The Global Phosphate-free Complexing Agent Market was valued at USD 856.3 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1,482.9 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is primarily driven by increasingly stringent global regulations restricting phosphate discharge and a strong, sustained demand from key end-use industries such as water treatment, textiles, and pulp & paper.

As global industries pivot towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, the demand for effective, non-polluting chemical solutions has surged. Phosphate-free complexing agents are at the forefront of this transition, offering powerful metal ion sequestration without contributing to eutrophication. In this in-depth analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Phosphate-free Complexing Agent Market—a diverse group of chemical giants, specialty manufacturers, and green chemistry innovators shaping the future of industrial processes.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Trilon® M (MGDA), Gluconal® (Gluconates), Sokalan® (Polycarboxylates)

BASF SE is a global leader in the chemical industry and a dominant force in the phosphate-free complexing agent market. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-performance, biodegradable chelants under its Trilon®, Gluconal®, and Sokalan® brands. These products are designed for a wide range of applications, including detergents, industrial cleaning, and water treatment, providing excellent sequestration power while meeting the most stringent environmental standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering the production of readily biodegradable Trilon® M (MGDA)

• Committed to achieving carbon-neutral growth by 2030

• Strong focus on developing bio-based raw material pathways for complexing agents

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9️⃣ 2. AkzoNobel N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Dissolvine® (GLDA, DTPA, EDTA), Eminox® (Ethyleneamines)

AkzoNobel’s Specialty Chemicals business (now part of Nouryon) is a key innovator in sustainable chelation technology. Its Dissolvine® product line, particularly the plant-based GLDA (Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid), is a benchmark for high-performance, eco-friendly complexing agents. The company serves the cleaning, personal care, and water treatment markets with a strong commitment to green chemistry principles.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• World’s first commercial producer of bio-based GLDA

• Products designed for optimal biodegradability and low eco-toxicity

• Active participant in global sustainability initiatives like “Together for Sustainability”

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8️⃣ 3. Dow Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: VERSENE™ (EDTA, HEDTA), UCARITE™ (Polycarboxylates)

Dow Inc. is a major global supplier of phosphate-free complexing agents, leveraging its extensive petrochemical and polymer expertise. The company’s VERSENE™ chelating agents are widely used in water treatment, cleaning formulations, and agrochemicals. Dow focuses on developing innovative solutions that enhance performance while minimizing environmental impact through its sustainable chemistry initiatives.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Integration of circular economy principles into product design

• Commitment to deliver sustainable solutions across its portfolio by 2035

• Investment in advanced water treatment technologies for industrial applications

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7️⃣ 4. Kemira Oyj

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Fennofix® (Phosphonates), Polycarboxylic acids for water treatment

Kemira is a leading chemicals company focused on water-intensive industries. While known for its water treatment expertise, Kemira has developed advanced phosphate-free solutions, including high-performance polymers and phosphonates that prevent scale and corrosion without environmental persistence. The company’s strong R&D focus positions it as a key player in sustainable water management solutions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of biodegradable scale inhibitors and coagulants

• Targeting significant reductions in the environmental footprint of customer processes

• Focus on closed-loop water systems and resource efficiency

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6️⃣ 5. Innospec Inc.

Headquarters: Englewood, Colorado, USA
Key Offering: Octaquest® (IDS, GLDA), Specialty phosphonates

Innospec is a global specialty chemicals company with a strong presence in performance chemicals. Its Octaquest® line of biodegradable chelants, including Iminodisuccinate (IDS) and GLDA, offers effective alternatives to traditional phosphates and less biodegradable aminocarboxylates. The company serves diverse markets, including household detergents, personal care, and industrial applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Leadership in developing readily biodegradable chelating agents

• Commitment to sustainable product innovation and responsible sourcing

• Active in promoting green chemistry in consumer and industrial sectors

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5️⃣ 6. Nouryon

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Dissolvine® (GLDA, ASDA), Berol® surfactants and chelants

Nouryon, formerly the specialty chemicals business of AkzoNobel, is a standalone leader in performance chemicals. The company’s Dissolvine® portfolio is renowned for its sustainable chelating agents, including the bio-based GLDA. Nouryon focuses on creating value through innovation and sustainability, serving customers in cleaning, agrochemicals, and personal care industries worldwide.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering bio-based and readily biodegradable complexing agents

• Emphasis on circular economy and reducing product carbon footprint

• Development of products that enable customers to meet their sustainability targets

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4️⃣ 7. Lanxess AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Baypure® (DSDA, CX), Lewatit® ion exchange resins

Lanxess is a leading specialty chemicals company with a strong portfolio in water treatment and material protection. The company’s Baypure® products offer effective chelation solutions, while its Lewatit® ion exchange resins provide alternative technologies for water softening and metal ion removal. Lanxess combines chemical and physical treatment technologies to offer comprehensive solutions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of biodegradable complexing agents with low environmental impact

• Focus on water conservation and treatment technologies

• Integration of sustainability criteria into product development processes

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3️⃣ 8. Fuyang Biotech

Headquarters: Fuyang, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Gluconates, Citrates, Itaconates

Fuyang Biotech is a major Chinese manufacturer of organic acids and their derivatives, including natural complexing agents. The company specializes in fermentation-based production of gluconic acid and citric acid, which are widely used as eco-friendly chelating agents in food, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and water treatment. Its competitive cost structure and scale make it a significant player in the Asian market.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Utilization of renewable raw materials through fermentation processes

• Focus on bio-based and naturally derived complexing agents

• Expansion of production capacity to meet growing demand for green chemicals

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2️⃣ 9. Tosoh Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Chelest® (Gluconates, EDTA derivatives), Specialty monomers

Tosoh Corporation is a Japanese chemical company with a strong presence in specialty chemicals and functional materials. Its Chelest® series includes various gluconate-based and aminocarboxylate complexing agents used in water treatment, metal surface treatment, and cleaning applications. The company’s technical expertise and high-quality standards make it a preferred supplier in demanding industrial applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of environmentally benign chelating agents for various industries

• Commitment to chemical substance management and product stewardship

• Focus on energy-efficient production processes and waste reduction

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1️⃣ 10. AVA Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.

Headquarters: Maharashtra, India
Key Offering: Customized phosphate-free chelants, Gluconates, Citrates

AVA Chemicals is a leading Indian manufacturer of specialty chemicals, including a range of phosphate-free complexing agents. The company serves diverse industries such as textiles, leather, and water treatment with customized solutions. Its strong regional presence and focus on application-specific formulations make it a key player in the rapidly growing South Asian market.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of tailored eco-friendly solutions for specific industrial needs

• Focus on local manufacturing to reduce carbon footprint

• Commitment to meeting international environmental standards

Read Full Report:
Phosphate-free Complexing Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Phosphate-free Complexing Agents is Greener and Smarter

The phosphate-free complexing agent market is undergoing a fundamental transformation. While traditional chelants still serve certain applications, the industry is rapidly shifting toward bio-based, readily biodegradable alternatives that offer comparable or superior performance without environmental concerns. Regulatory pressures, combined with growing consumer awareness, are accelerating this transition across all major end-use sectors.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated adoption of bio-based complexing agents like GLDA and MGDA

• Increasing regulatory pressure for phosphate bans in detergents and industrial applications

• Growing demand from emerging economies implementing stricter environmental standards

• Development of multi-functional products combining chelation with dispersion and inhibition properties

Read Full Report:
Phosphate-free Complexing Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying essential chemicals—they’re driving the green transformation of industrial processes worldwide, enabling sustainable growth while protecting our water resources for future generations.