The UK Chitosan market is currently valued at around USD 85.7 million, and is anticipated to progress at a CAGR of 7.7% to reach USD 193.8 million by 2035.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025) | USD 85.7 million |
| Industry Value (2035) | USD 193.8 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.7% |
The UK chitosan market experiences continuous advancements that are mainly propelled by the wider utilization of this biopolymer in food additives, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and biomedical sectors. Chitosan, a biopolymer that is mostly obtained from shrimp shells, is highly valued for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and film-forming properties, and thus, it is a popular ingredient in many industries.
Companies like Heppe Medical Chitosan, Tidal Vision, KitoZyme, Primex, and Bio21 play the leading role in the UK chitosan market by channeling money into projects for the development of biodegradable chitosan, the implementation of sustainable extraction methods, and the introduction of new formulation technologies. The need for natural food preservatives and edible coatings in the food industry is driving the growth of the market.
Chitosan uses, as monitored by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), are being overseen to confirm they are currently complying with food safety and allergen regulations. Moreover, the switch to biobased and sustainable alternatives in the food packaging and preservation industry has further propelled market growth.
The market has been expanding despite challenges such as increased production costs, lack of public information, and seafood industry reliance on raw materials due to the growing demand for environmentally friendly and functional food ingredients, the development of better chitosan formulations, and more research on health benefits.
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The table below offers a detailed comparative assessment of the changes in the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over six months for the base year (2024) and the current year (2025) specifically for the UK Chitosan market. This semi-annual analysis highlights crucial shifts in market dynamics and outlines revenue realization patterns, providing stakeholders with a more precise understanding of the growth trajectory within the year. The first half of the year, H1, covers January to June, while the second half, H2, spans July to December.
H1 signifies period from January to June, H2 Signifies period from July to December
| Date | Development/M&A Activity & Details |
|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | Heppe Medical Chitosan launched a high-purity chitosan for use in advanced food coatings. The product is aimed at extending the shelf life of perishable food items. |
| Oct 2024 | KitoZyme expanded its production facility in the UK to meet the growing demand for chitosan-based food preservatives. The investment enhances the company’s capacity to serve European markets. |
| Sep 2024 | Tidal Vision introduced a shrimp-free, plant-based chitosan alternative for food and beverage applications. The company aims to address allergen concerns associated with seafood-derived chitosan. |
| Aug 2024 | Primex partnered with UK food manufacturers to develop biodegradable food packaging materials incorporating chitosan. This initiative aligns with increasing sustainability goals in the food sector. |
| Jul 2024 | Bio21 conducted clinical trials on the use of chitosan in dietary supplements for weight management. The study aims to validate chitosan’s effectiveness in fat absorption reduction. |
The Natural Preservative Revolutionizing the UK Chitosan Industry
In view of the growing acceptance of chitosan as food preservative, now that consumers prefer natural and products free of chemicals technology are finding wider use of chitosan in the UK food industry. It demonstrates antibacterial and antifungal properties thus preventing microbial spoilage. By utilizing chitosan, food manufacturers are able to lengthen the shelf-life, preserve texture, and mostly, stabilize the products of fresh produce, dairy, and seafood.
The pronounced need for clean label components is yet another factor influencing the using of chitosan that displaces synthetic preservatives. Research has also contributed to the direction of investigations about its control of lipid oxidation enhancing thus the nutritional quality of packaged food products.
Innovate sustainability and cruelty-free chitosan alternatives
Although shrimp continues to be the main source of chitosan, the concerns raised about contamination and sustainability have instigated investigations on plant-derived and fungal-based chitosan. Companies such as Tidal Vision and Bio21 are finding ways to create alternative vegan chitosan of plant origin. Such developments are especially crucial in the functional food, nutraceutical and when talked about, biodegradable packaging sectors.
The promotion of a chitosan fungal product is the fact that it is free of seafood allergens and its appeal to ethical sourcing. Its making is considered also as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative that, likewise, will support market development.
Chitosan as edible packaging and Coating Applications grow
As demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging solutions rises, chitosan is being increasingly incorporated into edible films and coatings. The trend is driven by the UK government commitment to reducing plastic waste and improving food safety standards.
Research on the combination of chitosan with essential oils and nanotechnology is adding more value to chitosan applications in the food packaging sector. These biodegradable films can substitute for plastic-based coatings, which were used before and at the same time prolong shelf life of food and minimize wastage. The growing focus on the circular economy initiatives in the UK will further amplify the impact of chitosan in the sustainable food packaging.
% share of Individual categories by Product Type and Applications in 2025
Chitosan from shrimp accounts for a share of 45% market share in the UK as a result of it being pure, available, and cheap. The raw material supplier is the processing industry for seafood products which ensures a constant provision of chitosan.
Besides, the developing sources of fungal chitosan will, in a way, compensate the market dynamics through such modes as trade. Furthermore, shrimp chitosan's bioactivity and high-quality molecular structure have made this the right choice for top-class food coatings and functional supplements. Regulations in the marine biopolymers sphere divert the flow of on-sourcing and production.
While being clean-label and functional ingredients are major attractions of chitosan among food additives, it accounts for 40% of the UK's overall chitosan market. The fact that chitosan is great for binding fat, emulsification, and also the ability to improve texture has been indeed among its benefits in bakery, dairy, and meat products.
There is a growing consumer trend toward low-fat and high-fiber formulations which makes chitosan a sought-after supplement in foods. This is largely due to its prebiotic properties which gives it the ability to hold a gut-health-focused argument in the applications of functional foods and drinks.
2025 Market share of UK Chitosan suppliers
Note: above chart is indicative in nature
UK minimum requires little involvement in the chitosan market through competition as the major players are centered on product innovation, sustainability through sourcing, and remaining compliant with the regulations. Companies such as Heppe Medical Chitosan, Tidal Vision, KitoZyme, Primex, and Bio21 are making capital investments in bio-based extraction, alternative sources, and high-performance formulations to engage with the evolving demands posed by the industries.
While there is a growing emphasis on faga added food, sustainable, and more general be harmful, the decrease in demand for virgin packaging has been the highest seen for a long while. Chitosan podo is projected to grow in future prospects.
Within the Forecast Period, the UK Chitosan market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7%.
By 2035, the sales value of the UK Chitosan industry is expected to reach USD 193.8 million.
Growth is driven by rising demand for natural food preservatives, advancements in biodegradable packaging, and increasing applications in functional foods and dietary supplements.
Prominent players in the UK Chitosan manufacturing include Heppe Medical Chitosan, Tidal Vision, KitoZyme, Primex, and Bio21, all of which are focusing on sustainable chitosan production and food-grade formulations.
Liquid, Powder.
Shrimp, Crab, Lobster.
Food Additive, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics.
UK Chitosan Market
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