Chitin Chitosan Derivatives Market Trends

Key Emerging Trends in the Chitin Chitosan Derivatives Market

The production of chitin and its derivatives relies significantly on the availability of abundant raw materials, with major sources including shrimp, crab, squid, lobster, insects, fungi, and yeasts. Chitin, a crucial structural component, is naturally found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans, the cuticle of insects, and the cell walls of fungi and yeast. Among these sources, crustacean shells, particularly those from shrimps and crabs, stand out as the primary raw material for industrial chitin production due to their cost-effectiveness, high chitin content, and widespread availability as waste or by-products.

Crustacean shells, comprising approximately 20%–40% chitin along with proteins, calcium, and minimal pigments, are a rich reservoir for chitin extraction. The abundance of crustacean shells is attributed to the growth of the aquaculture industry, which has led to increased supplies of shrimps, crabs, squids, and lobsters, even during off-seasons. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aquaculture production is projected to experience a substantial 37% growth from 2016 to 2030, reaching a volume of 109 million tonnes by 2030.

Crucially, key players in the aquaculture industry are major producers of crustaceans, with significant contributions from countries such as China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, Ecuador, India, and France. The shells obtained from these crustaceans serve as a valuable resource for chitin extraction, contributing to the economic feasibility of chitin production. Additionally, the growth of aquaculture has facilitated a consistent supply of raw materials, ensuring that the demand for chitin can be met.

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly Japan, has emerged as a focal point for chitin extraction facilities over the past two decades. This region has witnessed the establishment of multiple facilities dedicated to extracting chitin from shells recovered from shrimps and crabs. The concentration of chitin and chitosan production in Asia-Pacific is notable, with minimal production reported in Europe.

The strategic positioning of chitin extraction facilities in the Asia-Pacific region aligns with the region's dominance in crustacean production. The accessibility to large quantities of crustacean shells, driven by the flourishing aquaculture industry, has made Asia-Pacific a hub for chitin production. This regional concentration underscores the importance of proximity to raw material sources in the chitin extraction process.

In conclusion, the abundant availability of raw materials, particularly crustacean shells, plays a pivotal role in sustaining the chitin and its derivatives industry. The growth of the aquaculture industry, coupled with the cost-effectiveness of utilizing crustacean shells as by-products, ensures a continuous and reliable supply of raw materials. As the demand for chitin and its derivatives continues to rise, the strategic positioning of extraction facilities in regions with abundant crustacean resources, such as the Asia-Pacific, is essential for the industry's growth and sustainability.