The chemical industry is vast and offers countless opportunities for entrepreneurs. If you are looking to start a business in this field, here are some of the best chemical business ideas curated by our industry experts that are profitable and relatively easy to understand.
What Start a Chemical Business?
The chemical industry is one of the largest industrial sectors worldwide and is crucial to various industries. It provides key raw materials for manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Textiles, plastics, and construction industries depend on chemicals daily.
Specialty and industrial chemical demand is increasing. The global chemical market is anticipated to grow to $6158.94 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The government also encourages chemical industries with policies and incentives.
Chemical production also provides huge export potential. Bulk chemicals are imported by numerous countries. There are high profit margins, particularly in specialty niches such as organic chemicals and specialty coatings.
33 Business Ideas in Chemical Industry
1. Cleaning Products Manufacturing
This involves the manufacture of domestic or industrial cleaning products such as detergents, disinfectants, and degreasers. Cleaning products are never out of demand, and the pandemic has further emphasized hygiene. You may begin small and expand as your brand develops.
2. Specialty Chemicals for Electronics
Specialty chemicals are generally used to produce electronic devices like semiconductors, circuit boards, and displays. Solvents, photoresists, and etching chemicals are generally used in this industry. The electronics industry is growing at a rapid pace, and these chemicals are important in the production of high-tech devices.
3. Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastics are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are widely used biodegradable plastics. They degrade quickly and are less harmful to the environment.
Since plastic waste is gaining increasing prominence, consumers and governments are demanding sustainable alternatives evermore.
4. Matchstick Making
Matchstick manufacturing business can be initiated on a small scale by maintaining safety measures strictly. Matchsticks are consumer durable products and the demand is growing day by day. An entrepreneur knowing channel distribution can start this business with moderate capital investment.
5. Fragrances and Essential Oils
Essential oils are derived from plants and employed in aromatherapy, perfumes, and cosmetics. There is a growing demand for organic and natural products. Essential oils are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils are favoured.
6. Industrial Gases Production
Industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon are utilized in industries. It includes healthcare, food processing, and metal fabrication. The gases are needed for numerous industrial processes, and the demand is consistent. Firms such as Linde and Air Products have established successful enterprises in industrial gases.
7. Neem Oil Extraction
Neem oil extraction business opportunity demands adequate knowledge about the oil extraction process. There are several techniques used in the industrial and commercial extraction of neem oil. Neem oil extraction using solvents like alcohol, ether, and hydrocarbons is the most used process in the industry.
8. Agarbatti Making
Agarbatti is a consumer product that the demand is in demand throughout the year, and it increases on festive days. The scope and production of the Agarbatti-making business are based on individual investment capability. One can start this business as home-based and can go on a large scale also.
9. Water Treatment Chemicals
Chemicals used in water treatment are applied to clean water for drinking, industrial purposes, or wastewater treatment. The chemicals eliminate impurities, bacteria, and toxic substances. Due to increasing issues regarding clean water and environmental legislation, the market for water treatment chemicals is on the increase. These are needed by industries, municipalities, as well as households.
10. Pesticide Making
Small-scale pesticide manufacturing business demands knowledge about the process of formulation with the right technology. Selecting the right product is important. Pesticide manufacturing is one of the most profitable chemical ideas.
11. Nylon Production
The demand for nylon products is very extensive globally, and it is required daily. Choosing the right product and identifying the market are the most crucial issues in achieving success in nylon production.
12. Micronutrient Making
Micronutrient has immense potential in the agriculture business. Having a strong distribution strategy, one can start this manufacturing business with substantial capital investment.
13. Make Nail Polish
The nail polish-making business is a million-dollar industry in cosmetic products. Nail polish is a lacquer kind of product that is used to decorate and protect human fingernails or toenails. The demand for nail polish is growing rapidly, particularly in urban areas, owing to several factors such as greater purchasing power because of higher income, the desire to look better and more attractive, etc.
14. Liquid Soap Making
The liquid soap-making business includes a wide range of processing, packaging, and marketing operations. The business also demands extensive market research and marketing strategy. Liquid soap is a consumable item and the demand for it is increasing in rural and urban areas.
15. Toilet Cleaner
Knowing the formulation process, an individual can start a toilet cleaner business with moderate capital investment on a small-scale basis. Determining the proper marketing strategy is important in this type of business.
16. Botanical Pesticide Making
Because of the high price of synthetic pesticides and the issues of environmental contamination resulting from the constant application of these chemicals, there is a renewed interest in the utilization of botanicals for crop protection. With proper knowledge about the formulation process, an individual can initiate this business with moderate capital investment.
17. Hand Sanitizer Making
Commercial hand sanitizer-making businesses demand proper skills in the mixing and formulation process. The process is very simple. An entrepreneur can initiate this venture with moderate capital investment.
18. Fungicide Making
Fungicide is an important component of the agriculture and food industry. Different types of fungicides that have different compositions are used for various purposes. The formulation of fungicide in liquid, powder, or granule form can be initiated on a small-scale basis.
19. Export/ Import
The export/import of chemicals is a very profitable business one can initiate with moderate startup capital. You will need to obtain the export/import license first. Select the products for export and import. Build your business network. Export/import is one of the most profitable chemical business ideas.
20. Aloe vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a herbal product that has seen an immensely increasing demand. You can initiate the business on a small-scale basis with proper knowledge about herbal product marketing.
21. Insecticide Making
Insecticide manufacturing is one of the most profitable chemical business ideas one can start with substantial capital investment. The demand for good-quality pesticides is huge. Additionally, you can initiate the business on a small and large-scale basis.
22. Floor Polish Making
Real estate venture owners or property owners can’t ignore the effectiveness of floor polish. Different types of floor polish are generally used for polishing different types of flooring components such as marble, granite, vitrified tiles, etc. The production process is simple.
23. Hair Conditioner Making
Hair conditioner is a consumer-durable hair care product. You can start selling under your brand name and you can also produce the product for the other company.
24. Weedicide Making
Two types of weedicides are generally found in the market. One is an herbal or botanical weedicide, and another is a chemical weedicide. For the production of herbal weedicide, no major licensing is required. Producing weedicide is one of the most lucrative small-scale chemical businesses to start.
25. Paints Making
Paints are always in demand for homes, offices, and vehicles, making it a steady market. One can initiate this business with moderate to high capital investment.
26. Face cream Cleansing Lotion Making
Increasing awareness about beauty and health care among people has increased the demand for products like face cream cleansing lotion. Selecting the right product is important in this business. The manufacturing process is not complex. You can initiate the business on a small-scale basis.
27. Ball Pen Ink Refill Making
Ball pen ink refill making is one of the most profitable chemical business ideas one can initiate with moderate capital investment. The production process is simple. it doesn’t require major licensing to initiate.
28. Germicide Making
Germicide is a consumer-durable product. It is used to kill germs and bacteria on different types of surfaces. These have the potential to cause harm to humans and other living things. The production process is simple and is one of the most profitable chemical business ideas at present.
29. Herbal Shampoo Making
The herbal shampoo is a hair care product and the market potential is increasing day by day. Knowing the technical process, any individual can initiate this business on a small-scale basis, with moderate capital investment.
Read: Best Cosmetic Business Ideas
30. Toothpaste Making
Toothpaste is a consumer-durable product. In today’s world, we find different varieties of types of toothpaste available in the market. The production process is simple. You can start the business on a small-scale basis. Selecting the right product and crafting the right marketing strategy is crucial to success in this business.
31. Dishwash Bar Making
Dish dishwash bar is a consumer-durable product. The demand is growing worldwide. The manufacturing process is simple. No major licensing is required. One can initiate this venture with proper knowledge of the production process
31. Herbal Soap Making
The herbal industry is growing globally. Awareness among people about the benefits of using herbal products is the main reason behind it. The herbal soap-making process is simple and it requires few simple raw materials. One can initiate this venture small-scale basis with moderate capital investment.
32. Agrochemicals Production
Agrochemicals are fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that enable farmers to grow more crops. Urea, ammonium nitrate, and glyphosate are typical agrochemicals. Agriculture forms the core of most economies, and farmers are always in need of efficient solutions to safeguard their crops. Producing agrochemicals is one of the most profitable industrial chemical business ideas.
33. Adhesives and Sealants Manufacturing
Adhesives and sealants are often applied in construction, packaging, and manufacturing to join materials. The products are critical in industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. The market is expanding as a result of urbanization and industrial growth. Epoxy resins, silicone sealants, and polyurethane adhesives are in demand.

Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
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