications in the industrial cleaning industry in descalers, detergents, bleaches, metal cleaners and others. Metal chelating improves the cleaning performance by deactivating the metal ions and boosts the efficiency of various cleaning products. The industrial cleaning sector is rapidly growing going to factors such as rising awareness of cleanliness and hygiene, growing demand for soaps, metal cleaners and other cleaners and urbanization trends. For instance, according to the European Cleaning & Facilities Service Industry (EFCI) Report, the total revenue for the cleaning industry in Europe increased by 6% to US$155 billion in 2022-23. According to the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products, about US$33.1 billion was spent on household care products, including laundry and dishwashing in Europe in 2023. With the rising demand for industrial cleaners and cleanliness awareness, the demand for metal chelating agents for industrial cleaning is growing for applicability in metal cleaners, detergents, dishwashers and others, which, in turn, is anticipated to boost the growth for Metal Chelating Agents For Cleaning in the industrial cleaning industry during the forecast period.

• Increased demand for utilization of Metal Chelating Agents for various applications

Metal Chelating Agents market is mainly driven by their utilization in various applications, such as paper manufacturing, water treatment, and the latest dishwasher tabs to remove or prevent hard water and food stains on dishes. These are also used as precursors in the production of fertilizers that release micronutrients in crops to avoid salinization of soil. Besides this, Metal Chelating Agents are used as additives in the food processing industry as the binding of the metal atoms stabilizes the color, structure and aroma of the food and provides a preservative and antioxidant effect. In addition, advances in chelating technology have helped to develop mobilizing agents that can help minimize industrial waste and reduce the environmental impact of hazardous chemicals.

• Rise in Industrial Activities and Metal Processing

The surge in industrial activities and increased metal processing form a key driver stimulating the Metal Chelating Agents market. Metal Chelating Agents, with their ability to form stable complexes with metal ions, find extensive applications in metal processing industries. From preventing metal corrosion to improving the efficiency of metal plating processes, Metal Chelating Agents enhance the overall operational performance of various industrial applications. As industrialization continues to grow globally, especially in emerging economies, the demand for Metal Chelating Agents is set to rise. The metals and mining sector, in particular, relies on Metal Chelating Agents for tasks such as metal extraction, purification, and wastewater treatment. Additionally, as industries adopt cleaner and more sustainable practices, Metal Chelating Agents play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of metal processing operations. The Metal Chelating Agents market is poised to capitalize on this driver, providing essential solutions to support the efficiency and environmental responsibility of metal-related industries.

• Usage of non-biodegradable Metal Chelating Agents

Continuous exposure to non-biodegradable Metal Chelating Agents including HEDP, EDTA, and STPP has harmful consequences on the environment, which might hamper the growth of the Metal Chelating Agents market during the forecast period. These chemicals are extensively found in discharges after water treatment in various industries and percolate through the topsoil to contaminate the groundwater by mobilizing the dissolved heavy metals from their solid phases. The harmful effects of the chemicals may hinder market development. Adverse effects of non-biodegradable Metal Chelating Agents called in for promoting the usage of advanced and bio-degradable chemicals, particularly in Asia Pacific.

Key Market Players:

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the Metal Chelating Agents Market. The top 10 companies in this industry are listed below:

1. BASF SE
2. Kemira Oyj
3. The DOW Chemical Company
4. Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd.
5. Innospec
6. AkzoNobel N.V
7. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
8. Nouryon
9. ADM
10. Hexion

Scope of Report:

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