The Global Food Grade Chitin Market was valued at USD 432.7 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 728.9 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.6% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for natural food additives, the expansion of functional foods and nutraceuticals, and the rising adoption of sustainable packaging solutions.

As the global market pivots towards bio-based and eco-friendly ingredients, the role of specialized biopolymer producers has become increasingly critical. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Food Grade Chitin Industry—a diverse group of biotechnology firms, marine product specialists, and ingredient innovators shaping the future of sustainable food systems.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global and Regional Food Grade Chitin Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🔟 1. Primex ehf

Headquarters: Siglufjörður, Iceland
Key Offering: Food Grade Chitin, Chitosan, and Derivatives

Primex ehf is a global leader in chitin and chitosan production, renowned for its high-purity, pharmaceutical-grade products derived from sustainable Arctic shrimp sources. The company operates one of the world’s most advanced chitin processing facilities, utilizing patented enzymatic extraction methods. Primex serves a diverse clientele across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries, with a strong focus on research and development.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Patented enzymatic hydrolysis technology for superior purity

• Sustainable sourcing from Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus)

• Strategic partnerships with leading nutraceutical companies

---

9️⃣ 2. Advanced Biopolymers AS

Headquarters: Trondheim, Norway
Key Offering: ChitoClear® Brand Chitosan, Custom Biopolymer Solutions

Advanced Biopolymers AS specializes in high-quality chitosan products under its ChitoClear® brand, catering primarily to the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The company is noted for its consistent quality control and ability to produce customized chitin derivatives with specific molecular weights and degrees of deacetylation. Their products are widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and water purification applications.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Proprietary quality control systems ensuring batch-to-batch consistency

• Focus on developing chitosan-based fat-binding supplements

• Commitment to zero-waste production processes

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global and Regional Food Grade Chitin Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

8️⃣ 3. Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH

Headquarters: Halle (Saale), Germany
Key Offering: Medical and Food Grade Chitosan, Custom Biopolymers

Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH is a leading European producer specializing in both medical and food-grade chitosan products. The company has developed advanced purification technologies that enable it to meet stringent European regulatory standards. Their product portfolio includes various chitosan salts and derivatives tailored for specific food and pharmaceutical applications, with a strong emphasis on biocompatibility and safety.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Advanced purification technologies for ultra-pure chitosan

• Development of chitosan-based edible films for food preservation

• Active participation in EU-funded biopolymer research projects

---

7️⃣ 4. Kunpoong Bio Co. Ltd.

Headquarters: Busan, South Korea
Key Offering: Food Grade Chitin, Chitosan Oligosaccharide, Cosmetics Grade Chitosan

Kunpoong Bio is a major Asian player in the chitin market, leveraging South Korea’s strong seafood processing industry for raw material sourcing. The company has expanded its production capacity significantly in recent years, particularly for chitosan oligosaccharide, which has superior solubility and bioavailability. Kunpoong Bio serves both domestic and international markets, with growing exports to North America and Europe.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expansion of production facilities in Vietnam to increase capacity by 40%

• Development of low-molecular-weight chitosan for enhanced bioavailability

• Focus on sustainable sourcing from Korean seafood processing waste

---

6️⃣ 5. Navamedic ASA

Headquarters: Lysaker, Norway
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical and Food Grade Chitosan, Medical Devices

Navamedic ASA is a Scandinavian company that integrates chitin production with pharmaceutical applications. While primarily focused on medical devices and drug delivery systems, their food-grade chitosan division has grown significantly, particularly in the weight management and dietary supplement sectors. The company’s vertically integrated approach ensures tight quality control from raw material to finished product.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Integration of chitin production with pharmaceutical applications

• Development of chitosan-based medical devices with food applications

• Sustainable sourcing from Norwegian fjord shrimp

---

5️⃣ 6. AgraTech International

Headquarters: Collins, Missouri, USA
Key Offering: Agricultural and Food Grade Chitin, Soil Amendment Products

AgraTech International is a North American leader in chitin-based products for agriculture that has expanded into food applications. The company utilizes crab and shrimp shell waste from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic fisheries to produce chitin and chitosan for various industrial uses. Their food-grade products are particularly popular in the organic food sector as natural preservatives and functional ingredients.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Utilization of Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic fisheries waste

• Development of chitin-based organic food preservatives

• Partnerships with major food processors for custom solutions

---

4️⃣ 7. Bannawach Bio-Line

Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand
Key Offering: Organic Certified Chitin, Shrimp Shell Derivatives

Bannawach Bio-Line capitalizes on Thailand’s position as a global shrimp processing hub to produce cost-effective chitin products. The company specializes in organic-certified chitin, appealing to the growing clean-label food market. Their strategic location provides access to abundant raw materials, while their focus on organic certification differentiates them in premium market segments.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Specialization in organic-certified chitin products

• Strategic location in Thailand’s shrimp processing hub

• Development of chitosan-based water treatment for food industry

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global and Regional Food Grade Chitin Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

3️⃣ 8. Hubei Huashan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Headquarters: Wuhan, Hubei, China
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical and Food Grade Chitin, Chitosan Derivatives

Hubei Huashan Pharmaceutical is one of China’s leading chitin producers, leveraging the country’s massive seafood processing industry. The company has invested heavily in advanced extraction and purification technologies to meet international quality standards. Their food-grade chitin products are exported worldwide, with particular strength in Asian markets where regulatory barriers are lower.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Advanced extraction technologies meeting international standards

• Large-scale production leveraging China’s seafood industry

• Expansion into chitosan-based dietary supplements

---

2️⃣ 9. Jiangsu Shuanglin Marine Biological

Headquarters: Nantong, Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Marine-derived Chitin, Cosmetics and Food Grade Chitosan

Jiangsu Shuanglin Marine Biological specializes in marine-derived biopolymers, with a focus on high-purity chitin and chitosan for food and cosmetic applications. The company achieved a significant milestone in 2024 by securing FDA approval for its food-grade chitin products, facilitating its entry into the North American market. Their integrated production facility handles everything from crustacean processing to final product manufacturing.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• FDA approval for food-grade chitin products in 2024

• Integrated production from crustacean processing to final product

• Development of chitosan-based edible coatings for fruits

---

1️⃣ 10. Meron Biopolymers

Headquarters: Rehovot, Israel
Key Offering: Fungal-derived Chitin, Vegan Chitosan Alternatives

Meron Biopolymers represents the cutting edge of chitin production with its innovative fungal-derived chitin technology. This approach addresses several limitations of traditional crustacean-sourced chitin, including allergen concerns, supply chain vulnerabilities, and vegan market requirements. The company’s proprietary fermentation process produces chitin with consistent quality and properties tailored for specific food applications.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering fungal-derived chitin for allergen-free applications

• Proprietary fermentation process for consistent quality

• Focus on vegan and sustainable chitin alternatives

Get Full Report Here:
Global and Regional Food Grade Chitin Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Food Grade Chitin Is Sustainable and Multifunctional

The food grade chitin market is undergoing a significant transformation as sustainability and functionality become paramount. While traditional crustacean-sourced chitin still dominates, the industry is rapidly adopting innovative production methods and exploring new applications that align with circular economy principles.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid adoption of enzymatic extraction methods improving yield and purity

• Growing demand for clean-label and natural food preservatives

• Expansion into plant-based food applications as texturizing agents

• Increasing regulatory approvals for novel food applications globally

Get Full Report Here:
Global and Regional Food Grade Chitin Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only producing essential biopolymers—they’re driving the sustainable transformation of the global food industry through innovation and strategic market expansion.