Asia Pacific Chitosan Market

The Asia Pacific chitosan market was valued at US$ 838.77 million in 2018 and is projected to reach US$ 2,250.69 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period.

Chitosan is a natural fibrous material derived from chitin. It is a substance produced in the outer shell of some shellfishes such as lobsters, crabs, and shrimps. Shrimps are considered to be major source of chitosan as they contain ~20-40% of chitin content, whereas crab shells contain ~15-20% chitin. Certain varieties of fungi have also been known to produce low amounts of chitin in their cell walls. However, the unavailability of an optimal procedure for commercial-scale chitin extraction from fungi makes it a less used source for obtaining chitosan. Chitosan is a rich fiber source and is increasingly being incorporated into dietary supplements for promoting weight loss as it blocks the absorption of cholesterol and dietary fats; therefore, it is being used in medicines to cure medical conditions such as high cholesterol, obesity, and Crohn's disease. Chitosan is also directly applied on the gums to alleviate inflammation of gums.

Japan accounts for the largest share of the Asia Pacific chitosan market. The market growth in Asia Pacific is mainly ascribed to the ever-increasing disposable income of the middle-income group population. Consumers are willing to pay higher prices for healthy food products containing natural ingredients, such as chitosan, to deal with the medical conditions such as overweight and obesity as well as for gaining protection against chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac issues, and orthopedic diseases. Rapid developments in the water treatment, food and beverages, biomedical and pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries in Japan, China, India, and South Korea are boosting the demand for chitosan.

Effect of COVID-19 on Asia Pacific Chitosan Market
In December 2019, Wuhan (China) reported the emergence of COVID-19 outbreak, and since then, it has spread at a fast pace worldwide. As of March 2020, China, Italy, Iran, Spain, the Republic of Korea, France, Germany, and the US are among the worst-affected countries in terms confirmed cases and reported deaths. The pandemic has been affecting economies and industries in various countries due to lockdowns, travel bans, and business shutdowns. The closedown of various industries, including chemicals and materials industry, and the disruptions in supply chains due to lockdowns have created a strain on the supplies of chemicals and materials. Many countries in Asia Pacific are already facing huge economic losses due to this outbreak. The impact would worsen depending on the spread of the virus. Lockdown and shrunk business activities would affect the economic flow in the coming years. As per the latest WHO data, India is the worst-affected country in Asia Pacific.

Asia Pacific Chitosan Market

Market Insights
Essential Properties of Chitosan
Chitosan is a natural polymer extracted from the outer skeletons or shells of shrimps, crabs, and lobsters. It is recognized as a versatile biomaterial as it is nontoxic, less allergenic, biodegradable, and biocompatible substance. Owing to these properties, it is used in a wide range of applications such as food & beverages, water treatment, medical and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agrochemicals. Due to its adsorption abilities, chitosan can be used in water treatment applications to separate metals, iron, toxic substances, and other impurities from the wastewater through the adsorption process. The application of chitosan for water treatment is not only effective but also economical and environmentally friendly. Its antimicrobial activity, bioactivity, and anti-oxidative activity make it beneficial in several medical and pharmaceutical applications. The polymer is being used in a wide range of hair products, such as shampoos, hair colorants, rinses, hair sprays, hair tonics, permanent wave agents, and styling lotions.

Grade-Based Insights
Based on grade, the Asia Pacific chitosan market is segmented into industrial grade, food grade, and pharmaceutical grade. The industrial grade segment accounted for the largest share of the Asia Pacific chitosan market in 2018; however, the market for the food grade chitosan is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Offshore crabs and shrimps are basic sources used for the production of industrial-grade chitosan. This grade is versatile and due to its solubility, high density of positive charges, and reactive free amino groups that make it suitable for industrial applications. Chitosan also gathers attention as a potential natural food preservative owing to its superior antimicrobial activities against a wide variety of food-borne filamentous yeast, fungi, and bacteria. The properties such as good bioavailability, low toxicity, and average molecular weight of polymer make it suitable for pharmaceutical formulations.

Asia Pacific Chitosan Market, by Grade - 2018 and 2027

Application-Based Market Insights
Based on application, the Asia Pacific chitosan market is segmented into water treatment, food and beverages, biomedical and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others. In 2018, the water treatment segment dominated the Asia Pacific chitosan market, whereas the food and beverages segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during 2019-2027. Chitosan and its composites possess bio sorbent ability against common pollutants in wastewaters such as heavy ions, pesticides, suspended solids, turbidity, and fatty or oil impurities. The adsorption property of chitosan can be increased with the help of chemical modifications leading to the formation of grafting chitosan, chitosan derivatives, and chitosan composites. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and biological activities of chitosan, along with safety in terms of human consumption, support the application of chitosan in the food industry. Natural polymers possess high bioactivity and biocompatibility and are readily accepted by the human body. Chitosan possesses unique biological and technological properties, which leads to high demand for the same in the cosmetics industry. It is used as a skin, hair care ingredient; it is also used in oral hygiene products. The other applications of chitosan include oral healthcare, supplements, and insecticides.

Source-Based Market Insights
Based on source, the Asia Pacific chitosan market is segmented into shrimps, prawns, insects, crabs, and others. In 2018, the shrimps segment dominated the market; however, the crabs segment is expected to register the highest CAGR in the market during 2019-2027. Chitosan has natural existence in the shells of prawns, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and many other organisms such as insects and fungi. It is mainly obtained from shrimps, particularly the pacific shrimps. Chitosan extracted from shrimps has been demonstrated to possess antimicrobial effect against some gut pathogenic organisms. It is a useful polymer that ends up forming structural components in the exoskeleton of prawns. Chitosan can also be produced from the waste crab shells. The process starts with the cleaning and drying of the shells. The dried shells are then crushed and mashed to get the outcome in powdered form.

Strategic Insights
Product development, merger and acquisition, and business planning are the commonly adopted strategies by companies to expand their product portfolio. FMC Corporation, G.T.C. Bio Corporation., Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Panvo Organics Pvt. Ltd., and Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry Co., Ltd., are among the market players implementing these strategies to enlarge their respective customer bases and gain significant share in the market in Asia Pacific, which, in turn, allows them maintain the brand name in the regional, as well as global, market.

Asia Pacific Chitosan Market - by Grade

•  Industrial Grade
•  Food Grade
•  Pharmaceutical Grade
  Asia Pacific Chitosan Market - by Application
•  Water Treatment
•  Food and Beverages
•  Biomedical and Pharmaceuticals
•  Cosmetics
•  Others
  Asia Pacific Chitosan Market- by Source
•  Shrimps
•  Prawns
•  Insects
•  Crabs
•  Others
  Company Profiles
•  FMC Corporation
•  G.T.C. Bio Corporation
•  Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
•  Panvo Organics Pvt. Ltd.
•  Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry Co., Ltd

Asia Pacific Chitosan Strategic Insights

Strategic insights for the Asia Pacific Chitosan provides data-driven analysis of the industry landscape, including current trends, key players, and regional nuances. These insights offer actionable recommendations, enabling readers to differentiate themselves from competitors by identifying untapped segments or developing unique value propositions. Leveraging data analytics, these insights help industry players anticipate the market shifts, whether investors, manufacturers, or other stakeholders. A future-oriented perspective is essential, helping stakeholders anticipate market shifts and position themselves for long-term success in this dynamic region. Ultimately, effective strategic insights empower readers to make informed decisions that drive profitability and achieve their business objectives within the market.

Asia Pacific Chitosan Report Scope

Asia Pacific Chitosan Regional Insights

The geographic scope of the Asia Pacific Chitosan refers to the specific areas in which a business operates and competes. Understanding local distinctions, such as diverse consumer preferences (e.g., demand for specific plug types or battery backup durations), varying economic conditions, and regulatory environments, is crucial for tailoring strategies to specific markets. Businesses can expand their reach by identifying underserved areas or adapting their offerings to meet local demands. A clear market focus allows for more effective resource allocation, targeted marketing campaigns, and better positioning against local competitors, ultimately driving growth in those targeted areas.