The Global Phosphate Free Chelating Agent Market was valued at US$ 132.8 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 185.9 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This robust growth is being fueled by stringent environmental regulations prohibiting phosphates, rising demand for eco-friendly industrial processes, and the accelerating adoption of green chemistry principles across the textile, water treatment, and paper industries.

As industries worldwide commit to reducing their environmental footprint, the focus intensifies on specialty chemical producers who are pioneering biodegradable and non-toxic alternatives to traditional phosphonates. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Phosphate Free Chelating Agent Industry—a diverse mix of global chemical giants and innovative regional players shaping the future of sustainable chelation.

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🔟 1. Nouryon

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Dissolvine® GL, Dissolvine® GL-47 (Glucoheptonate-based Chelants)

Nouryon is a global specialty chemicals leader and a pioneer in sustainable chelating agents. Their Dissolvine® product line, based on biodegradable gluconates and glutamates, offers high-performance metal ion control without the environmental impact of phosphates. They serve a wide range of sectors from pulp & paper to agrochemicals.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Committed to 100% biodegradable chelant portfolios

• Investment in bio-based raw material sourcing

• Partnering with customers to develop circular economy solutions

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9️⃣ 2. Borregaard

Headquarters: Sarpsborg, Norway
Key Offering: Baltec EDTA & DTPA replacements, Lignosulfonates

Borregaard utilizes its expertise in biorefining to produce advanced, eco-friendly chelating agents derived from renewable biomass. Their offerings provide effective alternatives to EDTA and DTPA, focusing on applications in cleaning, agriculture, and water treatment where biodegradability is critical.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• World-leading producer of vanillin from wood-based lignin

• Development of lignin-based chelants with low environmental persistence

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8️⃣ 3. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Trilon® M (MGDA), Glucoheptonates

BASF’s Trilon® M (MGDA – Methyl Glycine Diacetic Acid) is a flagship phosphate-free chelant known for its excellent biodegradability and high chelating power. It is a key ingredient in automatic dishwashing detergents, industrial cleaners, and personal care products, aligning with global regulatory trends.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Trilon® M is readily biodegradable (OECD 301 standards)

• Integrated production processes to minimize carbon footprint

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7️⃣ 4. Jining Yuanlian Chemical Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Jining, Shandong, China
Key Offering: EDTA-Free Chelants, HEDP alternatives

Jining Yuanlian is a significant Chinese manufacturer specializing in water treatment chemicals and phosphate-free alternatives. The company focuses on cost-effective solutions for the Asian market, particularly for industrial water treatment and cleaning formulations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• R&D focused on greener synthesis pathways

• Increasing production capacity for biodegradable chelating agents

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Phosphate Free Chelating Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Ruimeidi Environmental Protection Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Polyaspartic Acid (PASP), Polyepoxysuccinic Acid (PESA)

Ruimeidi is a specialized producer of green polymer chelants like PASP and PESA. These products are not only phosphate-free but also exhibit superior biodegradability and scale inhibition properties, making them ideal for advanced water treatment systems and green formulations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Core technology based on environmentally benign polymers

• Products certified for use in eco-labeled detergents and cleaners

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5️⃣ 6. Shanghai Wangjie Trading Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: IDS (Iminodisuccinic Acid), EDDS ([S,S]-Ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid)

Shanghai Wangjie operates as a key distributor and supplier of high-purity, biodegradable chelating agents in the Asia-Pacific region. They provide access to scientifically advanced products like IDS and EDDS, which are completely biodegradable and non-toxic.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Supply chain focused on ISO-certified manufacturers

• Promoting the adoption of chelants with the EU Ecolabel approval

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4️⃣ 7. Shandong Pengxiang Water Treatment Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: PASP, PESA, and custom phosphate-free boiler and cooling water treatments

Shandong Pengxiang is a leading supplier of water treatment chemicals in China, with a strong portfolio of phosphate-free solutions. The company caters primarily to the power generation, chemical, and manufacturing industries, helping them meet stringent wastewater discharge standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of integrated chemical programs to reduce overall environmental load

• Focus on improving water reuse and recycling rates for clients

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3️⃣ 8. Foshan Chenhui Chemical Development Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Foshan, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Citric Acid-based cleans, Gluconates

Foshan Chenhui specializes in organic acids and their derivatives, offering natural chelating agents like citric acid and sodium gluconate. These products are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and textile industries as safe and effective phosphate replacements.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Utilization of fermentation-based production for gluconates

• Products compliant with food-grade and pharmaceutical standards

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2️⃣ 9. Innospec Inc.

Headquarters: Englewood, Colorado, USA
Key Offering: Aquest® Bio-soft N Chelants

Innospec’s Performance Chemicals segment offers the Aquest® line, which includes high-performance, readily biodegradable chelating agents designed for home care and personal care applications. Their solutions help formulators meet the demands of leading sustainability certification programs.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on chelants with superior environmental profiles for consumer products

• Active participation in industry associations promoting green chemistry

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1️⃣ 10. Lanxess AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Baypure® CX (Polycarboxylates), Chelating resins

Lanxess, known for its advanced chemical intermediates, offers the Baypure® range of polycarboxylic acids. These products serve as effective dispersants and chelants in detergents and industrial applications, providing a strong technical and environmental alternative to phosphates.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Baypure® products are characterized by high biodegradability

• Investment in membrane technology for sustainable production

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Phosphate Free Chelating Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Chelation Is Green and Biodegradable

The phosphate-free chelating agent market is experiencing a fundamental transformation. While performance remains paramount, the industry’s future is inextricably linked to sustainability, regulatory compliance, and circular economy principles. Significant investments are being channeled into bio-based raw materials, green synthesis technologies, and novel chemistries that offer efficacy without ecological compromise.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated regulatory phase-outs of phosphates in detergents and industrial applications globally

• Rising consumer preference for eco-labeled home and personal care products

• Advancements in bio-technology leading to cost-competitive bio-based chelants like glucoheptonates and glutamates

• Integration of digital tools for supply chain transparency and lifecycle assessment

Get Full Report Here:
Phosphate Free Chelating Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not merely supplying chemicals—they are enabling the green transformation of countless industries, proving that high performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Get Full Report Here:
Phosphate Free Chelating Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report