The Chitin Market is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for chitin in various industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics. Chitin is a biopolymer that is derived from the shells of crustaceans and insects, and it has unique properties that make it a valuable ingredient in a wide range of applications. The market is also driven by the growing demand for natural and sustainable products, as chitin is a renewable resource that can be sourced from waste materials. However, the high cost of production and processing of chitin may hinder the growth of the market. The market is highly competitive, with the presence of several global and regional players offering a wide range of products catering to different segments of the market.
Leading Companies in the Chitin Industry:
1. Biothera
Biothera is a privately held biotechnology company headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, USA. It was founded in 1997 and is focused on developing and commercializing products that modulate the immune system to fight disease. In May 2022, Biothera announced the completion of a Phase 2 clinical trial of its chitin-glucan dietary supplement, Imprime PGG, in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced melanoma.
2. Navamedic ASA
Navamedic ASA is a Norwegian pharmaceutical company that was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. The company focuses on the development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Navamedic ASA acquired the Norwegian chitin-based wound care product, VitaBite, in October 2021 to expand its wound care portfolio.
3. Kunpoong Bio Co. Ltd.
Kunpoong Bio Co. Ltd. is a South Korean company that was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company specializes in the production of chitosan, chitin, and other biopolymers derived from seafood waste. In February 2022, Kunpoong Bio announced the launch of a new chitosan-based cosmetic product line, including facial masks and creams.
4. Advanced Biopolymers AS
Advanced Biopolymers AS is a Norwegian company that was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. The company specializes in the development and production of chitosan and other biopolymers for various applications, including wound care, food and beverage, and cosmetics. In March 2022, Advanced Biopolymers announced the expansion of its chitosan production facility in Norway to meet growing demand.
5. CarboMer Inc.
CarboMer Inc. is a US-based company that was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. The company specializes in the development and production of various polymers, including chitosan, for use in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and personal care industries. In February 2022, CarboMer announced the launch of a new chitosan-based wound dressing product, CarboStat.
6. Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH
Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH is a German company that was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Halle (Saale), Germany. The company specializes in the production and distribution of medical-grade chitosan for wound care, medical devices, and pharmaceutical applications. In January 2022, Heppe Medical Chitosan announced the acquisition of the chitosan business of Novamatrix AS, a subsidiary of DSM.
7. Sonat Co.
Sonat Co. is a South Korean company that was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Daejeon, South Korea. The company specializes in the production and distribution of chitosan and other biopolymers for various applications, including water treatment, cosmetics, and food and beverage. In February 2022, Sonat announced the launch of a new chitosan-based water filtration system for industrial applications.
8. United Chitotechnologies Inc.
United Chitotechnologies Inc. is a US-based company that was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. The company specializes in the production and distribution of chitosan and other biopolymers for various applications, including wound care, cosmetics, and agriculture. In April 2022, United Chitotechnologies announced the launch of a new chitosan-based agricultural product, SoilMax, for improved soil fertility and crop yield.
9. Meron Biopolymers
Meron Biopolymers was founded in 2012 and is based in Finland. The company specializes in the production of chitosan and chitin-based biopolymers for various applications, including wound care, agriculture, and water treatment. In 2021, the company announced the launch of its new chitosan-based wound dressing product, Meron Adhesio. Meron Biopolymers operates in several countries worldwide, including Finland, Sweden, and Japan.
10. Dalian Xindie Chitin Co. Ltd.
Dalian Xindie Chitin Co. Ltd. was founded in 2001 and is based in China. The company is a leading producer of chitin and chitosan-based products for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. In 2022, the company announced that it had successfully developed a new chitosan-based wound dressing product that showed excellent antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Dalian Xindie Chitin Co. Ltd. operates in several countries worldwide, including China, Japan, and South Korea.
11. QBas Co.
QBas Co. is a Japanese company that was founded in 2011. The company specializes in the production of high-quality chitosan and chitin-based products for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. In 2022, the company announced the launch of its new chitosan-based skin care product, QBas Skin. The product is designed to improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. QBas Co. operates in several countries worldwide, including Japan, China, and South Korea.
12. Taizhou Candorly Sea Biochemical & Health Products Co. Ltd.
Founded in 1993, Taizhou Candorly Sea Biochemical & Health Products Co. Ltd. is a Chinese company that specializes in the production of chitin and chitosan-based products for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, food, and agriculture. In 2021, the company announced the development of a new chitosan-based feed additive that showed promising results in improving the growth and health of shrimp. Taizhou Candorly Sea Biochemical & Health Products Co. Ltd. operates in several countries worldwide, including China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
13. PrimexEhf
PrimexEhf was founded in 2001 and is based in Iceland. The company specializes in the production of chitosan and chitin-based products for various applications, including wound care, cosmetics, and agriculture. In 2022, the company announced the launch of its new chitosan-based fertilizer product, PrimexGrow. The product is designed to improve soil health and promote plant growth in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. PrimexEhf operates in several countries worldwide, including Iceland, the United States, and Europe.
*Definition- Chitin is a tough, semi-transparent substance that makes up the exoskeletons of arthropods and some fungi. It is composed of long chains of N-acetylglucosamine, a derivative of glucose.
