Top 50 Small Scale Chemical Business Ideas

Are you interested to start a chemical-related business? If yes, you have landed at the right place. Here in this article, you will find a list of the best low-cost chemical business ideas and opportunities that can be started on a small scale.
Broadly, the chemical industry can be classified into three segments. They are Basic, Specialities, and Knowledge Chemicals. The examples are:
- Basic: Petrochemicals, Fertilizers, Inorganic chemicals, Alkalies, Chloralkali, Aromatics, Thermoplastics, Thermosets, and Other Industrial chemicals.
- Specialty-Based: Adhesive, Sealant, Catalysts, Industrial gases, Paints and Coating, Pharma additives, Lubricants, Water treatment chemicals, Plastic additives
- Knowledge-Based: Agrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology
Here is the list of chemical business opportunities with low investment:
Table of Contents
50 Chemical Business Ideas
#1. Agarbatti Making
You can initiate an Agarbatti-making business on a small-scale or large-scale basis. Generally, the incense stick is considered a household good. It has great market potential. The five biggest importers of incense sticks are the United States, Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Nepal.
The burning of Agarbatti or incense in religious and social functions has been practiced in most South Asian countries since early times. Agarbatti an aromatic powder or paste is burnt in homes as a fragrant fumigant and is reputed to possess insecticidal and antiseptic properties. Read More
#2. Agro Chemical Manufacturing
This chemical industry formulates and prepares fertilizer products, pesticides (e.g. herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides), and other agricultural chemicals (e.g. insect repellents, sheep dips, fly sprays, and flea powders).
Agrochemical manufacturing is considered one of the most profitable chemical business ideas to start with substantial capital investment.
#3. Air Freshener Production
Air freshener is quite a common product these days. People use this product at home, in offices, and also in cars. Also, the product has massive applications in large public areas like hotel lobbies, auto dealerships, medical facilities, and cinema halls.
With a small setup and medium capital investment, you can start a fragrance line of air fresheners. Apart from the local market, it is a very good product for selling online.
#4. Aloe Vera Gel Production
Aloe vera is being used as the main ingredient for drinks, cosmetics, personal care, and medical products worldwide. You can start this business on a small-scale basis with low capital investment. Read More…
#5. Auto Tubes and Flaps
Currently, the automobile market is not doing so well. However, the scenario is completely different for the spare parts and accessories market. Every vehicle needs to change the tire and tubes after a certain period of time. So, the demand is still there.
With minimum machinery setup and a small investment, you can start a manufacturing unit of it. The production process is simple. And you can sell the products initially in local areas.
#6. Ball Pen Ink Refill Manufacturing
The ballpoint pen was developed as a solution to the problems related to writing with a fountain pen. A variety of raw materials is used for making the components of a ballpoint pen, ink, and refill including metals, plastics, and other chemicals. This manufacturing opportunity can be initiated on a small-scale basis. Read More…
#7. Battery Manufacturing
Generally, there are two types of batteries: storage and primary batteries. Storage batteries are also known as secondary or rechargeable batteries. Primary batteries are non-rechargeable batteries that only have one life. Battery manufacturing is considered one of the most profitable chemical business ideas that can be initiated as the home-based also.
#8. Bindi Making
Bindi-making is a simple process with good marketing avenues and profitability. The women population has replaced traditional kumkum with the decorative designer bindi. Bindi is a small piece of velvet cloth with a suitable adhesive.
It comes in different colors, sizes, and pictures. You can initiate the bindi-making business as a home-based with comparatively low startup capital. Bindi is a consumable product and requires both rural and urban women. Read More…
#9. Bio-Diesel Production
Bio-diesel production units can be established on a small-scale basis at any place where the main raw material Jatropha oil is easily available. There is a continuous search for renewable sources of fuels due to the rate of depletion of fossils.
The term biofuel is used to define fuels that are obtainable from plants or animals. Being a renewable source, it is gaining attention all over the world today. Read More…
#10. Bleaching Powder Manufacturing
Bleaching powder is mainly used for bleaching cotton yarn, textiles, and paper pulp. It is also used as a disinfectant, especially for sterilizing wounds, surgical dressings, etc., and in water purification and sanitation.
Also, it is a very good source of chlorine in the preparation of chloroform. Additionally, you can initiate the manufacturing unit on a small-scale basis with semi-automatic machinery. Read More…
#11. Bubble Packing Paper Manufacturing
Bubble wrapping papers are an essential item for fragile goods packing. The manufacturing process is not very complex and the market is also very inspiring. Read More…
#12. Candle Making
Generally, any individual can initiate a candle-making business on a small-scale and part-time basis. People light candles not only for religious purposes but also as decor items. Apart from the traditional long white candle, there is also a very potential market for scented and decorative candles. Read More…
#13. Canvas Shoes Manufacturing
Canvas shoe production involves designing the upper and inner parts, cutting off the canvas to fit, and assembling the various parts. Additionally, you can carry out the insole fixing and trimming upper edge binding, and bottom gluing in the finishing section.
The major raw materials used in the production of canvas shoes are canvas fabrics (upper), lining, and rubber soles.
#14. Cartridge Refilling Business
Cartridge refilling is a great small-scale opportunity. Additionally, you can initiate the business as a home-based also. However, a retail location ensures better profitability. Having refilling skills with some equipment, you can start this business.
#15. Cement Plant
The mini cement plant is a profitable manufacturing opportunity. The major required raw materials are limestone, clay, pet coke, and iron dust. However, you need a wide range of licenses and permits to start this business.
#16. Ceramic Color Manufacturing
Underglaze Ceramic colors are commonly used for decoration on unglazed ceramic articles which are finally covered with a transparent glaze. Ceramic colors are pigments based on Zirconium. Additionally, you can use it directly in enamel slips, pottery, colored wall tiles, sanitary ware, etc.
Zirconium-based yellow, blue, green, and pink stains are used directly for producing colored wall tiles, etc. In addition, you can initiate the manufacturing unit on a small-scale basis.
#17. Chemical Etching On Wood
Chemical etching on wood is one of the most trending chemical business ideas with low-cost involvement. Basically, you can perform chemical etching by using various chemicals to give an artistic design on wood. Basically, it is an essential interior decoration item.
#18. Detergent Powder Manufacturing
The detergent powder manufacturing process is simple. It involves the activity of mixing and grinding the right raw material with the right proportionate ratio. Detergent powder manufacturing is one of the most profitable chemical business ideas as per profit margin. Read More…
#19. Disinfectant Liquid
Liquid disinfectant is a highly popular item in households. Also, it is an essential item for hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Dettol and Savlon are the most renowned brands in this segment.
The manufacturing process is simple. And you need a small factory set up with some basic machinery. However, it needs proper licensing and permission from specific authorities.
#20. Dish Wash Bar Liquid Production
Dish wash bars and liquid are popular household consumable items. The demand is increasing with the increasing purchase power among the people. Additionally, you can initiate the unit on a small-scale basis. Read More…
#21. Drain Cleaner Production
A drain cleaner is a chemical-based consumer product that unblocks sewer pipes or clogged wastewater drains. An effective drain cleaner can remove soft obstructions (such as hair and grease) accumulating near the fixture’s drain inlet. The product has a huge demand in modern households.
Apart from the brick-and-mortar stores, almost all online marketplaces sell this product to their digital consumers.
#22. Eraser Making
Rubber erasers are generally made from natural rubber. Generally, students, artists, bookkeepers, typists, and others use erasers to correct their mistakes. Eraser-making project is profitable and there is demand in the domestic and export market. Read More…
#23. Gold Plating
Nowadays, gold-plated jewelry is a highly popular item among ladies. Also, the demand for gold-plated spectacle frames is rising these days. With a small investment, you can start producing gold-plated jewelry even at home (provided you have space).
Apart from jewelry, gold plating has industrial demand too. However, you must cater to a specific niche in the initial days.
#24. Granite Quarry
Initiating a granite quarry is a profitable venture to start with substantial capital investment. With the increasing market of the real estate industry, the demand for granite has also increased. Granite is an essential item in real estate.
#25. Hand Sanitizer Production
Currently, the demand for alcohol-based hand sanitizers is rising very fast. Even some supermarket is going out of stock of sanitizer. So, it is the right time for starting a small-scale sanitizer production business.
You can find a brief production guide on the WHO (World Health Organization) website also. The production process is simple. However, the business demands a specific license from the Govt. authority.
#26. Hard Surface Cleaner Production
Different types of hard surface cleaners are available in the market. People use these products for overall household cleaning. Also, these are popular items for use in commercial places like restaurants, hotels, showrooms, offices, etc.
However, cleaners with different formulas work effectively on different surfaces. So, it is important to start production with a specific product that addresses specific cleaning problems.
#27. Insecticide Formulation
Insecticide formulation comes under the category of knowledge base chemical business ideas. CIB Registration and permission from the Pollution Control Board are mandatory for this type of chemical business.
#28. Latex Rubber Thread Manufacturing
Generally, hosiery industries are the major consumers of latex rubber threads. Apart from this latex rubber thread is an essential raw material for fishing baits, toys, and many medical consumables.
Latex rubber thread manufacturing is one of the most profitable chemical business ideas. Additionally, you can initiate the business on a small-scale basis also.
#29. Leather Aprons Making
Basically, Leather Aprons are protective wear items. Generally, industrial workers in factories use this item widely. Leather Aprons are of various types and sizes, such as 24″ X 36″; 40″ X 60″; 60″ X 90″ and 90″ X 110″, etc. The principal material that goes into the production of this product is Chrome. The manufacturing process is not complex. Additionally, you can initiate the business on a small-scale basis.
#30. Leather Processing Unit
The leather is animal skin. And you will need to modify it chemically to produce a strong, flexible material that resists decay. The variety of skins and the way they are processed can produce leather as soft as cloth or as hard as a shoe sole.
In other words, finished leather is used for making leather products such as garments, shoe uppers, belts, sandals, cases and covers of all types, shoe soles, gloves, transmission belts, etc. A leather processing unit or tannery is a profitable venture when you can assure the easy availability of raw materials. Read More…
#31. Liquid Phenyl Manufacturing
Phenyl and floor cleaners manufacturing are profitable small business manufacturing ideas in the hygienic product industry. The production process is not very complex. Additionally, you can establish a small-scale unit with low startup capital investment. Read More…
#32. Liquid Soap Production
Generally, any individual can initiate a liquid soap production unit on a small-scale basis. So many different types of liquid soaps are very popular among people. Such as hand wash, body soap, liquid detergent, face wash, etc.
#33. Magnesium Sulphate Production ( Fertilizer Grade)
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSo4) is an essential item in agriculture. The product helps to increase the magnesium and sulfate content in the soil. Some commercial crops like potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, lemons, and roses need this micronutrient in sufficient quantity.
The most popular production process is from Dolomite ore. In that case, you must establish the factory nearby the location of the dolomite mines.
#34. Mini Paper Mill
The mini paper mill is an excellent business and one of the most profitable paper and chemical business ideas one can initiate with substantial capital investment. In initiating a mini paper mill, you should be careful in selecting a location. The major raw material for the paper mill is forest goods. Therefore, the location of the plant should be nearby the place where you procure raw materials easily.
#35. Nail Polish Making
Nail polish is commonly used as a cosmetic product. Additionally, you can start the manufacturing unit on a small-scale basis will moderate capital investment. Read More…
#36. Naphthalene Balls Making
Naphthalene balls are the popular household preservative of woolen clothes. Additionally, these are the popular deodorant tablet for toilets, urinals, bathrooms, etc. It is a consumable product. It finds extensive applications in cities.
General awareness is improving in cleanliness and hence this product has got good scope for growth. Naphthalene ball making is one of the most profitable home-based chemical business ideas. Additionally, one can explore the business on a part-time basis also. Read More…
#37. Organic Chemical Manufacturing
Manufacturing organic chemicals is a profitable chemical business. Not only in the domestic market, but this product has also very good export potential. Selecting the right product and the right machinery is important in this business.
#38. Perfume Making
Perfume is popular as an essential cosmetic item for men and women. The market is huge and it is a profitable chemical-related venture. Selecting the right product category according to the market demand is a crucial aspect of getting success in this business.
#39. Pesticide Formulation
A pesticide formulation is one of the most profitable chemical business ideas to start with substantial capital investment. Proper permission, license, and registration are a must in this business. Read More…
#40. Pet Jar Production
Different sizes of pet jars are the essential item in so many industries for various types of food and non-food items packaging. Additionally, you can initiate this lucrative small business opportunity on a small-scale basis with small capital investment. Read More…
#41. Rubber Band Manufacturing
The rubber band is a retail and household consumable item. The largest consumer of rubber bands in the world is the USA. The newspaper industry also uses massive quantities of rubber bands to keep individual newspapers rolled or folded together before home delivery. The rubber band manufacturing process is not complex. Additionally, any individual can initiate this business with small startup capital. Read More…
#42. Rubber Gloves Manufacturing
Rubber gloves are essential items in the medical industry, automobile industry, and manufacturing industry including food processing. The major purpose of using these rubber gloves is to protect the hand and fingers from heat, abrasion, electric shocks, chemical attack, and contamination through direct contact as in the case of medical examination gloves, etc.
The rubber gloves manufacturing process is not complex. Additionally, you can easily procure the main raw material rubber latex. Read More…
#43. Shampoo Production
Shampoo is a very popular consumer household item with increasing market demand. Additionally, various different types of shampoos are very popular nowadays. However, the manufacturing process is not complex. Additionally, you can initiate the business on a small-scale basis. Read More…
#44. Plastic Products Manufacturing
High-density polyethylene polypropylene, PVC can be blow-molded into containers of different shapes and sizes for packing pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, solvents, acids, vegetable oil, etc. The lightweight, flexibility, chemical resistance, and attractive color are the positive qualities in favor of thermoplastics for packaging applications. Read More…
#45. Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is one of the most popular beauty care products. Generally, both men and women use powder to keep the skin dry suppress the bad (sweat) odor, and feel fresh.
The demand for talcum powder is increasing day by day at the pace of awareness of beautification, the purchasing power of people, urbanization, and wide media promotion. The product has also a very good export opportunity. Additionally, you can start manufacturing units on a small-scale basis. Read More…
#46. Textile Printing Unit
Basically, you can do textile printing in three ways. Block printing, screen printing, and roller printing. Screen printing is the most popular and profitable out of those three.
With a modern computerized screen printing machine, any individual can initiate a textile printing business with substantial capital investment. Read More…
#47. Toilet Soap Manufacturing
Different types of soap are used widely by rural and urban people. Additionally, commercial soap-making with allied products are profitable chemical business idea in the manufacturing industry.
#48. Washing Blue Manufacturing
Washing blue or laundry blue is an essential household item. The manufacturing process is simple. Additionally, any individual can initiate this business with moderate startup capital investment. Read More…
#49. Water Purifying Chemicals
In the market, water-purifying chemicals are available in liquid, powder, and tablet forms. These products are so popular for outdoor water purification where pure drinking water is unavailable.
You can start a water-purifying chemical production business with moderate capital investment. Apart from the local market, you can sell this product from online marketplaces too.
#50. Weedicide Production
Weedicide is one of the essential agrochemicals in any type of plantation and farming. The formulation process is simple. Additionally, you can initiate the business on a small-scale basis also.
These are the top chemical business ideas you can consider in starting a successful profitable chemical industry-based business venture. With a good marketing strategy and honest dedication effort, you are bound to get successful with these chemical business ideas.